Wondering how to leave a review on Etsy? Whether you're thrilled with your order or want to leave a word of caution to others, reviews are a powerful way to share your experience and support small businesses.
Leaving a review on Etsy is simple, but certain steps must be followed depending on how you checked out, what you purchased, and whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how leaving a review on Etsy works, including how to leave a photo review.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to leave your feedback confidently.
Reviews on Etsy do more than just share your shopping experience; they shape the marketplace.
Every review you leave becomes part of a larger ecosystem that influences search rankings, newsfeeds, seller scores, shop reputations, and buyer trust. Etsy is a community-driven marketplace, and customer reviews are one of the most powerful tools buyers and sellers have to communicate with one another.
5-star Etsy reviews with photos from Four Limes Shop on Etsy
When you leave a review, you’re not just giving feedback to a seller, you’re also helping future buyers make informed decisions. And for sellers, each positive review builds credibility, improves visibility in Etsy search results, and drives more traffic and sales.
In short: your words carry weight, and even a short, thoughtful review can have a big impact on someone’s small business. ❤️
Go to etsy.com or open the Etsy app and log in using the account you used to place the order.
Scroll through your purchases to locate the item you want to review. If the estimated delivery date has passed, you’ll see an option to “Leave a Review.”
Rate the item from 1 to 5 stars and write about your experience. You can comment on:
If you want to leave a photo review, click the camera icon or “Add a photo” to upload an image. Etsy allows up to five photos per review. This helps future buyers see what the item looks like in real life.
That’s all! Your review will be published, and the seller will have an opportunity to respond publicly.
💡Tip: These steps apply to buyers who used an Etsy account to place their order. If you checked out as a guest (without creating an account), you cannot leave a review.
Yes, Etsy allows buyers to edit their reviews, but only under specific conditions.
You can only edit your review if the seller has not yet responded to your original review and if you have not opened a case about the order.
If the seller replies, your review becomes locked and cannot be changed. This is to protect both parties and maintain transparency.
3. Adjust your rating, update your text, and re-upload any photos if needed
Learn about Etsy in the article How to Sell on Etsy: The Guide to Setup, Initial Steps, & Growth.
Writing a helpful Etsy review isn’t just about rating stars; it’s about sharing thoughtful, constructive feedback that helps both the seller and future buyers. Here are a few tips to make your review clear, impactful, and valuable.
Share specifics! A detailed review is more helpful than just “Love it!” Tell shoppers why you loved it or what could have been better. You might mention:
When shoppers wonder how to leave a photo review on Etsy, the answer is simple: just upload them with your text review. Photos go a long way in showing the true product (size and color), and how it looks styled or worn.
Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Even if you had a less-than-perfect experience, remember that many Etsy sellers are individuals or small teams. You can be honest without being harsh. For example:
“Shipping took longer than expected, but the seller communicated clearly.”
“The color was slightly different than shown, but still beautiful.”
Respectful reviews are more likely to be helpful and read.
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You can leave a review on Etsy starting from the estimated delivery date of your order. From that point, you’ll have 100 calendar days to submit a review.
Note that if you cancel an order, you cannot leave a review. Similarly, if you checked out as a guest, you won’t see the “Leave a Review” option.
💡Tip: If you're not ready yet, set a reminder! Reviews can make a big difference for small businesses.
Etsy uses a 5-star rating system for all reviews, with 5 stars being excellent and 1 star being poor.
Your star rating contributes to the seller’s average shop rating, which appears publicly on their storefront and can influence future buyer decisions. A high average helps sellers appear higher in Etsy’s search results.
Etsy storefront badges Four Limes Shop on Etsy
Shops with an average rating review of 4.8 stars or higher qualify for the Etsy Rave Reviews badge and the Etsy Star Seller Program.
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, an item arrives late, gets damaged in transit, or doesn’t match the description.
If you’re disappointed with your purchase, you may be wondering how to leave a negative review on Etsy. But before clicking that 1-star rating, here’s what to consider:
Many Etsy shops are run by individual sellers who truly care about customer satisfaction. If there’s an issue with your order, it’s best to message the seller first.
Most sellers are happy to offer a resolution, whether it’s a replacement, refund, or clarification. Allowing them to make it right often resolves the issue faster and more pleasantly than leaving a public negative review right away.
If you’re unable to resolve the issue with the seller directly, you can:
To open a case, go to “Purchases and Reviews” on the app or website, select the order, click “Help with Order,” and select “Open a case.”
💡Tip: You cannot open a case on Etsy if you have not first messaged the seller to request resolution.
Negative reviews can significantly hurt a small business. Etsy sellers rely on strong ratings to appear in search results, earn buyer trust, and maintain their shop’s health.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid leaving honest feedback, but keep in mind that your review has real consequences. If the seller is responsive and willing to help, working things out privately may be the better route.
🧠Remember: If you do leave a negative review, it is not anonymous, and the seller will publicly respond. Their reply will appear directly under your review.
Whether you’re sharing a five-star rave or providing helpful feedback, your Etsy review has a powerful impact. It supports small businesses, builds buyer confidence, and improves marketplace trust. So now that you know how to leave a review on Etsy, don’t hold back; your voice matters!
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No. You must have an Etsy account to leave a review. If you checked out as a guest, you won’t be able to review your order unless you create an account and claim your purchase using the confirmation email sent by Etsy.
There are several reasons why you might not see the option to leave a review:
Yes! You can review digital downloads just like physical items. Once the estimated delivery date has passed and the file has been downloaded, you’ll be able to leave a review through your "Purchases and Reviews" section.
Etsy generally does not remove reviews unless they violate community guidelines. Reviews may be removed if they include harassment, hate speech, private information, false claims, or spam. Honest but negative reviews are allowed as long as they meet Etsy’s content policies.
To leave a photo review, follow the normal review process. When prompted to write your review, click the camera icon or “Add a photo” to upload up to five images. Photo reviews are highly encouraged, as they provide visual confirmation and help other buyers make informed decisions.