Etsy Digital Download Google Drive
Eden Kolander
I am extremely frustrated as I am trying to finalize my first digital download listing. Since Etsy does not allow uploading files larger than 20 MB, with extensions other than ZIP, I had to split the files into several parts because my files weigh more than 20 MB, and so I have been forced to rename them as well.
Some possible reasons for using a non-etsy download are if you have any single files over 20mb or 5 files over 100mb, etsy won't allow them. Also, Etsy downloads can only be instant so if the listing is for customized digital downloads the Etsy system won't work. Another reason may be that the seller sells on multiple venues and only wants to have the files hosted in one place. As far as zips go, I zip 99% of my downloads and I think I may have had 3 or 4 out of thousands who actually had problems with opening zips.
With Etsy limiting the size of digital downloads I resorted to placing the files in Google Drive and then just providing the link to the customer in a note. The issue is that because of the size of the PDF file being 161+ MB google drive pops up messages stating it cannot be viewed and also it cannot be scanned for viruses but will allow customers to download it anyways. Is there a way to avoid these messages popping up cause I can see customers being worried or afraid to download the digital file they just purchased?
I have a customer contact me for help. They bought a digital download item (A craft tutorial) Their first contact said they couldn't download it and that they couldn't see it in their purchases and they have spent ages trying to find them and download them. They then asked if I could email the instructions and included an email address.
I agree with this answer, I sell digital items too, If they have issues downloading and if I can verify they have paid I will just email it to them. saves a lot of time and its great customer service.
I-pad has a different operating system than a regular computer, I don't think they can even put it on a thumb drive or SD card . (I don't own one.) So it is probable they are telling the truth. And if they have two accounts, they may be looking at the wrong one on the computer, or as someone said they may have purchased as guest. They should have gotten an email from the Etsy system to confirm they bought it which has a link, but they might have just trashed it. Their email address in under the name they used ( a drop down menu) to purchase it in their orders & shipping. Use that and send them the file. I do that with patterns if they say they can't find it I just note : Here is the file you ordered attached to this email. Download it somewhere you can find it like your "Download Folder ".
You could use google drive instead. That way you can update that file and all customers will be able to see when you update files and download them directly from there. Hope that makes sense. There's a few shop is use for digital items and they all pretty much do the same thing. Hope you find something that works for you!
Hi everyone! I know this is an odd question and I probably overthinking it, but if I were to delete the folders I have for digital downloads on my listings, would it affect the listing at all?
I just wouldn't want to delete the files off my computer and then it somehow messes with the actual listing! Thank you for any help, again I'm sure I'm overthinking it but I just want to make sure!
@maynicolle: If you have uploaded the digital file to Etsy then it is being stored by Etsy on their servers. But before you delete anything consider if there will be any ramifications if Etsy corrupts or loses the file.
No, it will not affect your listings. However, you would want to save onto an external drive of some kind, should something happen as @BagmakerSupply described. Also, there may come a time when you want to do editing, upload to another site, etc. Having the files saved would keep you from having to start from scratch.
As far as I know, Etsy isn't letting customers download their digital files through the Etsy App. I assume it has to do with the same legal issue Kindle and other apps had with in app purchases a few months ago. If they had in app purchases, they would then be required by Google Play Store rules to hand over some of the profits. I could be wrong about this, but that isn't my issue.
My issue is that I sell digital crochet patterns. I kid you not, the last 4 sales I made, every customer contacted me saying they couldn't find the download link. And every one of them showed me a screen shot of their purchase inside the Etsy App. What I find so frustrating is that Etsy IS NOT TELLING these people that they can't download the files with the app. They think there is something physically wrong with the website. Half these people have straight up told me to "fix" the issue, or they ask for a refund.
I don't see how this can keep going on. It is really affecting how customers see Etsy as a whole and it is making digital items a true pain to obtain from a customer's standpoint. Am I the only person who has this issue? Would anyone like to share how they deal with this? I have seen some digital sellers place photos explaining this information into their listings. Maybe I need to start doing that as well, since Etsy doesn't seem to be doing anything about it.
