Etsy Shop Policies Generator

Your shop

Shop name

What you sell

Ships from

Processing time (business days)

Returns and exchanges

Returns

Buyer must contact me within

days of delivery

Return shipping paid by

Cancellations accepted within

Personalized and custom items can't be returned (unless damaged or wrong) Earrings, cosmetics or other hygiene items can't be returned once opened

Shipping

I ship internationally Orders ship with tracking I offer gift wrapping or a gift note I take custom orders

These are templates, not legal advice. Check them against the return and cancellation options you set in Etsy (Shop Manager → Settings → Policies), and against the consumer rules where your buyers live: in the EU and the UK, buyers can usually cancel most online purchases within 14 days of delivery, with exceptions such as personalized items and opened hygiene products.

Why clear shop policies matter on Etsy

Buyers read policies when they hesitate: "what if it doesn't fit?", "when will it arrive?", "can I change the name?". A short, friendly answer removes that doubt before they leave. Clear policies also give you something to point to when a conversation gets difficult.

Returns and exchanges. Say what can come back, how long the buyer has, who pays the return postage and what condition the item must be in.
Cancellations. Made-to-order items are often already in progress a few hours after purchase. Say how long buyers have to change their mind.
Damaged or wrong items. Ask for a photo within a few days of delivery, then replace or refund. That one paragraph prevents most disputes.
Processing and shipping. Separate the time you need to make or pack the order from the carrier's delivery time.
Custom orders. Explain how buyers send their details and that personalized items are made just for them.

Where to paste the text

Etsy's return and exchange window and the cancellation option are set with Etsy's own choices in Shop Manager → Settings → Policies, so make those match what this text says. The rest (processing times, custom orders, care, FAQ) fits well in your listing descriptions, the shop's FAQ section and your shop announcement. Menu names can change: if you don't find them, search Etsy's help center for "shop policies".

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to accept returns on Etsy?

Etsy lets you choose whether you accept returns and exchanges. Consumer law can still apply depending on where you and your buyers are, so read the rules for the countries you sell to.

Can I refuse returns on personalized items?

Many sellers do, and EU and UK distance-selling rules generally exclude goods made to the buyer's specifications from the right to cancel. Damaged or wrong items are a different matter: always make those right.

How long should my processing time be?

Use the time you can keep on a busy week, not on a quiet one. Shipping late hurts reviews more than a slightly longer promise.