No, Etsy reviews are limited to verified orders—only buyers who purchased from a shop can rate and comment.
Plenty of shoppers want to share praise or warn others after browsing, messaging a seller, or receiving a gift. Etsy’s rating system doesn’t work that way. Reviews on the site are tied to orders, not browsing sessions or opinions formed from the sidelines.
Leave Feedback On Etsy Shops Without A Purchase: What’s Allowed
Etsy limits star ratings and written comments to buyers with an eligible order on that account. Still, there are legitimate actions non-buyers can take that help a shop or communicate concerns. Use this quick map to see your options.
| Action | Who Can Do It | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Post a star rating and written review on Etsy | Only the account that placed an order | Counts toward the shop’s score and public reviews |
| “Favorite” an item or the shop | Any signed-in user | Saves it to collections; gives small engagement signals |
| Send a message to the seller | Any signed-in user | Opens a private chat to ask questions or flag issues |
| Report a listing or shop | Any signed-in user | Alerts Etsy to potential policy issues for review |
| Share the shop or a listing link | Anyone | Drives traffic from social or blogs; no rating added |
Why Etsy Requires A Purchase For Ratings
Stars and comments influence seller reputation and search placement. To keep that signal clean, Etsy anchors reviews to tracked orders on the platform. That link verifies that the person used checkout, saw the processing time, and experienced delivery. It also lets Etsy open a case if something goes wrong and attach the outcome to the relevant order.
That connection also deters fake praise, retaliatory notes, and spam campaigns across shops.
How Reviews Work After You Buy
Once an order is eligible, the buyer sees a “Review this item” prompt in Purchases. Star ratings run from one to five, and buyers can add a short note. On the mobile apps, photo or video uploads can accompany a review in many categories. Edits are allowed during the review window. The seller can respond once, and that reply appears below the buyer’s note.
When The Review Window Opens
The clock starts after the order reaches its estimated delivery date or confirmed delivery, depending on tracking. For digital items, it opens once the files are downloaded. The window runs for 100 days. Guest checkout buyers need to claim the order into an Etsy account to leave a rating.
What Happens If There’s A Problem
If an issue arises—shipping trouble, item mismatch, or damage—the buyer can message the seller first. If that stalls, a case can be opened from the order page. While a case is open, the site temporarily blocks new reviews on that order. Once the case closes, the review option returns within the same window.
Non-Buyer Scenarios And The Right Next Step
Plenty of edge cases sound like they should qualify for a rating but don’t. Here’s how to handle the common ones without breaking policy or wasting time.
You Received A Gift Purchased On Etsy
You can’t rate through your account because there’s no linked order. The person who placed the order can post feedback from their Purchases page. If you want to help the shop, share photos on social and tag the seller, or message them privately with your thoughts.
You Bought In Person From The Same Seller
A craft fair or market purchase doesn’t unlock a site rating. Etsy’s system can’t match that transaction to a listing. You can still follow the shop, favorite items, and buy through the marketplace later, which will let you post a review tied to that order.
You Purchased As A Guest
Guest checkout skips account linkage, so the system hides the rating tool. Claim the order to your account using the email receipt, then visit Purchases to leave feedback during the open window.
You Want To Warn Others Without Buying
If you see pricing that looks misleading, inconsistent photos, or possible policy issues, use the Report feature on the listing or shop page. That sends the details to Etsy’s review teams. Public star ratings still require a completed order.
How To Share Useful Feedback Without Posting A Star Rating
When you haven’t ordered, you still have channels that help the seller and future shoppers:
- Ask questions in Messages: sizing, materials, processing time, or custom options. Clear answers help you decide and give the seller a chance to refine their listings.
- Save items to a list: that bookmark nudges the algorithm and helps you compare choices later.
- Report policy concerns: counterfeit claims, prohibited items, or inaccurate descriptions can be flagged for review from the listing page.
