To get reviews on Etsy, deliver the order on time and exactly as shown in the listing, send a short follow-up message around the time the item should arrive to ask whether everything is fine, and remind the buyer how to leave a review. Buyers can rate an order from 1 to 5 stars and add a written review and a photo within 100 days of the delivery date (or the estimated delivery date). Asking for a positive review in exchange for a discount, a gift or money is against Etsy's rules. What increases reviews the most is solving problems through messages before the buyer writes a review.
Source note: The Etsy rules in this article are based on the Etsy Help Center articles on the review system, negative reviews, customer service standards and Star Seller, the Seller Handbook article "How to Get 5-Star Reviews" and Etsy's Shilling, Extortion and Cases policies.
Why do Etsy reviews matter so much?
Reviews are the most visible proof a new shop can offer to win a buyer's trust. On the listing page, the buyer sees both the item's own reviews and the shop's overall rating; reviews with product photos are especially persuasive. Reviews are also measured directly in three places:
- Search ranking: Etsy uses the average review rating as part of its customer and market experience assessment. For how this assessment fits into search, see how the Etsy algorithm works.
- Customer service standards: The minimum standards Etsy expects from every seller consist of message response rate, on-time shipping, average review rating and case rate. Shops that fall below the standards may lose visibility in search.
- Star Seller badge: The badge requires an average rating of at least 4.8 over the last three months.
How does the Etsy review system work?
- The buyer rates the order between 1 and 5 stars and can add a written review and a photo.
- The review window is 100 days from the delivery date or the estimated delivery date. The buyer can edit their review within this period.
- The seller can post only one public response to each review. You have 100 days from the date the buyer last edited the review.
- Once you respond, the buyer can no longer edit the review. This rule is the most important reason not to rush with negative reviews.
- Etsy removes a review only if it violates its policies. A seller disagreeing with it, or the review being negative, is not a reason for removal.
6 ways to get more reviews
1. Give a realistic delivery date
The most common reason for low reviews is an item arriving later than expected. Set your processing time based on the real production time and add the tracking number to the order right away. We explain how in the Etsy shipping settings guide.
2. Make the listing match the delivered item exactly
A "not as pictured" complaint carries both a low rating and a case risk. Clearly show the colors, the size of the print area and the size chart in your photos and description. For Etsy's image rules and a photo set, see Etsy product photos.
3. Send a follow-up message timed with delivery
Etsy's Seller Handbook recommends messaging the buyer around the days the item is expected to arrive to ask whether everything came safely. This message does two jobs: if there is a problem, the buyer tells you before writing a review; if there is none, you remind them in one sentence how to leave a review. Keep the message short, send only one, and do not ask for "5 stars"; simply invite them to share their experience.
4. Use the thank-you coupon
Among Etsy's marketing tools is a thank-you coupon option that automatically emails the buyer a coupon after the order is complete. This coupon encourages repeat purchases; however, you should not present it as "in exchange for a positive review".
5. Reply to messages quickly
Etsy's customer service standard expects you to reply to 80% of first messages in a conversation within 48 hours; for Star Seller the bar is 95% within 24 hours. Auto-replies also count as responses. A fast reply is the easiest way to solve the buyer's problem before it turns into a review.
6. Solve the problem before the review
When a problem such as a misprint, the wrong size or damage in transit is reported, offering a reprint or a refund often prevents both a low rating and a case. Etsy asks the buyer to first contact the seller through the "Help with order" link on the order page; if the issue is not resolved within 48 hours, the buyer can open a case with Etsy.
What is banned: what not to do when asking for Etsy reviews
- Incentives for positive reviews: Etsy's Shilling policy prohibits offering the buyer extra items, services or payment in exchange for a positive review.
- Fake reviews: Having acquaintances buy your own item and write a review, or buying biased reviews by giving people free or heavily discounted items, falls under the same policy.
- Trading a refund for a changed review: Do not make a refund or exchange conditional on the review being changed. Solve the problem; updating the review is the buyer's decision.
These violations can lead to restrictions on the shop; we explain the steps to follow in a restricted shop in Etsy shop suspended: what to do.
How do you reply to a negative review?
- Do not post a public response right away. The moment you respond, the buyer can no longer edit the review.
- Reach out by message first. Etsy also recommends solving the problem through messages first. Say that you understand the problem and offer a concrete solution (a reprint, an exchange or a refund). If the issue is resolved, the buyer may update their review of their own accord.
- If needed, write a short and calm response. Future buyers will read your response. Do not argue; explain in one or two sentences what happened and what solution you offered.
- Report it if it breaks the policy. Use the "Report this review" option under the review.
According to Etsy's help page, the reviews that can be removed are those that contain private information; use obscene, racist or harassing language; violate the anti-discrimination policy; contain prohibited medical claims; are only advertising or spam; are only about matters outside the seller's control (for example, a carrier mentioned by name, or Etsy); contain threats or extortion; or falsely inflate the rating. Etsy's Extortion policy also prohibits a buyer from using a negative review as leverage to get extra items or a refund that were not agreed.
The main reasons for low reviews for print on demand sellers
In print on demand you do not make the item yourself; a production partner prints it. That is why the reasons for low reviews are usually predictable:
- Late delivery: The processing time was set shorter than the production partner's real time.
- Sizing surprise: The listing has no size chart, or it does not match the manufacturer's fit.
- Color and size differences: The mockup does not show the same color and print size as the printed item.
- Print quality: A low-resolution design comes out blurry in print.
Since putting a handwritten note in the package is often not possible in POD, the follow-up message, the thank-you coupon and fast customer service matter even more. With Printmeet you can create your design with AI, remove its background, see it as a mockup on the product, prepare the title and tags for Etsy, send the product to Etsy and track the status of your orders and shipments. Products are printed after an order by our production partners in the USA. For the full process, see how Printmeet works.
The first reviews usually come with the first sales. If your shop is new, the guides how to make your first sale on Etsy and ways to increase Etsy sales are a good start, and for your shop setup see Etsy shop optimization.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get reviews on Etsy?
Deliver the order on time and as shown in the listing, send a short follow-up message around the days the item arrives and gently remind the buyer to leave a review. Solving problems by message before the review is the most effective way to prevent a low rating.
How long does a buyer have to leave a review on Etsy?
The buyer can leave a review within 100 days of the delivery date or the estimated delivery date and can edit it during that period. Once the seller responds to the review, the buyer can no longer edit it.
Can a negative review be removed on Etsy?
Only if it violates Etsy's policies. Reviews containing private information, harassment, spam, extortion or only matters outside the seller's control, such as the carrier, can be reported with "Report this review". Negative reviews that follow the rules are not removed.
Is offering a discount for a review banned?
Offering the buyer extra items, services or payment in exchange for a positive review is banned under Etsy's Shilling policy. Use tools such as the thank-you coupon as a thank-you sent to all buyers, independent of reviews.
Related guide: The badge criteria, the monthly review and the steps to keep the badge: what Etsy Star Seller is and how to become one.