Depending on the store, return policies can get tricky. This is especially true with the return policy on Etsy as they currently have over 3 million active sellers on their website, all with potentially different polices. So I made it the goal of this article to simplify their overall policy and make some generalization about how some aspect of returns are handled on the Etsy selling platform.

How Many Return Days Does Etsy Allow?

It depends on the seller.

Sellers are NOT obligated to offer returns or exchanges.

This is why it’s VERY important to check the seller’s homepage (also known as their “store page”) to see if they have a return policy in place.

Specifically, scroll to the bottom of the sellers store page and look for the “Returns & Exchanges” section.

Conversely, on the Etsy app tap About and then go to Returns and exchanges.

PRO TIP: NO WRITTEN RETURN POLICY? PROCEED WITH CAUTION

On the off chance that an Etsy seller has very little posted in terms of how they handle returns, I have one important thing to say…PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

If the seller didn’t take the time to spell out their return policy, there’s a good chance it’ll be a major hassle if you have to make a return. So I’d personally move on to the next seller, one who has taken the time to spell out their policy so there’s NO confusion.

30 Return Days on Etsy is Average

From having shopped on Etsy for years, the average number of return days seems to be 30 days.

I’ve noticed that some stores actually have a great 100 day return policy and some are a bit stingier at 14 days.

Also, the majority of sellers ask you to contact them within 5 days of delivery to request your return.

Bottom-line, be sure you know what the exact return policy of the seller is before you finalize your purchase.

See Also: Michaels Return Policy: Here’s How to Use It to Your Advantage

Some Items Cannot Be Returned

The one item on Etsy that typically can’t be returned is personalized items.

This includes anything that’s engraved or monogrammed with a personalized message or initials.

Also, it’s worth noting that a good chunk of sellers only accept returns if it’s their fault in some way.

PRO TIP: BE AWARE OF RESTOCKING FEES

Some Etsy sellers have restocking fees on items that are not personalized but they’ll allow you to return.

Just take note of these on the seller’s page before buying. Restocking fees are often up to 20% and offset shipping costs, time to prepare, time to make, and the time it took the seller to pack the order.

The Scenarios Where Etsy Will Intervene

Etsy asks you to contact the seller directly to try and work out any “return issues” with your order.

If you’re unsuccessful working with the seller directly, there are a few scenarios where Etsy can step in and help you with your return.

They include the following:

1 – You Never Received Your Item and the Seller Refuses a Refund

2 – The Item Arrives Damaged and Seller Won’t Pay Return Shipping Fees

3 – The Seller Refuses Your Return Request

4 – The Seller Sends the Wrong Item and Won’t Work With You on a Replacement

To have Etsy step in on your behalf you’ll first need to “open a case”.

Within Your Account just click on Purchases and reviews then select Help with order then tap Still need help?

At this point you’ll select Yes, I want to open a case then choose your reason for doing so.

Once submitted, Etsy will try and resolve the issue within 48 hours.

See Also: Wayfair Return Policy: 10 Important Questions Answered + Some Insider Hacks

CASE STUDY: WHEN TO ASK ETSY TO INTERVENE

My wife has a really good friend who loves to shop on Etsy, and she recently had an “almost funny” experience with a seller’s return policy that she wanted me to share with my readers in case anyone ever has the same issue.

Her problem started when she ordered a ceramic planter on Etsy, complete with a whimsical design of little mushrooms. It was perfect for her kitchen windowsill herb garden.

When it arrived, the “whimsical” design included a crack so large it looked like an extra ventilation feature. Determined to get a replacement, she messaged the seller. Their reply? “It’s not a defect; it’s character!” I’m not kidding.

Undeterred, Sarah read through the shop’s return policy. It was vague, to say the least. So she turned to Etsy support.

After a few back-and-forth messages and her diligent documentation of the crack’s “character,” Etsy sided with her. She got a refund, and the cracked pot found a new life as a quirky pen holder.

Lesson learned? Always check the seller’s return policy—and be prepared to defend your case, especially when “character” is in question.

The Seller Pays Return Shipping On Damaged or Broken Items

If the reason for your return has to do with the seller, i.e. they sent the wrong item OR it arrives broken or damaged then the seller will pay the return shipping charges.

But if you simply decide you don’t like the item or don’t want the item for any reason, then you’ll be on the hook for the return shipping charges.

How Will I Know Where to Return My Item(s)?

In order to find out where to send your return, ALWAYS start the process by sending the seller a Message within the Etsy system.

Their contact information can be found on their on Etsy store homepage.

Besides the mailing address to send the return to, be sure to also find out how many days the sellers gives you to drop the item in the mail.

At this point, the seller will also tell you which shipping method they prefer, if any.

Opened Products Can Still Be Returned

As long as the item is still in salable condition you should be able to return it.

Just make sure you return the item with the tags still attached or the original packaging still intact.

What If I Checked Out As a Guest?

You can still make a return if you never registered with Etsy, but you’ll have to create an Etsy account to make it happen.

Specifically, you’ll need to locate the email receipt you received from Etsy when you placed your order.

Then select View Your Order and follow the steps to create an Etsy account.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you register with the same email address that you used when you originally placed your order.

By doing so, your new Etsy account will automatically connect to your “guest order”.

You’ll then be able to claim your order and contact the seller directly in order to make your return happen.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the Etsy return policy in general? Are most sellers easy to deal with or are returns a pain in the butt?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)