How to Use Pirateship With Etsy

Using Pirate Ship with Etsy lets you keep Etsy’s easy order management while getting cheaper USPS and UPS shipping rates, powerful international shipping options, and simple label printing in one place. Many sellers want to connect Pirate Ship to Etsy, import orders, buy discounted labels, and send tracking back smoothly.

In this guide, you’ll see how Pirate Ship actually works with Etsy today, how to connect (if your shop is eligible), how to import and ship Etsy orders through Pirate Ship, and what to do if direct integration is restricted. You’ll also learn how to compare Etsy label prices vs Pirate Ship, handle customs for international Etsy orders, and confidently use Pirate Ship with Etsy step by step.

Why so many Etsy sellers love using Pirate Ship

Quick look at what Pirate Ship does for Etsy shops

Pirate Ship is a free shipping platform that lets Etsy sellers buy discounted USPS and UPS labels, then print them at home. You pay only for the postage, not for using the software. Many Etsy shops use Pirate Ship to get cubic and other commercial rates that are often lower than what they see inside Etsy’s own label tool, especially for heavier or long‑distance packages.

For Etsy sellers, Pirate Ship’s big perks are:

Access to deep USPS and UPS discounts
Simple interface for comparing services and prices
Easy label printing for both domestic and international orders
Built‑in tools for address validation and customs forms

Even when it cannot talk directly to Etsy, you can still copy order details over, buy a label, and then paste the tracking number back into Etsy.

When it makes sense to use Pirate Ship instead of Etsy labels

Using Pirate Ship instead of Etsy labels usually makes sense when:

You ship a lot of small but heavy packages. Pirate Ship’s USPS cubic pricing can beat Etsy’s rates for dense items like candles, mugs, or resin pieces.
You want more control over carrier choices. Pirate Ship makes it easy to compare USPS and UPS side by side, so you can pick the cheapest or fastest option for each Etsy order.
You ship from multiple platforms. If you also sell on your own site or other marketplaces, Pirate Ship can centralize your shipping instead of doing everything inside Etsy.
You care about detailed shipping analytics. Pirate Ship’s shipment history and reporting can help you understand your real shipping costs over time.

If your Etsy volume is low and you just want the fastest, simplest option, Etsy labels alone may be enough. But once shipping costs start to eat into your profit, Pirate Ship often pays off.

What’s changed recently with Etsy and third‑party shipping apps

In late 2024, Etsy changed how third‑party shipping integrations work for sellers in the United States. As of October 21, 2024, only two specific shipping apps are allowed to automatically import and export full shipping data for new US integrations. Other tools, including Pirate Ship, can still connect in some ways, but Etsy limits what they can do through the official integration. That means new connections generally cannot automatically pull in Etsy shipping addresses, send tracking back, or mark orders as shipped; those steps must be done manually.

If you connected Pirate Ship to Etsy before that cutoff date, Etsy says your existing integration should keep working with automatic syncing as long as it stays authorized. New US sellers, however, should plan on a more manual workflow: copying addresses into Pirate Ship and then pasting tracking numbers back into Etsy after they buy labels.

Check if you can still connect Pirate Ship directly to Etsy

Current Etsy rules about third‑party shipping integrations

Etsy has tightened its rules around third‑party shipping integrations, especially for sellers in the United States.

For US shops, Etsy’s help docs now say that only Shippo and ShipStation are allowed to automatically import and export full shipping data for new integrations created on or after October 21, 2024. That automatic data includes things like buyer addresses, tracking numbers, and the “mark as shipped” status.

Other shipping apps, including Pirate Ship, can still connect to Etsy, but Etsy will not give them full access for new connections. That means a brand‑new Pirate Ship integration usually cannot:

pull in customer shipping addresses automatically
send tracking numbers back to Etsy
mark orders as shipped for you

Those actions are still allowed, but you have to do them manually inside Etsy.

If your Etsy shop is outside the US, Etsy has similar “approved partner” lists by country, and the same pattern applies: only the named partners get full automatic syncing for new integrations, while other apps are limited to partial or manual workflows.

