Order status replies for online sellers: 13 templates

Where is my order is the message every online seller gets most. The right reply depends on the status: not shipped yet, shipped with tracking, stuck at a sorting center, marked delivered but missing, or lost. These 13 replies are split by status, so you send the one that matches what the tracking shows. They are short enough for Etsy Messages, an Instagram DM or a text, they promise nothing you can't see, and they carry no promotions. When a parcel really has gone astray, one of them offers a replacement or a full refund. Copy any message, or add the whole pack to your keyboard and send from Etsy, Instagram, WhatsApp, SMS or any other app in one tap.

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.

Before it ships

Not shipped yet

Essential
Thanks for checking in, {{name}}. Your order is next in my queue and hasn't shipped yet. It will go out within my stated processing time, and I'll message you here once it has a tracking number.

When to send: When a buyer asks before the order ships.

Why it works: It's honest and sets one clear expectation.

Changing the address

Thanks for catching that, {{name}}. If your order hasn't shipped yet, I can change the address. Send me the new one in this message and I'll confirm once it's updated.

When to send: When a buyer asks to change the delivery address.

Why it works: It states the condition up front and asks for what you need.

Part of the order shipped

Hi {{name}}, part of your order has shipped and the rest follows in a second parcel. Each has its own tracking number, and nothing is missing from your order.

When to send: When a split shipment goes out.

Why it works: It stops a worried message about a missing item.

In transit

Shipped, tracking inside

EssentialPro
Good news, {{name}}, it's on its way. Your tracking is {{link}}. If it shows no movement for a day, that's usually the carrier's system lagging behind.

When to send: The day it ships, or when a buyer asks.

Why it works: It gives the link and explains the most common false alarm.

Tracking has stalled

Essential
I see what you mean, {{name}}. The tracking hasn't updated for a few days, which can happen when a parcel waits at a sorting center. Give it two more days, and I'll contact the carrier if it hasn't moved.

When to send: When tracking stays still for several days.

Why it works: It agrees with the buyer and commits to a specific next step.

Out for delivery

Hi {{name}}, your tracking shows the parcel is out for delivery today. If nobody will be home, tell me and I'll see whether the carrier can leave it somewhere safe.

When to send: On the morning of delivery.

Why it works: A useful heads up they can act on.

What the estimate means

Thanks for asking, {{name}}. The carrier's estimate is a range, not a promise, and most parcels to your area arrive within it. I'm watching the tracking and will tell you if anything changes.

When to send: When a buyer asks exactly when it will arrive.

Why it works: It stays honest about what you can see, and promises nothing you can't control.

Held at customs

Hi {{name}}, your parcel is being held at customs in your country. This usually clears within a few days, and the carrier may contact you for details or fees. Tell me if you hear anything from them.

When to send: For international orders held at the border.

Why it works: It explains the delay and who may get in touch.

When something is wrong

Shows delivered, not received

Essential
I'm sorry, {{name}}. The carrier shows it as delivered, but I know that doesn't help if you don't have it. Please check your mailbox, porch and building office, and ask people at home. Tell me what you find tomorrow.

When to send: When tracking says delivered and the buyer disagrees.

Why it works: It believes the buyer and gives concrete things to check.

Parcel looks lost

Essential
Thanks for waiting, {{name}}. It has been long enough that I think the parcel is lost. I'll send a replacement today, or refund you in full if you prefer. Which would you like?

When to send: When a parcel hasn't arrived after a reasonable time.

Why it works: Two clear options and a decision for the buyer.

Returned to sender

Hi {{name}}, the carrier couldn't deliver your parcel because of an address problem, and it's on its way back to me. Please check the address on your order, and I'll send it again when it arrives.

When to send: When a parcel is returned for an address issue.

Why it works: It explains what happened and what happens next.

Checking it arrived well

Essential
Hi {{name}}, tracking says your order arrived today. Is everything as expected? If an item is missing or came damaged, send me a photo and I'll help.

When to send: The day after delivery.

Why it works: It's a service check with an easy way to answer.

Ready for local pickup

Hi {{name}}, your order is ready for local pickup. Reply with a day and time that suits you, and I'll have it ready at the door.

When to send: When a buyer chose pickup.

Why it works: It leaves the choice of time to them.

When to send each message

WhenMessageNote
When a buyer asks before shippingNot shipped yetMatch it to your real processing time.
Shipping dayShipped, tracking insideWith the real tracking link.
After 3 days without a scanTracking has stalledThen contact the carrier.
Morning of deliveryOut for deliveryOptional.
Delivered but missingShows delivered, not receivedReply the same day.
Lost after the carrier agreesParcel looks lostOffer the choice.
The day after it arrivesChecking it arrived wellKeep it short.

Do not say

  • "It was delivered, not my problem."

    Instead: Offer to look into it and say what you will do next.

    Source

  • "It will arrive tomorrow" when you can't see that in the tracking.

    Instead: Quote the carrier's estimate and call it an estimate.

  • A promo or discount code inside a status reply.

    Instead: Answer the question and nothing else.

    Source

  • Repeating the buyer's full address and phone number in the chat.

    Instead: Say "the address on your order" and ask only for a change.

  • Blaming the carrier when the delay is yours.

    Instead: Say whose delay it is, plainly.

    Source

  • Asking the buyer to cancel or refund outside the platform.

    Instead: Do refunds through the platform where the order was placed.

    Source

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Frequently asked questions

What do I say when a customer asks where their order is?

First check the tracking, then send the reply for that status. Not shipped yet, shipped, stalled, delivered but missing and lost each have their own template above.

What if tracking says delivered but the buyer didn't get it?

Believe them first, ask them to check a few places, and offer a next step. On Etsy a buyer can still open a case, and Purchase Protection has conditions, so read it before you promise outcomes.

Can I put a discount in a status reply?

Not on Etsy. The House Rules don't allow unsolicited promotions in Messages. Keep status replies to the status.

Can I send these by text or Instagram?

Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the replies work in every app. A buyer who messaged you can always get a reply there.

Do these templates work on the free plan?

Yes. 12 of the 13 use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The shipped template uses two blanks and needs Pro to fill both from the keyboard. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit. Imports are never blocked.