Have you ever ordered something on Etsy and noticed the tracking information seems stuck in “pre transit”? This ambiguous status can be confusing and concerning when you’re eagerly awaiting your package. But what exactly does “pre transit” mean, and should it cause you to worry? Read on to find out!
Why Your Etsy Order Might Display “Pre-Transit”
When you purchase an item on Etsy, the first step is for the seller to process and ship your order. They will generate a shipping label through Etsy and get the package to the post office or carrier for transit. This is when the tracking number is created, but no scans have occurred yet.
The tracking status will usually show “pre transit” at this point. This simply means the shipping label was created and the package entered the transit process, but hasn’t received its initial scan yet.
Here are some common reasons your Etsy order may display a pre transit status:
- The seller printed the label but hasn’t dropped off the package yet
- The package was dropped off but hasn’t been scanned by the post office or carrier yet
- There is a delay in the scanning and tracking update process
- The shipping carrier hasn’t updated the tracking status yet
Essentially, pre transit means your order is all packaged up and ready to go, but still needs that first scan to enter the official transit process. Don’t panic if your order shows pre transit for a couple days – it should update once the post office or shipping carrier scans the package.
When Should You Start Worrying About a “Pre Transit” Status?
Since pre transit just means the shipping label was created, it’s normal for it to stay in this status for a little while. The seller still needs to get the package to the post office or carrier, and then it takes time for them to process and scan the influx of packages.
Here are some general guidelines on when you may want to start investigating a package stuck in pre transit:
- It’s been more than 3-4 days since the seller marked the order as shipped, but it still says pre transit. The seller likely created the label but didn’t get the package to the post office yet.
- It’s been over a week and there are no updates. At this point, the package is likely lost or there is an error with the tracking number.
- The estimated delivery date has passed, but the package still shows pre transit. Unless the seller shipped late, the package is likely delayed or lost in transit.
- The seller insists they shipped the order, but the tracking still shows pre transit. This points to an issue with the initial package scanning.
While there are no hard rules, contacting the seller after about 4 days is a good guideline if your order hasn’t budged past pre transit.
Why Packages Get Stuck in “Pre Transit” Limbo
While it’s not uncommon for a package to sit in pre transit for a few days, some orders do seem to get stuck in a perpetual state of pre transit limbo. Here are some potential reasons for packages spending extended time in the pre transit phase:
The Seller Printed the Label But Didn’t Ship Yet
One possibility is the Etsy seller created and paid for the shipping label, but hasn’t actually dropped off your package at the post office or carrier yet. While they should only mark orders as shipped when they are in transit, some sellers print labels ahead of fulfillment.
There Was an Error Entering the Tracking Number
Human error could also be to blame. The seller may have accidentally typed the wrong tracking number, so your order is showing under an invalid tracking status. Or there could be a system glitch causing tracking issues.
The Package Was Lost in Transit
If a week or more has passed with no change, chances are high the package was lost or damaged before the initial scan. Without that first scan, it won’t move past pre transit status. The post office likely has no record of receiving it.
Peak Shipping Season Delays
During the holidays, postal services and shipping carriers see a huge spike in volume. With millions of extra packages in transit, some will inevitably get delayed between the seller drop off and first scan. Peak season congestion can cause packages to dwell in pre transit limbo.
Bad Weather or Natural Disasters
Inclement weather and natural disasters can also cause major slow downs and closures at shipping services. Anything that halts transit operations could lead to packages stuck with no inbound scans until they reopen and process the backlog.
The Package is Experiencing Extra Processing
In some cases, packages flagged for additional inspection or processing due to unusual characteristics may sit idle until cleared. This can delay the initial scan for days or weeks.
How Long Should an Etsy Order Stay in “Pre Transit”?
Ideally, your Etsy order should only stay in pre transit for a maximum of 3-4 days after the seller marks it shipped. This allows reasonable time for the seller to get it to the carrier and for the initial scan process.
Any longer than that, and you may need to take action to locate your delayed package. Contact the seller if it’s been over a week with no change from pre transit.
Here is a general timeline of what to expect:
- Same day as marked shipped: The label was likely just created. Give the seller time to get to the post office.
- 1-2 days in pre transit: Normal processing time before the first scan. No action needed yet.
- 3-4 days in pre transit: Follow up with the seller to verify when and where they dropped off the package.
- 5-7 days in pre transit: Something may be wrong. Contact the seller and possibly the shipping carrier to trace the package.
- Over 1 week in pre transit: High chance the package is lost or the wrong tracking number is entered. Time to escalate your inquiry.
