Not sure if you can return your

Etsy

purchase?

Unlike most retail stores, Etsy’s returns policy depends on individual sellers, not Etsy itself. Each Etsy shop sets its own return, exchange, and refund rules.

🛍 Seller-Specific Return Policies

• Check the “Shipping & Policies” or “Shop Policies” section on a product listing before purchasing.
  
  
• Some sellers offer 14-day or 30-day return windows, while others clearly state “No returns or exchanges.”
  
  
• If a seller’s policy says no returns, you cannot return an item for change of mind.
  
  

✅ Covered by Etsy’s Buyer Protection

Even if a seller doesn’t accept returns, you’re protected if:

• Your order never arrives.
  
  
• The item arrives damaged.
  
  
• The item is significantly different from its description or photos.
  
  

In these cases, you can open a case with Etsy and receive a full refund under Etsy’s Purchase Protection Program.

🚫 Non-Returnable Items

Many Etsy products are handmade, custom, or personalised. These are often non-returnable unless defective. Examples include:

• Custom or engraved goods
  
  
• Perishable items (food, flowers)
  
  
• Digital downloads
  
  
• Intimate/hygiene items (earrings, lingerie)
  
  
• Gift cards or vintage one-offs
  
  

Always confirm with the seller if returns are allowed on custom items.

💬 Change of Mind

Change-of-mind returns are optional for sellers. Many sellers will accommodate you if you contact them politely, but they’re not required to. You’ll usually need to:

• Message the seller within 7–14 days of delivery
  
  
• Return the item unused and in its original packaging
  
  
• Pay for the return shipping

🌍 EU/UK Right of Withdrawal

Buyers in the EU or UK often have a 14-day “cooling-off period” allowing returns for any reason. However, this law doesn’t apply to Australian buyers, so return eligibility still depends on seller policy.

✅ In summary: If the item is faulty, not as described, or never arrived, you’re eligible for a refund through Etsy or the seller. For change of mind, it depends entirely on the seller’s stated policy.

Returning an Etsy order involves direct communication with the seller. Follow these steps for a smooth return:

1. Check the Seller’s Policy

Read the shop’s Return Policy section on the product page. Note:

• Contact and return timeframes (e.g., “contact me within 7 days of delivery”).
  
  
• Who pays return postage.
  
  

2. Contact the Seller First

Use Etsy Messages to request a return. Be polite and clear. Attach photos if the item arrived damaged or faulty -these will be required if you later escalate to Etsy.

⚠️ Never send an item back without the seller’s approval: Etsy may deny refunds for unauthorised returns.

3. Pack and Ship the Item

Once approved:

• Repack the item securely in original packaging.
  
  
• Include your order ID and Etsy username.
  
  
• Purchase tracked postage unless the seller provides a label.
  
  
• For international returns, mark customs forms as “Returned Goods” to avoid seller import fees.
  
  

4. Share Tracking Details

Send the seller the tracking number and carrier name to confirm it’s in transit. Keep your postage receipt.

5. Refund Issued

After the seller receives the item and verifies its condition, they’ll process your refund through Etsy. You’ll receive an email notification once complete.

6. If the Seller Doesn’t Respond

If 48+ hours pass with no reply or resolution:

• Go to your Etsy account → Orders → click Help with Order → then Open a Case.
  
  
• Etsy will investigate and may issue a refund under their Purchase Protection Program.
  
  

💡 Tip: Keep all communication on Etsy Messages. It protects you and makes resolution easier if Etsy needs to step in.

⏱ Typical Seller Timeframes

Most Etsy sellers specify:

• Contact within 7–14 days of receiving the item.
  
  
• Ship items back within 14–30 days after approval.
  
  

Always count from the delivery date and message the seller before the window closes.

📦 Item Condition

Items must be returned in original, unused condition, including:

• All packaging, tags, and certificates.
  
  
• No signs of wear, stains, or damage.
  

If an item is returned used or incomplete, the seller may issue only a partial refund or deny it.

🧾 Proof & Tracking

You must provide proof of purchase (your Etsy order number) and proof of return (tracking number). If a return goes missing and you didn’t use tracking, the seller isn’t required to refund.

⚖️ Seller Responsibilities

Once an item is returned in acceptable condition, the seller must refund within a few days. If they delay or refuse, Etsy can intervene through its case system.

💸 Buyer Pays (Most Common)

In most cases, you pay for return shipping unless:

• The seller offers free returns (stated in their policy).
  
  
• The item was defective, wrong, or not as described.
  
  

🚚 Free Returns (Some Sellers)

A few sellers offer free returns or reimburse return postage. This will be clearly stated in their shop policies.

⚠️ International Returns

Returning items internationally can be expensive. If shipping costs are unreasonable (e.g., AUD $50+), discuss alternatives with the seller — some may refund without requiring the item back.

🧾 Etsy Purchase Protection

If you open a case and Etsy sides with you (for non-delivery or not-as-described):

• Etsy will refund you in full (up to $250 AUD per order).
  
  
• Etsy may cover return shipping costs or waive the need to return entirely.
  
  

🌍 Customs Forms

For international returns, always mark packages as “Returned Goods” to avoid additional import taxes for the seller.

✅ Key takeaway: Buyers usually pay return shipping unless the seller was at fault or explicitly offers free returns. Use tracked mail and keep receipts.

💳 Refund Method

Refunds are issued through Etsy Payments back to your original method:

• Credit/debit card → refunded to your bank
  
  
• PayPal → refunded to PayPal
  
  
• Etsy Gift Card → refunded as Etsy Credit
  
  

⏱ Processing Time

• Once the seller issues the refund, expect 3–5 business days for it to appear in your account.
  
  
• PayPal is usually faster (1–2 days).
  
  
• Afterpay or Klarna refunds go through their own systems and may take 5–10 days.
  
  

💰 Refund Amount

• For faulty/not-as-described items, you’ll receive a full refund (item + original shipping).
  
  
• For change-of-mind returns, sellers may refund only the item price and not original shipping.
  
  

⚠️ Delays & Disputes

If the seller doesn’t issue a refund after receiving the return:

• Message them politely.
  
  
• If unresolved within 48 hours, open an Etsy Case. Etsy can process the refund on your behalf.
  
  

🔁 Exchanges

Etsy doesn’t support direct exchanges on-platform. To swap an item, return it for a refund and repurchase the correct one.