- Share off-platform feedback: post an honest write-up on your personal blog or social account and link to the listing.
What Buyers Should Know About Timing, Photos, And Edits
Three mechanics drive most review questions: the window, media uploads, and edits. Here’s the short guide.
Timing Details
The review clock opens after estimated arrival or confirmed delivery and runs for 100 days. Missing the window closes the form. If the shipment never arrives, the buyer can open a case and pursue a solution; the window doesn’t pause during that process.
Photos And Video
On many listings, buyers can attach a photo or short clip when posting a rating. Media displays everywhere the review appears, which helps others see scale, color, and finish in real life.
Editing A Review
Buyers can update wording or the star count while the window remains open. Edits replace the prior text rather than stacking duplicate notes. If the seller posts a reply, edits may lock unless the star count is three or fewer.
Seller Tips To Earn More Legit Reviews
Since shop ratings flow only from verified orders, sellers need clean, durable ways to encourage real buyers to share feedback. These tactics stay within policy and improve the odds that happy customers speak up.
Ship On The Timeline You Advertise
Nothing sets up a five-star note like matching the processing and shipping window. Set realistic handling times, add tracking, and turn around proofs fast for custom work.
Package For The Unboxing Moment
Protect fragile items and include a tidy insert that says thanks and shows where to find the review link in Purchases. Keep the card neutral in tone; a simple reminder often beats a pushy pitch.
Use Messages With Tact
A short post-delivery note that checks satisfaction and points to the review button can lift response rates. Avoid incentives that would bias the rating. A universal coupon for all buyers is fine; direct rewards tied to posting a review cross policy lines.
Show Off Buyer Photos
Real-world shots build trust. When customers attach media, feature those images in your listing carousel where permitted or mention them in your shop updates so new shoppers can see authentic results.
Policy Snapshot: What The Rules Say
Etsy’s help center and legal pages lay out three core points that matter for this topic. Use them to guide your next step as a buyer or seller. For the formal wording, check the Buyer Policy.
| Rule Area | What It Means | Practical Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Who can post reviews | Only buyers on the order’s account within the open window | No order on your account = no rating tool |
| When reviews open/close | Opens after estimated or confirmed delivery; runs 100 days | Set a reminder soon after delivery to share feedback |
| Incentives and fairness | Compensation that biases ratings isn’t allowed; one review per item | Use neutral thank-you cards or offers that apply to all buyers |
Step-By-Step: How A Buyer Leaves A Review After Ordering
If you placed an order and want your voice heard, follow this flow. It takes a minute and helps future shoppers make a better call.
- Sign in and open Purchases on desktop or the app.
- Find the item and tap Review this item.
- Select a star rating and write a short, specific comment that covers quality, accuracy, shipping, and service.
- Add a clear photo or video if available.
- Submit. Edit later during the window if something changes.
Smart Ways To Support A Shop Without Posting A Rating
Maybe you’re still deciding, or you love a creator’s vibe after seeing their booth or social feed. Here are positive steps that respect the rules and still help a small brand grow.
- Favorite listings: save what you like so you can check back during sales.
- Follow the shop: new releases and restocks land in your feed.
- Share a link: your post can send qualified traffic that converts later.
- Message kindly: ask about sizing, materials, or timelines to reduce friction before you buy.
- Order a low-cost sample where offered: that small purchase unlocks the review tool and lets you gauge quality up close.
Bottom Line: Ratings Come From Orders, But Your Voice Still Matters
Public scores on Etsy are reserved for buyers on the order’s account during a set window. That keeps ratings anchored in real transactions. If you haven’t purchased, you still have honest ways to help: ask clear questions, save favorites, share links, report policy concerns, or place a small trial order to earn a verified voice. Sellers who ship on time, set expectations, and invite feedback with a light touch tend to see more thoughtful reviews.
For official rules on eligibility, timing, and media, see Etsy’s help and policy pages. The links in this article point to those sources so you can double-check specifics as they evolve.