Could you not add a last image in the listings explaining that it is not possible to download the files via the app? Or you could upload the files to drop box or google drive and add a pdf to the download which includes the link to download the file directly from Dropbox or google drive (as a addition to the files).
I sell digital and do get the occasional customer understandably frustrated that they can't download through the app. As you say they often don't realise why they can't. Of course the ideal would be for Etsy to either change the app to allow downloads, or make it clearer why they can't, but I don't expect that to happen.
I have a shop that also deals with similar issues in the digital download department. I'm just a bit confused about understanding the fees incurred by Etsy to their sellers as to why the app doesn't even accommodate completed digital sales.
In my automated message that gets sent to digital buyers. I state how they need to download the file using a browser and not the app, but I will also be adding instructions to a photo slot as suggested in the comments above.
I copy and paste this to all customers who reach out with difficulty downloading. I estimate it's only about 2% or less of my customers that have trouble. You are welcome to copy verbatim and use as well.
Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear you are having trouble downloading your pattern!
Here is a link to Etsy information regarding how to download a digital file and where to find it once it is downloaded:
help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115013328108-Downloading-a-Digital-Item
Please let me know if this doesn't work.
Darcy
I feel for you! As someone who is consistently making sales on digital products I get asked every day, and multiple times a day to send the link. I even have people nastily asking me to send their template when they've paid no more than $2 for the template. You'd think they invested hundreds of dollars on their purchase! I've resorted to just sending them the Canva template link to avoid more harassment and annoyance in the messages. I might go the personalization route but I have also noticed less sales from those sellers so I'm apprehensive.
Both Apps the new and the old never allowed digital downloads. This is a policy of Etsy. If the customer doesn't download the file from Etsy and you choose to email them a copy, they can claim a refund and get the file for free if they contest it with Etsy.
Good afternoon everyone :) I have a question about digital files. I have seen a process that when you purchase a digital download and then click on the download, it takes you straight to a link on google drive where the file can be downloaded. Does anyone know how to go about setting that up? I would really appreciate any advice. TIA
this is because, by listing as an instant download, you are telling etsy you will give them the file, to supply as a digital download, so they then have to charge VAT, as a digital service, for supplying the file the person bought.
If you are reading this article, you are probably asking yourself how and where to print the fabulous invitations or the digital print you purchased (or are considering purchasing) from a designer on Etsy.
Hi Oksana!
I want to thank you so much for this post. I purchased a digital download from Etsy today. It was 5 different pages, mostly text with a few graphics. The first 2 printed fine and then all of a sudden my printer would not print the rest.
Hi,
I am just now entering the world of transfers, and I ordered a couple of prints that are digital downloads. How do I print them, and on what kind of paper so that I can transfer them to shirts, pillows, etc with a heat press?
Hi, All I want to do is altered journal books, and collages. I bought a few digital downloads and I want to know do I take them to Staples? I have a color printer but what type of paper do I use? I am new to this so please tell me what is best way.
I sell Vintage Wall Art; the Digital Download comes as a PDF file I upload to my Etsy Listing that the buyer downloads. The PDF file has an imbedded link that takes the buyer to a Google Drive folder that has the (3 to 5 JPEG files). I do this because the files are too large to put in an Etsy Listing. I just had a situation where a buyer purchased a digital download, and the PDF Link took them to a different one of my Google Drive folders. (same series of maps but different folder) They sent a screen shot showing the link took them to a different folder. (State Maps, supposed to go to North Dakota but went to Oklahoma map instead) At first, I thought I must have uploaded the wrong PDF with a different link. I checked the Listing, and it was correct ND. But created a new one anyway just to be sure, tested the old one, it worked, tested the new one and it worked. Uploaded the new PDF w/ link, sent through the Etsy message board and the buyer LOL sends me a message next day it happened again. She sent another screen shot with the folder opening to Montana maps. I double checked the link in the Etsy message, and it opens to North Dakota for me every time. I'm totally stumped.... how can this happen?? And are our Digital Folders on Google Drive even secure? I have over hundreds of folders in my Google Drive linked to Listings. I'm really concerned. Has anyone else had a similar situation? Any suggestions to help prevent this from happening?
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