How to tell if your existing Pirate Ship–Etsy connection still works

If you connected Pirate Ship to Etsy before Etsy’s cutoff for your country (for US sellers, before October 21, 2024), Etsy says those existing connections can keep working with full automatic syncing.

A quick way to check whether your current Pirate Ship–Etsy integration is still healthy is to look for three things:

Recent orders importing automatically

New Etsy orders should appear in Pirate Ship without you typing in addresses.
The buyer’s full shipping address should be visible on the imported order.

Tracking syncing back to Etsy

After you buy a label in Pirate Ship, the Etsy order should soon show a tracking number and the correct carrier.
The order status on Etsy should flip to “Shipped” without you editing it.

No new permission errors

If Etsy has restricted the integration, Pirate Ship will often show warnings about missing address access or failed tracking updates.

If all three are happening smoothly, your older Pirate Ship–Etsy connection is probably still enjoying “grandfathered” full access. If orders import but addresses are blank, or tracking never appears on Etsy, then Etsy’s newer limits are likely affecting your connection and you may need to handle more steps manually.

What to do if you’re a brand‑new Pirate Ship user on Etsy

If you are just now signing up for Pirate Ship and trying to connect it to Etsy for the first time, the rules are different from what long‑time users enjoyed.

For a new Pirate Ship–Etsy connection created after Etsy’s cutoff date for your region (for US sellers, after October 21, 2024):

You can usually still link Pirate Ship to your Etsy shop so Pirate Ship knows which shop is yours.
Etsy is unlikely to allow Pirate Ship to automatically pull in full buyer address data or push tracking and shipment status back to Etsy.
You should plan on a more manual workflow, such as:
copying and pasting addresses from Etsy into Pirate Ship
buying labels in Pirate Ship
then pasting the tracking number back into Etsy and marking the order as shipped yourself

Because Etsy’s policies are still evolving and enforcement dates are staggered by country, it is smart to:

double‑check Etsy’s current help article about third‑party shipping providers for your location, and
read any recent notices inside your Etsy Shop Manager about app and data‑sharing changes.

If you are in a region where Etsy now lists specific “approved” shipping partners, and Pirate Ship is not on that list, you can still use Pirate Ship for its rates and tools, but you should expect less automation and more copy‑and‑paste between the two platforms.

Step‑by‑step: connect Pirate Ship to your Etsy shop

Create your free Pirate Ship account

Start on Pirate Ship’s homepage and click the option to create a free account. You will be asked for your name, email, and a secure password, plus basic business details like your shop name and return address. Use the same business name you use on Etsy so it is easy to recognize later.

Once you confirm your email, you can log in and you will land on Pirate Ship’s main dashboard, usually showing a “Ship” or “Create a label” style page. From here you are ready to set up payments and connect Etsy.

Add your payment method and basic shipping settings

Before you connect Etsy, add a payment method so you can actually buy labels. In Pirate Ship’s settings, look for a Billing or Payment section and add a debit or credit card. There are no monthly fees, but this card will be charged when you purchase postage.

Next, set your default ship‑from address, time zone, and any preferred carriers or package presets. Adding a few common box sizes and weights now will make it much faster when your Etsy orders start importing.

Where to click in Pirate Ship to connect Etsy

To connect Pirate Ship to Etsy, go to Settings inside Pirate Ship, then open the Integrations area. Choose the option to Connect a new store or Add integration, then select Etsy from the list of platforms.

Pirate Ship will redirect you to Etsy and ask you to sign in if you are not already logged in. Make sure you are using the correct Etsy seller account, especially if you manage more than one shop.

Approving the Etsy permissions screen without breaking anything

After you log in, Etsy will show a permissions screen explaining what Pirate Ship can do, such as view orders and shipping addresses and update tracking. For US sellers who connected Pirate Ship before October 21, 2024, this full data sharing continues to work. Newer US connections may have limits and require more manual steps, because Etsy now reserves automatic syncing for a short list of preferred shipping apps.

Read the list, then click Allow access if you are comfortable. You can revoke this later from your Etsy Apps section if you ever change your mind. Approving the screen does not change your listings, prices, or payouts; it only controls how order and shipping data flows between Etsy and Pirate Ship.

