Why is Etsy showing multiple shipping labels for one multi-item order?

Hi! This usually happens when Etsy’s calculated shipping thinks the whole order won’t fit (or shouldn’t go) in a single package based on the item weights/dimensions you have saved, so it “helpfully” splits the order into 2 packages and pre-fills bigger box dimensions—so yes, you can normally edit the package size/weight and buy just one label as long as everything truly fits and you enter the correct total packed weight/dimensions.

Here’s how to handle it safely:

• On the “Get labels” screen, edit the package details to match the one box you’re actually using (combined weight + your real length/width/height). If Etsy is showing two packages, look for an option to edit packages (and remove the extra package) or change it so you’re rating/shipping as 1 package instead of 2. The exact button wording varies a bit, but the key is: you want the label purchase screen to reflect one parcel with accurate totals.
• Then buy one label. Etsy will attach that tracking to the order automatically when you purchase the label.

If you don’t purchase the second label:

• Tracking: The buyer will only have tracking for the package you actually labeled. If Etsy still shows a second “package” on the order (even if you didn’t buy a label for it), it can look like there are multiple shipments and one has no tracking, which can confuse the buyer.
• Order marked shipped / completed: Buying an Etsy shipping label generally moves the order to Completed and marks it shipped based on the label’s ship date. If Etsy is still expecting multiple packages, leaving one “untracked” can make the shipment info look incomplete, even if the order itself is technically completed.

A couple quick checks so this doesn’t keep happening:

• Verify your listing weights/dimensions (and variation weights, if you use them). If one variation is set heavier/larger than reality, Etsy is more likely to split.
• Check your shipping settings/package preferences (where Etsy pulls “typical” box sizes from). If your saved package is smaller than what Etsy thinks is needed for 3 items, it’ll split unless you override it at label time.

If you tell me whether you’re using calculated shipping (USPS through Etsy) or fixed-rate shipping, and whether the two labels are showing as two separate “packages” on the label screen, I can tell you the most likely place the bad weight/dimension data is coming from.