Etsy launched Etsy Insider with free shipping, aiming to increase growth. New features like Gift Mode and improved search tools are designed to boost sales, app usage, and customer loyalty.
On Sept. 10, 2024, Etsy announced a new paid subscription, Etsy Insider, offering free U.S. shipping on millions of items. CEO Josh Silverman sees this as a key strategy for Etsy’s “tremendous” growth. The program is buyer-fee based and will offer other perks, such as discounts and early access to new products. Silverman believes these benefits will increase buyer frequency and loyalty. He said, “We’ll test, learn, and iterate, and are optimistic that over time, Etsy Insider can be a needle mover.”
Etsy is also expanding its offerings with Gift Mode, a feature introduced in January 2024. This allows shoppers to send messages to recipients before gifts arrive, positioning Etsy as a go-to destination for gifting. The feature is part of Etsy’s broader strategy to enhance its value proposition, making it easier and more appealing for users to choose Etsy for special occasions.
One of Etsy’s main goals is to increase the use of its mobile app. Currently, 40% of shoppers use the app, but Etsy aims to raise this to 75%. The company is focusing on improving the app’s functionality and features, hoping to capture more of the mobile shopping market. With a more accessible app, Etsy expects to see higher engagement and sales.
Etsy is improving its search and discovery tools, making it easier for shoppers to find high-quality products. Chief Product Officer Nick Daniel emphasized the importance of listing quality in search visibility. “Making these listings easier to find helps build trust with shoppers,” Daniel said. This is part of Etsy’s broader effort to differentiate itself from competitors like Amazon by focusing on unique, high-quality offerings and exceptional customer service.
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