A question that frequently arises among its global community of buyers is: Does Etsy ship internationally? The answer is a resounding yes, but with an important caveat. While Etsy as a platform is accessible to shoppers and artisans worldwide, the availability of international shipping is determined by the individual sellers.
Each shop on Etsy is as unique as the items it sells, and so are the shipping policies. Some sellers are equipped to send their creations across borders, delighting customers around the globe, while others may choose to limit their shipping to their own country or specific regions.
How to Find Etsy Stores That Ship to You
Navigating the vast array of products on Etsy can be a delightful experience, especially when you know how to find stores that ship directly to your doorstep. Whether you’re searching for a unique coffee table, a whimsical birthday card, or anything in between, here’s a simple guide to help you discover Etsy stores that cater to your shipping needs:
- Start with a Search: Begin by entering what you’re looking for in the Etsy search bar. Be as specific as you like – from ‘rustic coffee table’ to ‘funny cat birthday card’, your search term will guide you through Etsy’s diverse listings.
- Utilize the ‘All Filters’ Option: Once your search results are displayed, click on ‘All Filters’. This feature is a gateway to refining your search results to match your specific requirements.
- Select Your Country in ‘Deliver To’: As you explore the filter options, scroll down to find the ‘Deliver To’ dropdown menu. Here, you can select your country. This action filters the search results to show only those items that sellers are willing to ship to your location.
- Consider the Shop Location: For an even more tailored experience, you may want to set the shop location. For instance, if you’re in the United States, choosing US-based stores could help you avoid customs and import charges. Additionally, selecting shops in your country or region can significantly reduce shipping times. This is particularly useful for time-sensitive purchases or to keep shipping costs down.
By following these steps, you can effectively sift through Etsy’s global marketplace to find items that not only catch your eye but also come with the convenience of shipping to your country. This way, your Etsy shopping experience is not only about discovering unique items but also about ensuring a smooth and feasible delivery process.
Help! An Etsy Store Doesn’t Deliver to My Country
Even with the diverse range of shipping options on Etsy, you might occasionally find the perfect item only to discover that the shop doesn’t deliver to your country. In such cases, a package forwarding service can be a game-changer, enabling you to receive items from sellers who don’t offer direct international shipping. Services like Forward2me.com, operating in both the UK and USA, provide a practical solution.
Here’s how to navigate this process:
- Choose a Package Forwarding Service: Sign up with a reputable package forwarding service such as Forward2me.com. These services offer you a local address (in the UK or USA, for example) to use for your online purchases.
- Use the Provided Address on Etsy: When purchasing from an Etsy shop that doesn’t ship to your country, use the local address provided by your forwarding service at checkout. The item will first be shipped to this local address.
- Item is Received by the Forwarding Service: Once your package arrives at the forwarding service’s local address, they will notify you. You can then log in to your account with the service to manage your shipment.
- Forwarding Your Package: From your account, you can arrange for the package to be forwarded from the local address to your actual address in your country. This stage usually involves selecting a shipping method and paying for the international shipping costs.
- Customs and Import Duties: Be aware that when using a package forwarding service, you might be responsible for any customs and import duties imposed by your country on international shipments.
- Tracking and Receiving Your Order: Once dispatched, you can track your package until it arrives at your doorstep.
Package forwarding services effectively open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to shop from any Etsy store regardless of their shipping policies. This solution not only broadens your access to unique and handmade products from around the globe but also ensures that geographical boundaries don’t limit your shopping experience.