Etsy urges its shop owners to stand with the USPS

Etsy is asking its sellers to voice their support for the United States Postal Service, since the vast majority of its users rely on it to ship orders.

The online marketplace has launched a campaign urging its sellers to ask their local representatives to support the Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act, a Senate bill that would appropriate up to $25 billion to the Postal Service to make up for lost revenue and operational costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would also grant immediate access to a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Treasury that was approved by Congress in April.

Thousands of Etsy sellers rely on the USPS to ship order to consumers. According to the site, 90 percent of U.S. sellers use the USPS, and for many in rural areas, it's the only shipping option available.

"A global pandemic is not the time to make extreme cost cuts, reduce service, and raise postal rates for millions of Americans who are already suffering through the greatest economic downturn of our lifetime," the campaign's pre-written letter template reads. "Given the essential role USPS plays in the livelihoods of small and microbusinesses, I strongly support the Postal Service Emergency Assistance Act (S.4174), which would not only ensure this crucial service survives COVID-19, but would help to drive its long-term financial stability."

This is not the first time Etsy has encouraged its sellers to be politically active. Etsy Advocacy also sponsors campaigns regarding net neutrality, international trade laws, and tax compliance for small businesses. If you want to read about other ways to support the USPS, Mashable has a helpful guide.