International Shipping Tips for Etsy Sellers
If you’re an Etsy seller in Singapore, expanding to international markets is one of the fastest ways to grow your business. Nearly 45% of Etsy’s sales are international, with most buyers located in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Canada. These regions actively seek out unique handmade products like yours.
But while international sales offer huge potential, shipping issues remain one of the top reasons for negative reviews on Etsy, making it crucial to get your process right from the start.
Still, shipping overseas can feel daunting. You might be wondering:
- Which courier should I use for different products?
- How do I handle customs paperwork smoothly?
- Will my buyers have to pay unexpected fees?
These concerns are common. The good news is, international shipping isn’t as complicated as it seems. With the right steps, you can ship confidently to customers worldwide and build a strong global Etsy business.
This guide shares practical tips to simplify your international shipping, whether you’re new to Etsy or looking to streamline your current process. You’ll also learn how JustShip helps Singapore Etsy sellers save time and reduce shipping pain points.
Etsy International Shipping Tips for Sellers
1. Verify Product Eligibility and Import Restrictions
Before offering international shipping, always check if your products are allowed in your buyer’s country. Each destination has unique import restrictions and may require specific documentation.
For example:
- Australia enforces strict biosecurity rules on wooden products. Items with bark, untreated wood, or visible pest risks can be rejected or destroyed on arrival.
- Exporting handmade goods may require permits, certificates of origin, or compliance with safety standards.
How to stay compliant:
- Use tools like the JustShip AI Review Tool to quickly check restrictions per country.
- Refer to government websites or embassies for up-to-date regulations.
- When in doubt, consult an export specialist.
2. Choose the Right Shipping Option for Each Product Type
Shipping costs and delivery times directly affect buyer satisfaction and sales. According to research, 38% of online shoppers abandon their cart if delivery takes too long, and 69% cancel if shipping fees feel excessive.
High-Value or Fragile Items
For items like premium jewellery, glassware, or collectibles, choose Express Shipping. Benefits include:
- 2–5 day delivery
- Less handling, reducing the risk of loss
- End-to-end tracking
- Optional insurance for financial protection
Buyers who spend more expect fast, secure delivery. Express shipping builds trust and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.
Regular Items
Items like apparel, home décor, and art prints work best with Priority Shipping:
- Delivery in 6–9 days
- Lower cost than express
- Includes reliable tracking
This option balances speed and affordability, and is suitable for most day-to-day Etsy orders.
Low-Value or Non-Urgent Items
Items like stickers or small accessories can use Postal/Economy Shipping:
- 10–14+ days delivery
- Lowest cost
- Limited tracking, no insurance
Postal shipping works best when buyers prioritise affordability over speed. Always set clear expectations in your listing to avoid dissatisfaction.
💡 Why Offering Multiple Options Matters
Offering a variety of shipping options helps cater to different buyer needs and reduces cart abandonment. For example:
- Offer both priority and express for regular items
- For low-value items, set postal as the default, with an upgrade to priority available
3. Provide Clear Customs Declarations
When shipping internationally, accurate customs declarations are essential to ensure your packages clear customs smoothly and reach your customers without delays.
Inaccurate or incomplete declarations can lead to several issues:
- Delays: Shipments held at customs for inspection
- Additional Costs: Fines, additional duties, or storage fees
- Seizure or Return: Non-compliant shipments may be seized or returned
To prepare accurate customs declarations:
- Provide a Detailed Description: Clearly describe each item, including its material, purpose, and function. For example, instead of "accessory," specify "handmade leather keychain."
- Declare the Correct Value: State the actual transaction value of the goods. Under-declaring can lead to penalties, while over-declaring may increase duties unnecessarily.
- Use the Correct HS Code: The Harmonized System (HS) code classifies goods for customs purposes. Using the correct code ensures proper duty assessment and compliance.
Customs compliance helps ensure your shipment clears smoothly, builds trust with buyers, and protects your Etsy store’s reputation.
4. Understand Duties and Taxes for Each Destination
When selling internationally, it’s important to understand that buyers may need to pay import duties and taxes before receiving their orders. These charges vary by country and depend on the product value, category, and local import rules.
If your buyer isn’t aware of these costs, they may feel frustrated or refuse the parcel, resulting in returns, lost sales, or negative reviews.
For shipments to the European Union (EU) under €150, Etsy collects VAT and provides an Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) number. Ensure this number is included in your customs declaration to prevent double taxation.
To avoid surprises, clearly state in your shop policies that buyers are responsible for any customs duties or taxes charged by their country. Alternatively, consider using shipping options with Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) services, where you pay duties and taxes upfront for a hassle-free delivery experience.
Common Etsy Shipping Challenges and How JustShip Solves Them
International shipping often feels overwhelming for Etsy sellers in Singapore. Here’s a consolidated breakdown of the most common pain points and how JustShip directly addresses each one to help you operate smoothly and grow with confidence:
Challenge | Why It Matters | JustShip Solution |
|---|---|---|
High Shipping Costs | Expensive courier rates can hurt profit margins and lead to abandoned carts. In fact, 69% of shoppers cancel purchases when shipping fees are too high.(source: a2xaccounting.com) | JustShip is the only provider that offers all three tiers—Express, Priority, and Postal—at competitive rates. Each tier is cost-effective across weight classes, giving you pricing flexibility that most couriers and aggregators cannot match. |
Slow Delivery Times | 38% of buyers abandon their carts if delivery takes too long. 61% are willing to pay more for faster options (source: a2xaccounting.com) | Express (2–5 days) and Priority (6–9 days) give faster windows than other couriers—often at 25–60 % lower cost. |
Lack of Tracking | Orders without tracking are more likely to be lost or disputed. This can damage your seller rating and lead to refunds. | End-to-end tracking is baked into every tier, even Postal, which many competitors leave untracked. |
Surprise Duties for Buyers | Unexpected customs fees often lead to buyer frustration, parcel refusal, or negative reviews. | Express shipping offers Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service so you can pay duties in advance and provide a hassle-free buyer experience. |
Risk of Damage or Loss | Fragile or high-value items are more vulnerable in long transit with multiple handoffs. | Express shipping reduces handling and includes optional insurance to protect your parcels. |
JustShip Shipping Options at a Glance
Express | Priority | Postal* | |
|---|---|---|---|
Delivery time | 2-5 Days | 6-9 Days | 10-14 Days |
Price (1kg to USA)* | $54.95 | $35.90 | Temporarily paused |
Tracking | End-to-End | End-to-End | End-to-End |
Pick Up | Free, no min | SGD 8 (waived for 3+ shipments) | SGD 8 (waived for 3+ shipments) |
Packing services | Optional | Not available | Not available |
Insurance | Optional | Not available | Not available |
DDP | Optional | Not available | Not available |
Note: Rates vary by destination. Get an instant quote here. Postal shipping to USA is temporary paused.
Getting started is easy:
1. Sign up and select “Selling e-commerce” during onboarding.
2. Shipping to the EU? Insert your Etsy IOSS number directly in your dashboard to ensure smooth customs clearance.
3. Import your Etsy orders seamlessly:
- Clone our Google Spreadsheet template
- Update it with your order details
- Import the updated file to your dashboard – no manual entry needed
4. Checkout and make payment.
Final Tip
By combining affordable shipping rates, accurate customs declarations, and flexible courier options, you can confidently serve customers worldwide and grow your Etsy business sustainably with JustShip.
