Why is Etsy Shipping So High? Reasons Explained

Do you find the high shipping prices on Etsy to be as frustrating as I do? Fortunately, you have company.

Buyers and Sellers on Etsy have become more and more annoyed about the site’s high shipping costs.

This post will analyze the causes of Etsy’s high shipping costs and explore various strategies for lowering them. 

Why is etsy shipping so expensive?

Transaction fees, the cost of packaging materials, general increases in shipping rates, fuel surcharges, and the cost of the seller’s time and effort to pack orders up are all variables that contribute to the high cost of Etsy shipping.

When you see a high shipping price, it’s important to remember that many Etsy sellers are small businesses who for the most part, have little to no control over shipping prices.

As a Canadian seller, I know this all too well. Canada post is our main option for shipping, and year over year their prices have skyrocketed.

This crippled my store, as many buyers from around the world will just go searching for a similar product with cheaper shipping options.

General increases in shipping rates

One cause of the increased shipping costs on Etsy is the general rise in shipping rates. In recent years, shipping costs have increased as a result of a number of reasons, such as rising fuel prices and adjustments to postal rates.

The price of fuel has a direct effect on shipping costs since shippers must pay for the fuel used to move packages. Increases in the cost of gasoline or diesel used in transport can push up shipping costs, which can be passed on to consumers.

The price of shipment might be affected by postage rates as well. The USPS, for instance, revises its prices every year in response to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). As a result, shipping costs for everyone, including Etsy sellers, goes up.

Although it’s understandable that customers might be annoyed by a rise in delivery costs, remember that such hikes are often beyond the control of even the largest retailers.

Due to the fact that many Etsy sellers are small one-person operations, they must include these charges in their asking pricing.

Customs and duties

Another factor that can contribute to the high cost of shipping on Etsy is customs and duties. When shipping internationally, customs and duties may be a factor in the overall cost of shipping.

Customs is the government department in charge of levying and collecting taxes, tariffs, and other charges on imported goods.

Import duties and fees are calculated according to the total market value of the merchandise being shipped from a particular country.

Etsy sellers should be aware that they may be responsible for paying customs and fees when shipping items internationally. It’s acceptable for a seller to add these charges to the shipping total and pass them on to the customer.

Size and weight of packages

The size and weight of the products being transported might also influence the cost of shipping on Etsy.

Bigger packages may cost more to ship due to the additional handling and transportation costs involved.

Etsy sellers often include the dimensions and weight of their items in the product listing. This information might help customers estimate the cost of shipping.

Some carriers may have size or weight restrictions for parcels, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the seller and the carrier to ensure that your product will be received.

Carrier rates and services

Carrier rates and services can also have an impact on the cost of shipping on Etsy.

Different carriers provide a variety of services at varying pricing points, and sellers may choose to utilise a certain carrier based on their needs and preferences.

Some carriers, for example, provide speedier delivery periods at a higher cost, whereas others may offer slower delivery times at a lesser cost. Some carriers may additionally provide additional services such as tracking, insurance, or signature confirmation, which might affect the overall cost of shipment.

When selecting a shipping option on Etsy, take into account the carrier and the services they provide.
If you want to save money on shipping, use a carrier with lower prices or slower delivery periods.

Before making a shipping decision, it’s usually a good idea to research rates and services from several carriers.

How to reduce etsy shipping costs

If you are looking to reduce etsy shipping costs, I have a few tips that can help you accomplish just that.

Shop during sales or promotions

Many Etsy sellers offer discounts or free shipping promotions from time to time. Keep an eye out for these deals and consider making your purchases during these periods to save on shipping costs.

You can sign up for newsletters or follow your favorite sellers on social media to stay informed about promotions and sales.

Purchase numerous things from the same seller

Consider contacting the seller to inquire about combined shipping discounts if you plan on buying many products from them.

Multiple items purchased from the same seller may qualify for a shipping discount from some vendors.

If you’re buying from the same seller and want to save money on shipping, this is a wonderful option to consider.

Slower shipping options

Select a slower shipping option if you don’t need your items immediately.

These methods may be more cost-effective than express delivery while still meeting your delivery needs.

Please be aware that shipping times may change depending on the seller’s location and the recipient’s.

Shop locally

If you notice the shop you want to purchase from is close to you, you can try contacting the Etsy seller to see if you can arrange for a local pickup or delivery.

In addition to helping local companies, this can also save shipping expenses.

If you’d like to pick up or have an item delivered locally, make sure to ask the seller if this is possible before making a purchase.

Nothing is worse than having a customer purchase, expecting that they can pick up locally and then cancelling the order when they are told it’s not a possibility.

Look for free shipping sellers

Free delivery is offered by some Etsy vendors.

These things may be more expensive to purchase initially, but they could end up saving you money on shipping costs.

It’s always a good idea to double-check, but you never know when free delivery might be an option for the products you’re considering buying.

Overall, there are numerous ways to save money on shipping while shopping on Etsy.

You can save money on shipping by being proactive and looking for discounts or specials, selecting slower shipping alternatives, and investigating local pickup or delivery options.