While delays can happen, especially during peak seasons, a package lingering in pre transit limbo for too long likely needs intervention to get back on track.
What to Do If Your Etsy Order is Stuck in “Pre Transit”
Seeing your Etsy order stuck in pre transit for days can be disheartening. But all hope isn’t lost – here are some steps to take:
Contact the seller: Politely ask if they have shipped your order yet and when. They may provide shipping details that explain the delay.
Verify the tracking number: Make sure the tracking number on your Etsy purchase matches what’s on the carrier’s website. Errors can happen.
Look for scan details: Check if the tracking shows the package was “picked up” or “accepted” but hasn’t entered transit yet. This may provide clues.
Search for alternate tracking: Carriers like USPS sometimes split tracking into two parts. See if you have a separate transit tracking number.
Contact the shipping carrier: If the seller confirms they shipped the order, reach out to the carrier to see if they have received or scanned the package yet.
Request the seller open a trace: If too much time has passed, ask the seller to open a trace search request with the shipping carrier. This may locate the missing package.
Consider opening a case: If the seller is unresponsive or you suspect the order was never shipped, open a case on Etsy so they can assist.
With some polite persistence and investigation, you can hopefully get your pre transit package back on track quickly.
Why You Shouldn’t Worry If Tracking Shows “Pre Transit” at First
While a package lingering in pre transit limbo can be annoying, seeing this status immediately after the seller marks your Etsy order as shipped is normal and expected.
Every order must go through this pre transit phase before the first scan event that shows it’s officially on the move. Here are some reasons not to worry about initial pre transit tracking:
- It takes time for seller to ship: They may print labels in batches but drop off packages only once or twice a week. Some delay before in transit scans is standard.
- Rural post office pickup is infrequent: If the seller is in a remote location, they may only hand off packages 1-2 days a week when the mail carrier stops. This adds a delay before the items start moving.
- Weekends and holidays delay movement: USPS and other carriers don’t scan or move packages on Sundays and holidays. Pre transit packages won’t update until the next business day.
- Tracking systems lag behind: The initial scans take time to register in the tracking system. Pre transit means the package is likely on the move already even though online tracking hasn’t updated yet.
- Volume causes processing delays: During peak seasons especially, carriers may fall behind on scanning massive volumes of incoming packages for a few days.
For these reasons, seeing pre transit for your order soon after the seller ships is perfectly normal. Give it a few days before taking any action.
Getting Through “Pre Transit” Limbo
If your Etsy order seems perpetually stuck in pre transit purgatory, take comfort knowing there are ways to get it moving again! Here are some tips:
- Contact the seller nicely: Don’t accuse them of wrongdoing, but politely inquire about when and how your order shipped.
- Confirm the tracking number: Double check the number on your Etsy receipt matches the carrier’s tracking page to rule out errors.
- Search for other scans: Even if the main tracking hasn’t updated, look for separate “inbound” scans that may provide hints.
- Verify the shipping carrier: Make sure the seller used the carrier you expect. Mix ups can happen between USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.
- Ask the seller to investigate: They can open inquiries with the shipping carrier to track down missing pre transit packages.
- Request a replacement: If too much time has passed, talk to the seller about replacement options in case your package is lost for good.
- Open a case if needed: If the seller is unresponsive or you think the order was never actually shipped, open an Etsy case to get assistance recovering your money.
With some patience and polite persistence, you can escape pre transit purgatory and get those long-awaited Etsy goodies delivered!
In Summary…Key Takeaways on “Pre Transit” Package Tracking
Dealing with a delayed Etsy order stuck in pre transit can be stressful, but knowledge is power. Here are the key points to remember:
- Pre transit means the label was created but the first scan hasn’t occurred yet. It’s the prelude to official transit.
- It’s normal for packages to show pre transit for a few days after the seller marks your order shipped.
- If no update after 3-4 days, kindly contact the seller for shipping details that may explain the delay.
- If the package is still showing pre transit after 5-7 days, reach out to the shipping carrier to track it down.
- Make sure to verify the tracking number and shipping carrier before assuming the worst. Errors happen.
- During peak seasons, allow additional time for pre transit packages to get moving as carriers deal with massive volumes.
- If too much time has passed, ask the seller to open a trace search request with the shipping carrier.
- As a last resort if needed, open an Etsy case for unresponsive sellers or suspected unshipped orders.
Getting stuck in pre transit limbo is annoying but solvable. With some easy tracking sleuthing and communication, you can get your Etsy order back on track and headed your way.
