Etsy Joins Rush Toward Same-Day, Next-Day Delivery

Etsy made a name for itself by being different than other big-box eCommerce retailers like Amazon, but it now seems like the company is taking a page from its competitors’ books.

Etsy announced Monday (Oct. 26) that it was launching Etsy ASAP — a pilot same-day and next-day delivery program facilitated by Postmates — for New York City shoppers who want their handmade goods fast. Calia Talmor, senior product manager at Etsy, explained in a blog post that the express shipping program will foster a greater sense of community between the artisans who make the crafts and the people who buy them.

“Now we’re taking the next step in our commitment to facilitate these connections, and make it even easier for shoppers to find and support local businesses,” Talmor wrote. “Today we’re officially launching Etsy ASAP, a pilot program for the holiday season that enables same and next-day delivery from participating sellers in New York City.”

Merchants will retain some control over what items are listed for express delivery,

It might seem like Etsy ASAP is just another imitation of other express delivery programs, but Talmor noted that all orders placed through the program will come with a flat $20 fee. While the fee might make sense for a company as small and financially lean as Etsy, the program could be a tough sell to customers who are used to shopping at Amazon. Moreover, just 5,000 of Etsy’s overall 32-million-strong product catalogue will be available for express shipping.

However a study from Acquity Group found that 66 percent of consumers are more likely to place orders with retailers that offer express shipping, and 64 percent said a premium surcharge would not dissuade them from choosing the service. In fact, shoppers are getting so crazy for same-day and one-hour deliveries that 73 percent have used a third party to quickly ferry shipments from retailers.

As of right now, Talmor noted that Etsy ASAP is only slated as a temporary program that will run through the 2015 holiday season. Shoppers in Manhattan, Queens and sections of Brooklyn are currently the only New Yorkers eligible to have their goods delivered on the same day.

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