Why did my Etsy Royal Mail letter postage change to small parcel for cards?

Hi! In most cases this isn’t a “Royal Mail suddenly reclassified greeting cards” rule change—it’s either (a) your package details now pushing the item over Royal Mail’s Letter format limits for international mail, or (b) an Etsy labels limitation (especially for US-bound labels). For Royal Mail international, a Letter is only allowed up to 0.5cm thick (5mm), so if your saved package preset in Etsy (or your actual packaging—cellophane + 2 board backs, etc.) is coming out at 6–10mm, the system will correctly bump you into a parcel/small parcel-type service.

A second big factor: Etsy announced it would suspend shipping label purchases on Etsy for Royal Mail for US-bound packages starting August 25, 2025 (in response to US import/tariff changes). That can make Etsy’s Royal Mail options look “weird” or limited for US orders, depending on what format Etsy thinks your shipment is.

Here’s how I’d handle it without guessing and without overpaying.

1) First, confirm whether you still qualify as a “Letter”

Do a quick physical check with a ruler (not just “feels thin”):

• Thickness: must be 5mm or less (this is the one that catches card sellers)
• Size: must be within letter dimensions (most A6/C6 cards are fine)
• Weight: usually fine for cards, but still weigh your packed order

If you’re at/under 5mm, the “Letter” option should exist somewhere in Royal Mail’s product set—but Etsy may still not show it if your entered dimensions are over.

2) Fix Etsy label presets (this is often the real culprit)

In the Etsy label purchase screen, double-check the package type and dimensions you’re entering. If you’ve got a saved preset like:

• Thickness: 1.0 cm (common default)
• Or you selected a parcel-type package

…Etsy will only show parcel services.

What to do:

• Create a saved package preset specifically for “Card – International Letter (5mm)”
• Enter realistic dimensions and 0.5 cm thickness (or slightly under if that’s accurate for you)

If your packaging truly can’t stay under 5mm, don’t force it—Royal Mail can surcharge/return items that are paid as a Letter but handled as a parcel.

3) Packaging tweaks that usually keep cards in “Letter” pricing

If you’re just barely over 5mm, small changes can bring you back under:

• Swap thick chipboard for one thin stiffener (or thinner board)
• Use a single board-backed envelope instead of board + extra envelope layers
• Skip bulky bows, wax seals, button closures, extra “freebie stacks,” etc. on international orders
• Consider offering “upgrade packaging” as an add-on if some buyers want ultra-rigid protection

(Yes, it’s a tradeoff: ultra-protected packaging often pushes you into parcel thickness.)

4) For US orders specifically: consider buying postage outside Etsy

Because Etsy’s Royal Mail labels have had US-related disruptions since late August 2025, many UK sellers handle US orders by:

• Buying the label in Royal Mail Click & Drop (or at the Post Office) using the exact service/format they need
• Then marking the Etsy order as dispatched (you can add a tracking number if you bought a tracked service; if not, you can usually complete without tracking)

This gets you access to Royal Mail’s full range even when Etsy’s label menu is restricted.

5) Update your Etsy shipping profiles so you don’t get burned

I’d split profiles by region and by “thin vs thick” packaging reality:

• Profile A: International Letter (cards only) – priced for true ≤5mm mail
• Profile B: International Large Letter/Parcel (when needed) – priced for bundles, add-ons, “gift wrap,” thicker protection, etc.
• Separate US from “everywhere else” if US postage/label purchasing is behaving differently for you right now

Also consider adding a listing variation or personalization note like: “Adding extra inserts/gift wrap may increase shipping (thicker mail).” That prevents awkward convos when someone orders 5 cards + extras and it can’t go as a letter anymore.

If you tell me (1) your typical packed thickness in mm, (2) whether this problem is mainly US or also EU/elsewhere, and (3) whether you’re buying labels on Etsy or via Click & Drop, I can point you to the cleanest setup for your exact situation.