Etsy, founded in 2005, is a global marketplace for vintage items and handcrafted goods. It is the best place if you are shopping online for one-of-a-kind items.
However, making secure purchases may seem impossible for those unfamiliar with the site. Because, after all, most Etsy sellers are simply regular folks.
How do you know they’ll provide what they promise and that you can rely on them?
To help you confidently dip your toe into the world of Etsy businesses, we’ll answer your questions in detail below.
Is Etsy Safe?
Etsy is a real business, don’t worry. As of the second quarter of 2021, Etsy had 5.23 million users and was worth $1.02 billion.
You may rest easy knowing that Etsy usually takes the side of its consumers when disputes arise over transactions made on the site.
You can rely on Etsy support to resolve issues and give buyer protection if, for instance, you get a defective product or an item that doesn’t match the manufacturing description from an Etsy seller’s shop.
Etsy will only side with the seller if the seller can provide evidence that they have delivered the item or if the buyer intends to defraud the seller.
Is Etsy Legit?
Etsy ensures that all transactions on the site are secure. You should use caution while making purchases on Etsy. In most cases, the best Etsy sellers are the ones with a solid reputation.
It’s not a good idea to read your credit card number aloud to salespeople, and don’t give out any private data like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords. Sellers on Etsy who request payment details are probably trying to pull a fast one.
Is It Safe to Shop on Etsy?
Etsy is a reliable online marketplace where millions of Etsy shops provide a wide range of goods.
Keep in mind that there are still some dishonest vendors out there. However, Etsy will act swiftly to resolve any difficulties with dishonest merchants. They have a strict philosophy of client satisfaction and are always reliable.
Here’s how to be safe when shopping for food or jewelry on Etsy.
According to a survey from 2020, jewelry is Etsy’s number two most popular category.
Given jewelry’s widespread appeal, it might be hard to tell a reputable vendor from fraud while making a purchase online.
To be sure you’re buying from a genuine vendor, check their feedback and ratings before making a purchase. Questions concerning the item may be directed to the seller through private messaging.
Make sure you know the seller’s return and warranty policies before making jewelry purchases.
Etsy has just included food goods for sale.
But not every Etsy vendor may offer edible goods. Etsy’s Seller Handbook has extra details on selling, manufacturing, and transporting food if you want to be sure the seller has the proper permits.
Should I Buy From Etsy?
Etsy is a great place to shop because you can support independent sellers, find one-of-a-kind handmade or antique things, and do all of your online shopping in total safety and security. However, we recommend you check the seller’s reviews and beware of fake reviews. Good reviews mean that the seller has succeeded in satisfying the customers. Preferably, check if the seller has a star seller badge.
Can I Use My Credit Card on Etsy Without Worrying?
Credit card details submitted via Etsy Payments are encrypted using “Transport Layer Security technology” (TLS). Both during and after a transaction, this data remains secure. In addition, your credit card data is encrypted while it’s being transmitted to PayPal.
Giving a merchant information about your credit card is a huge security risk. When you’re ready to make a purchase, you’ll put the item in your cart, choose a payment option, and then go to Etsy’s checkout process page. You may pay for your Etsy purchases using a credit card or a PayPal account, both of which are options throughout the checkout process. Etsy and PayPal both have safe payment forms where customers should only enter their credit card information.
Can I Get Frauded on Etsy Store?
The answer is yes; as an Etsy buyer, you may be defrauded on Etsy.
Individual sellers on Etsy pose a fraud risk for customers. However, Etsy is dedicated to its customers’ security and will compensate them for fraudulent purchases.
The buyer must pay for an item before the seller can send it. Hence, the merchant can take your money but never deliver the thing you ordered.
No seller on Etsy ever sees the credit card details of their customers. As a result, a customer may be cheated on a single transaction, but the seller cannot steal from them again if they do not make any other purchases.
Taking safety measures before purchasing is your greatest defense against becoming a victim of a scam on Etsy.Ge
Identifying and Avoiding Etsy Scams
Before buying from an Etsy account, make sure to do some research by reading Etsy reviews. The following safety measures will help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud on Etsy.
Verify Your Right to a Refund
If you change your mind about a purchase, a seller offering refunds will enable you to do so.
Although many Etsy vendors do welcome returns, not all of them do. You may find the specific return policy of an Etsy seller in the shop’s description or on the product page.
If you’re prone to making impulsive online purchases, it’s a good idea to research the seller’s return policy before making a purchase.
Never Share the Details of Your Credit Card Via Messages
You may talk to Etsy shop owners directly using the Etsy Message System. You may contact vendors and inquire about their items and delivery options through private messages.
Never give out your card number to a merchant since this will permit them to charge purchases to your account.
Only during Etsy’s secure checkout procedure, once you’ve decided between Etsy Payments and PayPal, should you provide your credit card details.
Never Make a Purchase From Outside the Platform
Do not continue with an order if the seller requests payment using a method other than Etsy.
If you didn’t finalize the purchase on Etsy, you can’t register a claim, and Etsy could not look into the matter if you finalize the transaction off-site.
Conclusion
Even though there are hazards and dangers associated with shopping on Etsy, the site may be a useful and secure location, provided you exercise due care.
We’ve tried to cover all the bases here so that you won’t have any issues next time you go shopping on Etsy. If you are a seller, you might want to invest in your own website for convenience.
Paul Martinez is the founder of EcomSidekick.com. He is an expert in the areas of finance, real estate, eCommerce, traffic and conversion.
Join him on EcomSidekick.com to learn how to improve your financial life and excel in these areas. Before starting this media site, Paul built from scratch and managed two multi-million dollar companies. One in the real estate sector and one in the eCommerce sector.