How else can a seller deliver products to the customer, but through shipping? Shipping is very crucial in the process of order fulfillment in an online business, like Etsy. A customer expects sellers to provide outstanding customer service, and part of which is a reliable shipment process. Shipping is moving goods from the seller to the customer, controlled by a logistics company. In most cases, shipping is unpredictable, especially in online stores. Hence, a seller is aware of the shipment process that includes shipment status. In that way, the seller and customer can track the parcel and ensure delivery.
If an Etsy shipment is in Pre-transit, this means that the label of the package is purchased. However, it hasn’t been accepted by the postal service yet. Also, there are times when there is a lot of strain on the system. Sometimes, a package is already accepted but not yet scanned, letting the status be stuck in Pre-transit.
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What does pre-transit status mean in shipping?
Tracking your shipment is crucial in every transaction because it can also be a factor of customer dissatisfaction and bad store rating. Therefore, it is vital to know the statuses of a shipment, as well as its descriptions. Generally, when shipping is in Pre-transit status, it means that a carrier has received information about the package, but it has not yet been scanned and picked up. Here are some other shipment statuses that you might want to consider:
- Staged- generated a shipping label assigned to the package.
- Submitted- the carrier is already aware of the shipment.
- In-Transit – the parcel is enroute to the customer.
- Out for Delivery – the package has arrived in the area and will be delivered soon.
- Delivered- the customer received the package.
- Failure- the parcel has encountered an error during the transit
- Return to Sender- return the parcel to the seller as the customer has refused to accept.
- Voided- the package was unshipped.
Why is my Etsy package stuck in pre-transit status?
Shipment, sometimes, is unpredictable. Sometimes, problems along the way are inevitable, which can cause a delay, distress, and bad rating from a customer. Pre-transit usually happens during peak season, holiday rush, or on-sale events. These are the times when there is a lot of traction in the system. There are a lot of complaints from sellers that the courier isn’t scanning their parcels upon receipt. In addition, the global pandemic has contributed to this, especially for shipment overseas. Carriers are understaffed due to nationwide lockdown and overwhelmed by the huge rise in volume due to COVID19, resulting in backlogs.
How long does the Etsy package stay in pre-transit?
The estimated delivery date is calculated as, Processing time + Carrier transit time + 1 day = Estimated Delivery Date. Etsy’s turnaround time is just estimated, which means that the estimated delivery dates shown are not accurate and subject to changes due to some unforeseen delay. Also, not every order will have estimated delivery dates. Some sellers do not set estimated delivery dates on their Etsy shops. Therefore, there is no accurate time frame on how long a package stays on pre-transit. It really depends on several factors, such as the availability of courier staff, resources, or even natural events. In most cases, 9 out of 10 parcels that are on Pre-Shipment status will change to “your order is out for delivery”. When a package is stuck in “Pre-Shipment” status, your package misses its initial scan at the initial sorting center. Usually, it will be scanned at another delivery point along the way.
What to do if the package is stuck in pre-transit?
Etsy uses USPS, FedEx, or Canada Post right as their carrier for your shipments. Once a customer purchases a label for an order, Etsy will automatically mark it as dispatched. The seller will print the label, and the item will be ready for the delivery process. But in some cases, if your package has been stuck in pre-transit status for a long time, then it is best to contact your carrier. That is why it is vital to know your logistic policies about lost parcels so that you know what to do. To avoid future problems like this, make sure your item is scanned in the carrier office yourself, have them scan it, and give you a receipt. It could be extra work for you, but you will know for sure that they are getting your package. Insurance will also help to reduce the cost of lost parcels.
Etsy doesn’t hold sellers responsible for items that are lost in the mail. Lost or delayed in the package can cause a lot of frustration not only to the seller but most especially to the customer. So, to maintain the integrity of the shop, it is advisable to consider giving a replacement item or a refund.
