Why am I getting an error when I try to set up shipping on Etsy?

Question

I’m trying to add or update shipping settings for my Etsy listings, but I keep getting an error when I save my changes. I’m not sure if it’s related to shipping profiles, package sizes/weights, or a temporary Etsy issue.

What are the most common reasons Etsy won’t let a seller add shipping, and what steps should I try to fix it?

Mustafa Aydemir · Answer

Hi! Most Etsy shipping “can’t save” errors come down to one required field being invalid (even if it doesn’t look wrong), a conflict inside the shipping profile (package size/weight, origin ZIP, or delivery services), or a temporary Etsy-side glitch. The quickest fix is usually to simplify the shipping settings (use a brand‑new shipping profile with basic values), save, then add details back one at a time.

Here are the most common causes I see, plus what to try:

**1) Missing or invalid package details (calculated shipping)**
- Weight is blank/zero, or uses the wrong unit (lb/oz vs g/kg).
- Length/width/height missing, zero, or unrealistic.
- You’re using calculated shipping but haven’t set a package type/preset (or the preset is incompatible with the carrier/service you picked).
**Fix:** Put in a “safe” test set (e.g., a small box with non-zero dimensions + a realistic weight), save, then refine.

**2) Shipping origin / postal code issues**
Calculated shipping often won’t save if your shipping origin address/ZIP (or country) isn’t set correctly in your shop settings, or if it’s incomplete.
**Fix:** Double-check your shop’s shipping origin address in settings, then try saving the listing again.

**3) Processing time or “Ships from” requirements not satisfied**
Sometimes the shipping section fails because another required shipping-related field is missing (processing time, item location/ships from, etc.).
**Fix:** Open the listing and confirm every required field around shipping is filled (processing time, item location, etc.), not just the shipping cost box.

**4) Problems inside a shipping profile**
- Profile has a corrupted/legacy rule, or you edited it while it’s being used by many listings and something doesn’t validate.
- Conflicting rates (e.g., an upgrade that’s cheaper than the standard option, or duplicate services that confuse checkout).
- A destination is missing when you’re using fixed shipping (no “ships to” set), or a country/region rule is incomplete.
**Fix:** Create a brand-new shipping profile from scratch (don’t edit the old one), apply it to one test listing, and save. If that works, switch the rest of your listings over.

**5) Free shipping / shipping upgrade conflicts**
If you’ve set “free shipping” but also have upgrades or additional-item costs that don’t make sense with free shipping, Etsy may reject the save.
**Fix:** Temporarily remove upgrades/extra charges, save, then re-add upgrades after confirming the base shipping saves cleanly.

**6) Variation-related shipping conflicts**
If you use variations (sizes/bundles) and some variations have different weights/sizes but the listing only has one package weight, calculated shipping can fail or behave oddly.
**Fix:** For troubleshooting, try switching the listing to a fixed shipping price temporarily (just to confirm it will save), or standardize weights/dimensions to one valid set, save, then revisit the variation strategy.

**7) Browser/app, cache, extensions, or network issues**
This is super common with Etsy forms.
**Fixes to try (in order):**
- Use desktop if you’re on the Etsy Seller app.
- Try an incognito/private window.
- Disable ad blockers/script blockers and any browser extensions.
- Clear cache/cookies for Etsy, or try a different browser/device.
- Turn off VPN/proxy if you use one.

**8) Temporary Etsy issue**
Sometimes Etsy is just having a hiccup and shipping/profile saves error out for a while.
**Fix:** Check Etsy’s status/incident updates (if you can), wait 30–60 minutes, and try again. If it’s still happening the next day, it’s less likely to be an outage.

**A fast “is it my settings or Etsy?” test**
1) Duplicate one affected listing (or pick a low-risk test listing).  
2) Assign a **new** shipping profile with the simplest setup possible (one shipping method, one destination, valid weight/dimensions, normal processing time).  
3) Save.  
- If the simple version saves: your original profile/rules likely have a specific conflict—add settings back gradually until you hit the culprit.  
- If even the simple version won’t save: it’s more likely a shop-level setting, browser issue, or Etsy-side problem.

If you tell me whether you’re using **calculated shipping or fixed rates**, what country you ship from, and whether you’re editing on **desktop or the app**, I can narrow it down to the most likely cause and the exact spot to check first.