How to confirm your Etsy orders are importing correctly

When the connection is finished, head back to Pirate Ship and open the Ship or Import from integrations page. Choose Etsy as the source. You should see a list of your recent unshipped Etsy orders, including buyer names, destinations, and order totals.

Check a few details:

Addresses should match what you see in Etsy.
Order notes and variations should look correct.
Only open, unshipped orders should appear.

If something looks off, try refreshing the integration or re‑importing orders. If nothing imports at all, it may mean your shop is affected by Etsy’s newer limits on third‑party shipping apps, in which case you can still ship with Pirate Ship by copying addresses from Etsy and pasting them into a manual label.

How to import Etsy orders into Pirate Ship

Manually refresh and pull in your latest Etsy orders

Once your Etsy shop is connected to Pirate Ship, new orders usually import automatically, but it is easy to force a refresh when you are getting ready to ship.

In Pirate Ship, go to your Imports or Ship page (the wording can vary slightly) and look for your Etsy store in the list of connected platforms. There will be a button such as Refresh, Import from Etsy, or a circular refresh icon next to the Etsy connection. Click that, then wait a few seconds while Pirate Ship pulls in your latest Etsy orders.

If you just received an order on Etsy, give it a minute or two to show as “Paid” on Etsy first. Only paid, unshipped orders will import. After refreshing, you should see your newest Etsy orders at the top of the list, ready for labels.

Using filters to find the right Etsy orders to ship

When you have more than a handful of Etsy orders, filters in Pirate Ship make life much easier. On your orders/imports screen, use the search bar or filter options to narrow things down.

You can usually filter by:

Store / integration so you only see Etsy orders
Order status, such as “Ready to Ship” or “Unshipped”
Date range, if you are catching up on older orders

You can also search by buyer name, order number, or destination country. This is especially handy if you batch ship: filter to just Etsy orders going to a certain country, or only orders from today, then select them and create labels in one go.

Fixing imported order details like addresses and item weights

Imported Etsy orders are not locked. You can safely edit details in Pirate Ship before you buy a label.

Open the order in Pirate Ship and check:

Shipping address: Fix typos, add apartment or suite numbers, and choose a standardized version if Pirate Ship suggests one.
Package weight and size: Etsy item weights are often estimates. Update the total weight and dimensions to match the actual box or mailer you are using.
Contents description: For international orders, make sure the item description is clear and non‑vague so customs will accept it.

These edits affect only the label you are buying in Pirate Ship. They do not change the original Etsy listing or the order details your buyer sees.

What to do if some Etsy orders don’t show up in Pirate Ship

If an Etsy order is missing in Pirate Ship, work through a quick checklist:

Confirm the order status on Etsy. It must be paid and not already marked as shipped or canceled.
Hit the refresh/import button again. Sometimes it just needs another sync.
Check your filters. Make sure you are not hiding the order with a date or status filter.
Look for multiple shops. If you run more than one Etsy store, confirm you are viewing the correct integration in Pirate Ship.

If the order still will not appear, you can ship it by creating a single label manually in Pirate Ship and then adding the tracking number back into Etsy by hand. After that, it is worth disconnecting and reconnecting the Etsy integration, or contacting support, if more than one order is failing to import.

Buying your first shipping label for an Etsy order

Choosing USPS vs UPS for your Etsy shipment

When you buy your first Pirate Ship label for an Etsy order, you will usually be choosing between USPS and UPS. Both work great, but they shine in different situations.

USPS is often best for:

Small, light packages (under about 1–2 lb), especially if they can go First‑Class Package or Ground Advantage.
PO boxes and military addresses, which UPS will not deliver to.
Flat, flexible mailers like stickers, cards, or small jewelry boxes.

UPS is often better for:

Heavier boxes, usually over 3–4 lb, or bulky items that take up space.
Larger domestic shipments where UPS Ground can be much cheaper than USPS Priority.
More fragile or higher‑value items that benefit from UPS handling and tracking.

In Pirate Ship, you can quickly toggle between USPS and UPS for the same Etsy order and see how the price and delivery estimate change. Pick the option that gives you the best mix of cost, speed, and reliability for that specific package.

