Mastering Etsy Shipping: Ship Your First Order with Ease

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Basics of Shipping on Etsy
   1. Packaging
   2. Labeling and Printing
   3. Postal Scale or Post Office?
3. Where to Get Packaging Supplies
   1. Uline
   2. Amazon and Mailers USA
4. Including a Personal Touch
5. Calculating Postage
   1. Weight and Dimensions
   2. Etsy's Label Generator
6. Shipping Multiple Orders
7. Conclusion

How to Ship Your First Etsy Order - A Beginner's Guide

If you've just received your first Etsy order, congratulations! Shipping can seem overwhelming at first, but I'm here to make it simple and easy for you. In this article, I'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to ship your first Etsy order. We'll cover everything from packaging to getting the correct amount of postage. So let's dive in!

The Basics of Shipping on Etsy

Shipping on Etsy can be broken down into three simple things: having an item, finding something to put it in, and getting the postage. It sounds easy, right? And it is! Let's start with packaging.

Packaging

The type of packaging you'll need depends on what you sell. If you sell apparel like us, a mailer is usually sufficient. However, if you sell breakable items, you'll need bubble wrap and a box. There are several options for finding packaging supplies. One highly recommended option is Uline, which offers a wide range of shipping boxes, bubble wrap, and other shipping supplies. If you need tubes for shipping posters, Uline is also a great choice. Another option for packaging supplies is Amazon and Mailers USA, where you can find a variety of mailers and bubble mailers. For items like packaging tape, you can easily find them at Walmart, Target, or even online retailers like Amazon and Uline.

Labeling and Printing

To print your shipping labels, you don't need a special shipping label printer. You can simply use a laser printer and print them on label paper. Label paper is sticky on two sides and can be easily ordered from Amazon. However, if you prefer a label printer, there are affordable options available. Vistaprint is a great place to order custom thank-you cards or notes to include in your packaging. Handwriting these notes can be a personal touch that customers appreciate. As your business grows, you can switch to branded cards or notes printed by a professional printer.

Where to Get Packaging Supplies

When it comes to finding packaging supplies, there are a few reliable options. As mentioned earlier, Uline is a great choice for shipping boxes, bubble wrap, and other shipping supplies. Amazon and Mailers USA are also excellent options for mailers and bubble mailers. For those everyday items like packaging tape, you can easily find them at your local Walmart or Target or order them from online retailers like Amazon and Uline. One important thing to include in your packaging is a personal note or thank-you card. You can order these from Vistaprint or handwrite them yourself for a personalized touch.

Calculating Postage

Calculating the correct amount of postage is essential for shipping on Etsy. Fortunately, it's not as complicated as it may seem. To determine the correct postage, you'll need to know the weight and dimensions of your item and packaging. If you sell products with consistent weight and size, you can set up predefined shipping profiles in the back end of your Etsy shop. This way, Etsy will automatically calculate the postage for you. However, if you sell items with varying sizes and weights, you have two options. You can either invest in a postal scale to weigh your items accurately or take your products to the post office, where they will weigh them for you. Additionally, you'll need to measure the dimensions of your packaging using a tape measure.

Etsy's Label Generator

Once you have the weight and dimensions of your package, you're ready to print your shipping label on Etsy. Etsy has a user-friendly label generator that simplifies the process. In your Etsy shop manager, go to orders and shipping and select the order you want to ship. Click on "Get Shipping Labels," and the label generator will pop up. Enter the dimensions and other required information, and Etsy will automatically calculate the shipping cost based on the customer's address, weight, and dimensions. Finally, review the purchase and click "Purchase" to complete the process. Print the label on label paper and affix it to your package.

Shipping Multiple Orders

If you have multiple Etsy orders to ship, Etsy makes it easy to print labels for all of them at once. Simply select the "Multiple Orders" option in the label generator, and you can print out all the labels you need. This saves you time and effort, especially during busy periods.

Conclusion

Shipping your first Etsy order may seem daunting, but it's actually a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to ship your products efficiently and provide a positive experience for your customers. Remember to choose the right packaging for your items, calculate the correct postage using weight and dimensions, and use Etsy's label generator to print your shipping labels. Adding a personal touch, such as a thank-you note, can also go a long way in delighting your customers. So don't let shipping hold you back – embrace the process and get ready to ship your first Etsy order with confidence!