Etsy-funded promotions that give customers an incentive to purchase again aren’t new by any stretch, but when one landed in our inbox this week with the subject line “15% off just for you,” we took another look.
Etsy explains on its help page that there are two kinds of coupons:
- Shop coupons are set up by sellers as part of their marketing campaigns. These only apply to the individual shop offering the coupon.
- Etsy coupons are funded by Etsy and sent to certain buyers. These may include discounts like a certain percentage off of your next purchase.
Both types of coupons may have specific requirements and expiration dates, so make sure to check before attempting to apply them at checkout.
Tuesday’s email advertised: “Use code SHOP15 for up to $20 off something special from a small shop.” Etsy did not spell out this was an invitation-only promotion, though that could be inferred from the “just for you” message in the subject line.
The bottom of the email we received from Etsy on Tuesday included the following conditions:
“Expires 02/17/2026. One time use only. May be used with any Etsy shop that lists Etsy gift cards as a payment option. Cannot be combined with other offers nor redeemed for cash except as required by law. Discount is off item price (excluding taxes and shipping). No minimum purchase requirement. Maximum discount amount: $20. See here for the terms that apply to your use of the Etsy Coupon. Use of this Etsy Coupon constitutes acceptance of these terms. Prices are subject to availability and change. Displayed price may differ based on delivery location or any seller sale. Applicable price will appear in checkout after application of delivery location.”
This isn’t the only promo Etsy is running: RetailMeNot displays a number of current Etsy-funded coupon promotions being shared by Etsy customers.
Although the coupons are technically funded by Etsy, the company had justified its April 2022 fee increase (from 5% to 6.5%) by promising to spend more on marketing.