Entering package size and weight for accurate rates

Accurate dimensions and weight are the secret to getting the best Pirate Ship rates for your Etsy order. Before you buy the label, pack the order completely: box, padding, tape, everything. Then:

Weigh the finished package on a postal scale or small kitchen scale. Round up to the next ounce for ounces, or the next tenth of a pound if you are entering pounds.
Measure length, width, and height in inches. Measure the outside of the box or mailer, not the product inside.
In Pirate Ship, choose the correct package type (box, soft pack, padded mailer, etc.) and enter those numbers carefully.

Even small changes can matter. An extra inch or a few ounces can bump you into a different USPS or UPS price tier. Being honest and precise helps you avoid postage adjustments later and keeps your Etsy shipping costs predictable.

Comparing Pirate Ship rates with Etsy shipping labels

One big reason Etsy sellers love Pirate Ship is the ability to compare rates side by side. For the same Etsy order, you can:

Check the USPS and UPS prices in Pirate Ship.
Then look at what Etsy would charge for the same service, weight, and size.

Often, Pirate Ship will show lower commercial rates, especially for UPS and some USPS services. Sometimes the difference is small, and the convenience of staying inside Etsy might win. Other times, the savings per package are big enough that it is worth using Pirate Ship every time.

Use a few test orders to see the pattern for your shop. If you ship a lot of similar packages, you will quickly learn when Pirate Ship almost always beats Etsy labels and when the prices are close.

Adding insurance or extra services when you need them

For most everyday Etsy orders, the default tracking and built‑in carrier coverage are enough. But for higher‑value or fragile items, Pirate Ship makes it easy to add more protection.

When you create the label, look for options like:

Extra insurance for orders above the carrier’s included coverage.
Signature confirmation if you want proof that the buyer actually received the package.
Adult signature for age‑restricted items where allowed.

Only add extras when they make sense for the order value and your profit margin. For a $15 keychain, extra insurance probably is not worth it. For a $250 custom piece, a few extra dollars for coverage and a signature can save a lot of stress for both you and your Etsy buyer.

Paying for your label and downloading the file

Once you are happy with the service, rate, and any extras, you are ready to buy your first Pirate Ship label for that Etsy order.

Review the summary screen to double‑check the address, package details, and total cost.
Click to purchase the label using the payment method you set up in Pirate Ship.
After payment, you will see a button to download or print the label as a PDF.

Save or print the file right away so you do not lose track of it. If you are testing things out, you can print on regular paper and tape it neatly to the package, or send it to a thermal printer if you have one.

Once the label is printed and attached, your Etsy order is ready to ship, and you have officially sent your first package using Pirate Ship.

Printing and attaching Pirate Ship labels for Etsy packages

Best print settings so your barcode scans the first time

You want your Pirate Ship labels to print crisp and dark so USPS or UPS can scan them on the first try. Set your printer to 100% scale or “Actual size” so the barcode is not shrunk or stretched. Avoid “Fit to page” or any auto‑scaling that might distort the label.

Use black ink only or “grayscale” instead of color, and choose a high quality or best print mode if your printer offers it. The barcode should look solid, with no white gaps in the black lines. If it looks fuzzy or streaky, clean the print heads or replace the toner/ink before you ship.

After printing, check that:

The full label is visible, including the tracking number and address.
The barcode is at least 4 inches wide and not cut off.
There are no folds or tape over the barcode that could reflect light.

A quick test is to open your carrier’s app and try scanning the barcode yourself. If your phone can read it, the post office scanner usually can too.

Using a thermal printer vs regular home printer

A thermal label printer is ideal if you ship Etsy orders often. It prints directly on label rolls, so you do not need ink or toner, and the barcodes come out sharp and consistent. Thermal labels also handle a bit of moisture and rough handling better than standard paper.

A regular inkjet or laser printer is perfectly fine for smaller volumes. Just print your Pirate Ship label on plain paper, cut it out, and tape it flat to the package with clear packing tape. Make sure the tape is smooth and does not create bubbles over the barcode.

