How to Get a Refund on an Etsy Order Not Delivered After 100 Days

You paid €1,352 for a dining table. You waited. You followed up. You even offered extra money to help the seller ship it. But now? Radio silence. And Etsy won’t let you open a case because it’s been over 100 days since the estimated delivery date. You’re not just frustrated — you feel cheated. And you’re not alone.

This isn’t just about one table. It’s about what happens when things go wrong on Etsy — especially when the platform’s policies seem to shut you out. But here’s the good news: even if Etsy won’t help, you still have options. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do when you’ve paid for an Etsy order that never arrived — and how to protect yourself next time.

What to Do When Etsy Won’t Let You Open a Case After 100 Days

Etsy’s buyer protection policy gives you 100 days from the estimated delivery date to open a case. After that, Etsy locks the option — even if you haven’t received your item. That’s what happened to the Reddit user. And it’s a common pain point for international buyers.

But here’s the reality: Etsy’s policy doesn’t erase your legal rights. You still have options — and they start with documenting everything.

Step 1: Gather All Evidence

Before you do anything else, collect:

Your order confirmation and payment receipt (screenshot or PDF)
All messages with the seller (including the one where you offered €200)
Screenshots of Etsy’s delivery estimate and any tracking info
Any public seller reviews or listings that show similar complaints

This isn’t just for your peace of mind — it’s for your next steps. You’ll need this if you escalate to PayPal, your bank, or even legal channels.

Takeaway: Don’t wait for Etsy to act. Start building your case the moment you realize something’s wrong.

Step 2: Contact PayPal or Your Payment Provider

The Reddit user paid via PayPal “friend” — which is a red flag. PayPal’s “Friends & Family” payments don’t offer buyer protection. But if you used a “Goods & Services” payment, you may still be eligible for a dispute.

Even if you used “Friends & Family,” try contacting PayPal anyway. Explain the situation clearly. Sometimes, they’ll make an exception — especially if you can prove fraud or misrepresentation.

If you paid with a credit card, contact your bank. Many credit cards offer purchase protection that covers items not delivered — even if the platform won’t help.

Takeaway: Payment method matters. Always use “Goods & Services” on PayPal — or a credit card with purchase protection.

Step 3: File a Complaint with Your Country’s Consumer Protection Agency

Since the buyer is in Spain and the seller is in Croatia, this is an international transaction. That means you can file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency — or through the European Union’s Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform.

The ODR platform is free and designed for cross-border disputes. You’ll need:

Your order details
Evidence of non-delivery
Proof you tried to resolve it with the seller

It won’t guarantee a refund, but it puts pressure on the seller — and may trigger a response.

Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of official complaints. They often get sellers to respond — even if Etsy won’t.

Step 4: Leave a Public Review (Strategically)

If the seller still won’t respond, leave a detailed, factual review on their Etsy shop. Don’t rant — just state the facts: what you bought, when you paid, what you were told, and what happened.

This serves two purposes:

It warns other buyers — which may motivate the seller to respond to avoid losing more sales.
It creates a public record that can support future claims or disputes.

Takeaway: A well-written review can be more powerful than a private message — especially when the seller ignores you.

How to Avoid This Situation Next Time

The best way to handle a failed Etsy order is to never be in that position. Here’s how to protect yourself before you click “Buy.”

Check the Seller’s Reviews — Especially Recent Ones

Don’t just look at the star rating. Read the recent reviews — especially the 1- and 2-star ones. Look for patterns: late shipping, broken items, unresponsive sellers.

If multiple buyers mention delivery delays or communication issues, that’s a red flag.

Confirm the Shipping Timeline Before You Buy

Some sellers list “1-2 weeks” but actually take 6-8 weeks — especially for handmade or custom items. Ask for a clear delivery window before you pay.

And if the seller says “I’ll update you,” that’s not a guarantee. Get it in writing — and screenshot it.

Use a Payment Method With Buyer Protection

This can’t be stressed enough. Never use “Friends & Family” on PayPal for purchases. Always use “Goods & Services.” And if possible, use a credit card — many offer purchase protection that covers non-delivery.

Set a Personal Deadline for Follow-Up

Don’t wait for Etsy’s 100-day window to expire. Set a personal deadline — say, 14 days after the estimated delivery date — to follow up with the seller. If they don’t respond, escalate immediately.

Takeaway: Proactive communication can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.

What to Do If You’re the Seller — And a Buyer Is Unhappy

If you’re a small business owner or solo creator selling on Etsy, this situation should serve as a warning. Even if you’re not the seller in this case, you can learn from it.

Communicate Early and Often

If you know you’ll be delayed, message the buyer before the estimated delivery date. Explain why — and offer a new timeline. Most buyers will understand if you’re honest.

Offer a Partial Refund or Discount for Delays

If you can’t ship on time, offer a discount or partial refund to keep the buyer happy. It’s cheaper than losing a sale — or facing a chargeback.

Use AI Tools to Streamline Communication

Tools like Flowtra can help you generate personalized messages to buyers — especially when you’re swamped. For example, you can create a template for delayed orders, then customize it for each buyer.

Takeaway: Good communication can turn a potential refund into a loyal customer.

Summary + CTA

If you’ve paid for an Etsy order that never arrived — and Etsy won’t help because it’s been over 100 days — don’t give up. You still have options: gather evidence, contact your payment provider, file a complaint with your consumer protection agency, and leave a public review.

And next time? Protect yourself by checking seller reviews, confirming shipping timelines, using a payment method with buyer protection, and setting a personal deadline for follow-up.

Ready to put these ideas into action? Try creating your first AI-powered ad with Flowtra — it’s fast, simple, and built for small businesses.