Just weeks after Amazon launched its hand-made products site, the leading name in the space, Etsy, is fighting back with its own new service offering -- same day delivery.
The service is called Etsy ASAP and, for now, it will only serve the local New York area, including Manhattan, parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
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Etsy’s new service is actually the result of a software partnership with Postmates, the app-powered delivery service. Using Postmates' API, Etsy will deliver from a list of more than 5,000 items available from local creators, with three-hour delivery windows that are based on the availability of the seller.
Once an order is made, buyers will be able to track the progress of the order -- from pickup, to transit, to delivery -- all from the Etsy mobile app. The service charge for same-day and next day delivery orders is $20.
“The Etsy ASAP pilot follows the recent launch of the new Etsy Local mobile experience that helps shoppers on-the-go find Etsy items and sellers nearby, at both events or local shops,” said Etsy senior product manager Calia Talmor in a statement on the company's website. “Similar to experiences like those at craft fairs and markets, Etsy ASAP makes it easier for shoppers to discover and support local makers.”
As a pilot program, Etsy ASAP sounds like a great idea, particularly for local sellers, but with Amazon’s massive system now entering the space, Etsy will need to quickly ramp up its ASAP service in other cities.
"In terms of timing, the pilot is planned to run through the holiday season," an Etsy spokesperson told Mashable. "We will assess expansion into other cities following the pilot phase."
Currently, Amazon Prime members have the ability to receive free same-day deliveries in 16 cities, including New York.