If you are deciding between the two:

Ship a few orders a month: a home printer is usually enough.
Ship daily or in batches: a thermal printer can save time, reduce jams, and give you more professional‑looking Etsy packages.

Where to place the label on different box and mailer types

Carriers like USPS and UPS want the label on the largest, flattest surface so it is easy to scan and sort. For a standard box, place the Pirate Ship label on the top, not across a corner or seam. Keep it away from edges, tape flaps, and any old barcodes or branding.

For padded mailers or poly mailers, smooth the surface first, then stick or tape the label in the center. Avoid placing it where the mailer naturally bends, such as right at the opening or along a side crease.

If you are reusing a box, completely cover or black out any old barcodes and shipping labels so scanners do not get confused. The only visible barcode should be the new Pirate Ship label for that Etsy order.

Tips for customs forms when shipping Etsy orders internationally

When you ship an Etsy order internationally through Pirate Ship, the customs form is usually built into the label or submitted electronically, depending on the country and service. Still, treat it like important paperwork.

Fill out the customs details in Pirate Ship clearly:

Use a simple, honest description of the item (for example, “handmade cotton tote bag”).
Enter the correct quantity, value, and weight.
Mark whether it is merchandise, a gift, or another type of shipment.

If Pirate Ship generates a separate customs page, print it and follow the on‑screen instructions. Often you will:

Fold the customs form as directed.
Place it in a clear pouch on the outside of the package, near but not covering the main label.

Make sure nothing blocks the main shipping barcode. Double‑check that the destination country, postal code, and declared value all look right before you drop the package off. This helps your international Etsy orders move through customs faster and with fewer surprises.

How to sync tracking back to Etsy (or add it manually)

How automatic tracking sync works for older integrations

If you connected Pirate Ship to Etsy back when direct integrations were still allowed, your tracking may still sync automatically. In those older setups, Pirate Ship sends the tracking number, carrier, and service back to Etsy as soon as you buy and create the label for an imported Etsy order.

You will usually see the Etsy order move to Shipped within a few minutes, with the tracking number already attached. This only works if:

The order was imported from Etsy into Pirate Ship (not created as a manual shipment), and
The integration between your Etsy shop and Pirate Ship is still authorized and active.

If you notice that new labels are no longer updating Etsy on their own, your “grandfathered” connection may have stopped working, and you will need to add tracking manually.

How to copy and paste tracking if Etsy won’t sync Pirate Ship

When Etsy will not sync Pirate Ship tracking, you can still keep buyers updated with a quick copy‑and‑paste:

In Pirate Ship, open the shipment you just created and copy the tracking number.
Go to your Orders & Shipping page in Etsy and open the matching order.
Click Add tracking or Edit tracking.
Paste the tracking number, then choose the correct carrier (for example USPS or UPS) and service if Etsy asks.
Save your changes.

This manual method takes a few extra seconds, but it keeps your shop metrics and buyer expectations in good shape.

Marking orders as shipped on Etsy and sending buyer notifications

If tracking did not sync automatically, Etsy will not mark the order as shipped for you. After you paste the tracking number:

Make sure the Mark as shipped box is checked.
Confirm that Etsy is set to send a shipping notification email or message to the buyer.

Once you save, the order status changes to Shipped, and your customer gets the tracking link inside Etsy. This helps reduce “Where is my order?” messages and shows Etsy that you ship on time.

Double‑checking that Etsy shows the correct carrier and service

After you add tracking, it is worth doing a quick check:

Reopen the order on Etsy and look at the shipping section.
Confirm that the tracking number matches the one in Pirate Ship.
Make sure the carrier is correct and that Etsy is not guessing the wrong one.
If Etsy shows the wrong carrier or service, edit the tracking details and fix it.

Getting the carrier right matters because Etsy and your buyer both rely on that field to follow the package. A 10‑second review here can prevent confusion later if tracking updates look strange or appear delayed.

