What should I do on Etsy if a replacement ships and the original order arrives later?

Hi! Yes, it’s totally fine to message the buyer, but I’d keep it very low-pressure: ask if the original package also turned up, and if they did receive a duplicate, offer an easy return at your expense (prepaid label) if they’re willing. I wouldn’t demand payment for the extra item or make it sound like they’re obligated to send it back—when duplicates happen, you can request their help, but it needs to be optional and convenient for them.

If you do message them, something like this works well (and keeps everything in Etsy Messages):

“Hi [Name]! I’m so glad your order made it to you. Quick question—after I sent the replacement, it looks like the original package may have also been delivered. Did you happen to receive a second one? If so, I can send a prepaid return label if you’d be willing to pop the duplicate back in the mail. No worries at all if it’s a hassle—just wanted to check.”

A few practical tips:

• Only ask for a return if it’s worth it. If the item is low-cost or you can’t resell it, it may be better to let it go (and you’ve already got a happy customer + good review).
• If they agree to return it, make it easy. Send a prepaid label and simple instructions. Don’t ask them to pay shipping.
• Don’t try to invoice them for the duplicate through Etsy. Etsy doesn’t really have a clean way to “charge after the fact” on the same order, and it can come across as pushy.

If they don’t respond, I’d leave it alone—since they already left a positive review, you don’t want to accidentally turn a good experience into a stressful one.