How do I offer local pickup for orders on Etsy instead of shipping?

Hi! Yes—Etsy allows local pickup, but there isn’t a true “local pickup” checkout option like Shopify has. The cleanest way (that keeps you inside Etsy’s rules and prevents shipping charges) is to arrange pickup before they buy, then set up the order on Etsy with $0 shipping.

Here are the best Etsy-friendly ways to do it:

Option 1 (best for occasional pickup): message first → remove shipping → “reserve” the listing

1. In your listing description (and Shop Policies/FAQ), add a short note like: “Local pickup available in [your city]. Message me before purchase to arrange pickup and $0 shipping.”
2. When a local buyer messages you, edit that listing’s shipping to free shipping (or create a $0 shipping profile) for that item.
3. Create a custom/reserved listing (or reserve the item for that buyer) so only they purchase it at $0 shipping.
4. After they pick up, complete the order in Etsy and select the “no tracking” reason as local pickup (you’ll see an option like “This order doesn’t have tracking” and can choose local pickup).

Option 2 (good if you do pickup often): make a separate “Local Pickup Only” listing

• Duplicate the listing and make it clearly “LOCAL PICKUP ONLY” in the title + first line of the description.
• Set shipping to free on that pickup listing.
• In the description, state your pickup area and that you’ll cancel/refund orders placed by buyers outside your local pickup area (because Etsy can’t automatically restrict it by ZIP code).

A few important “stay within Etsy rules” tips:

• Keep the transaction and communication on Etsy (Etsy Messages + Etsy checkout). Don’t ask them to pay cash/Venmo to avoid fees.
• If someone outside your area buys a pickup-only item, Etsy expects you to either ship it or cancel/refund—don’t just leave it unshipped.
• Get proof of pickup just in case (a quick Etsy Message from the buyer saying “Picked up—thanks!” is perfect, or a signed receipt).

One heads-up: local pickup orders generally won’t count toward Star Seller shipping/tracking requirements, since there’s no tracking.

If you tell me whether you want pickup as an “extra option” or only for certain listings, I can suggest the simplest setup for your exact shop (and how to word it in your Etsy listing and policies).