Handling common Pirate Ship + Etsy problems

Pirate Ship says it can’t find your Etsy shop

If Pirate Ship says it cannot find your Etsy shop, start with the simple checks first. Make sure you are logging into Pirate Ship with the same email that owns or manages your Etsy shop, and that you are using the correct Etsy account if you have more than one. If your shop is in vacation mode, suspended, or still in draft status, Pirate Ship may not be able to connect or display it correctly.

If you recently changed your Etsy shop name, updated your primary email, or adjusted shop permissions, the connection can get confused. In that case, disconnect the integration inside Pirate Ship (if it still shows) and reconnect it, then approve the Etsy permissions again. Also confirm that you are the shop owner or have full permissions on Etsy, because limited staff accounts may not be allowed to connect third‑party shipping tools.

If nothing works, try a different browser, clear cookies, and temporarily disable browser extensions that block pop‑ups or scripts. Those can sometimes stop the Etsy authorization window from completing, which makes Pirate Ship think your shop does not exist.

Etsy orders stop importing all of a sudden

When Etsy orders suddenly stop importing into Pirate Ship, it usually means the connection token between the two has expired or been revoked. This can happen after password changes, security reviews, or updates to Etsy’s app policies. Go into your Pirate Ship settings, find the Etsy integration, and look for any warning or “Reconnect” button. Click it and walk through the Etsy authorization again.

Also check your Etsy account for any alerts about billing, policy violations, or holds. If Etsy has restricted your selling privileges, new orders may not flow correctly to outside apps. Make sure your orders are actually in “New” or “Unshipped” status on Etsy; completed or canceled orders will not import.

If only some orders are missing, look at filters in Pirate Ship. A date range, status filter, or search term can hide orders that did import. Clear filters, refresh the order list, and then run a manual sync if Pirate Ship offers that option.

Tracking didn’t update on Etsy even though you shipped

If you bought a label in Pirate Ship and tracking did not appear on Etsy, first confirm that the order actually came from Etsy and is not a manual shipment. Then open the shipment details in Pirate Ship and copy the tracking number. On Etsy, open the order, choose to add or edit tracking, and paste the number in. Select the correct carrier (for example USPS or UPS) and save.

Sometimes automatic sync fails because the integration is old, the order was edited after purchase, or Etsy had a brief outage. Manually adding tracking fixes the buyer‑facing side quickly. After you save, refresh the order page to be sure Etsy shows the right carrier, service, and tracking link.

If you see the tracking on Etsy but your buyer says they did not get a notification, ask them to check spam and promotions folders. You can also resend the shipping notification from the Etsy order page so they have the tracking link again.

How to void a label and get a refund if something changes

Plans change, and that is okay. If you bought a Pirate Ship label for an Etsy order and no longer need it, you can usually void it and request a refund as long as the package has not been scanned by the carrier. Open the shipment in Pirate Ship, look for the option to cancel or refund the label, and confirm. The label will be marked as unusable, and you should not place it on any package.

Refund timing depends on the carrier and payment method, but it often takes a few business days to show up. While you wait, update the Etsy order so buyers are not confused. If you are re‑shipping with a new label, add the new tracking number on Etsy and make sure the order is still marked as “Shipped” only when the correct label is active.

If the carrier already scanned the package, refunds are rarely approved. In that case, treat the original label as used and, if you need to reship, purchase a new label in Pirate Ship and update Etsy with the new tracking details.

Simple shipping workflows to save time as you grow

Creating presets for your most common Etsy packages

Presets in Pirate Ship are a huge time saver once you notice you are shipping the same types of Etsy packages over and over. Think of a preset as a saved recipe: box size, weight, carrier, and service are all ready to go so you do not have to retype them every time.

Start by looking at your last 20 to 30 Etsy orders and spotting patterns. Maybe you always send earrings in a 6x4x1 mailer, mugs in a 8x6x4 box, or T‑shirts in a poly mailer. For each of these “regulars,” create a preset in Pirate Ship with:

Package type and dimensions
Typical weight (round up a little to stay safe)
Preferred carrier and service, like USPS Ground Advantage or UPS Ground

Give each preset a clear name such as “Mug box” or “Sticker flat.” When you buy a label for a new Etsy order, you can pick the preset from a dropdown, tweak the weight if needed, and move straight to paying. Over time, this can cut your label-creation time from a couple of minutes per order to just a few clicks.

Batch shipping multiple Etsy orders at once in Pirate Ship

Batch shipping is where Pirate Ship really starts to feel like a shipping assistant instead of a chore. Instead of opening each Etsy order one by one, you can select a group of imported orders and work through them in a single flow.

Once your Etsy orders are imported, filter or sort them by status, date, or tag, then select all the ones you are ready to ship. Pirate Ship will walk you through each order in the batch so you can apply presets, adjust weights, and confirm addresses. You still review every shipment, but you only go through the payment and label download step once for the whole batch.

Batch shipping is especially helpful after a sale or busy weekend. You can process 20 or 30 Etsy orders in one sitting, print all the labels together, and then match them to packages in a neat stack instead of bouncing back and forth between screens.

Organizing shipping days so you’re not living at the post office

A simple shipping routine keeps you from feeling like you are always packing and never creating. Start by deciding how many “ship days” you can realistically handle each week while still meeting your Etsy processing times. Many sellers choose something like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or even just two days if their handling time allows it.

On shipping days, import your latest Etsy orders into Pirate Ship, batch them, and run through your presets. On non‑shipping days, you can still pack items, but you hold labels and drop‑offs for your next scheduled run. This keeps you from making tiny daily trips to the post office or drop box.

You can also group orders by carrier. For example, print all USPS labels first and put those packages in one bin, then do UPS labels and place those in another. When it is time to drop off, you grab the right bin and go. With a few presets, batch shipping, and a simple weekly schedule, your Etsy shipping starts to feel calm and predictable instead of like a constant fire drill.

When you might skip Pirate Ship and stick with Etsy labels

Small or occasional orders where Etsy labels are easier

If you only ship a few Etsy orders here and there, Etsy shipping labels are often the simplest choice. Everything happens in one place: you buy the label, the order is marked complete, and tracking is added for the buyer automatically.

For low volume shops, the extra steps of opening Pirate Ship, importing orders, and copying tracking back to Etsy can feel like more work than it is worth, especially if you are not chasing every last cent of savings. Etsy labels also make it easy to use features like calculated shipping, estimated delivery dates, and SCAN forms for USPS, which are built right into your Shop Manager.

So if you are sending the occasional lightweight package and the Etsy rate looks reasonable, sticking with Etsy labels can keep your workflow very calm and straightforward.

Situations where Etsy’s built‑in tools help your shop metrics

Etsy really likes it when you ship on time and upload tracking, and it uses that data for things like Star Seller and its general customer service standards. Etsy’s own labels automatically mark orders as shipped, attach tracking, and feed into those metrics without any extra clicks from you.

If you are working toward or trying to keep a Star Seller badge, using Etsy labels can reduce the risk of forgetting to mark an order complete or add tracking after you buy postage somewhere else. That little slip can hurt your on‑time shipping percentage, even if the package actually went out on time.

Etsy’s tools also tie directly into estimated delivery dates. When you use Etsy labels, the platform can more easily match your processing times and carrier services to realistic delivery windows, which helps protect you if a carrier is slow but you shipped on time.

How to switch back and forth without confusing your buyers

You do not have to choose Pirate Ship or Etsy labels forever. Many sellers mix both: Pirate Ship for heavier or international parcels, Etsy labels for quick, simple domestic orders. The key is to keep Etsy updated so your buyers always see clear tracking.

If you buy a label on Etsy, everything syncs automatically, so you do not need to do anything extra. If you buy a label on Pirate Ship, just make sure you:

Enter the tracking number on the Etsy order.
Select the correct carrier and service level.
Mark the order as complete only after you have actually handed it to the carrier.

As of October 21, 2024, Etsy only gives full automatic data syncing to certain approved shipping apps, and Pirate Ship is not on that short list for new US integrations. That means many sellers now need to add tracking and mark orders as shipped manually when they use Pirate Ship.

If you build a simple habit, like “every time I buy a Pirate Ship label, I immediately paste tracking into Etsy,” you can switch back and forth between Etsy labels and Pirate Ship without your buyers ever noticing a difference.