No, Etsy reviews require a completed Etsy order; guests can claim an order to leave feedback within the 100-day window.
Here’s the plain answer: public ratings and written feedback on Etsy are tied to real orders made through an Etsy account. That’s by design, so buyers see verified experiences and sellers get fair signals. If you checked out as a guest, you can still link that order to a new account and post feedback once your review window opens. Below, you’ll see the rules in clear language, step-by-step instructions, timing quirks, and smart alternatives if you didn’t buy.
What Etsy Counts As A Legit Review
Etsy’s system only accepts feedback from the account that owns the order. The review button appears after the estimated delivery date, and the window stays open for a set period. Digital items unlock the window once the file is downloaded. Canceled orders, open cases, and off-platform transactions change the picture. Use the table to spot where you stand.
Eligibility Scenarios At A Glance
| Situation | Can You Post? | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| You bought through your Etsy account | Yes, after the review window opens | Go to Purchases & Reviews and post your rating and comment |
| You checked out as a guest | Yes, once you claim the order | Create/sign in, link the order from your email receipt, then review |
| You never purchased on Etsy | No | Use shop Messages for private feedback or buy to review later |
| The purchase was in person via Square | No | Message the seller or review on the seller’s other channels |
| Your order has an open case | Not until the case closes | Resolve the case; then the option appears |
| You missed the review window | No | Message the shop with feedback or buy again to share a rating |
Why Reviews Require A Purchase
Etsy links feedback to a transaction to keep ratings trustworthy. The platform verifies that you actually bought the item, then opens the rating option at the right time. This approach limits fake posts, balances seller protection with buyer voice, and gives shoppers a fair read on product quality and service.
Leave Feedback Without Buying: Practical Alternatives
If you’re evaluating a shop, or you received a gift from that shop but didn’t place the order, you still have useful options:
- Message the shop with product questions, sizing checks, personalization details, or shipping concerns. Sellers respond through Etsy’s conversation system.
- Share on social and tag the shop if you tried an item gifted by a friend. It won’t show as an Etsy rating, but it helps the maker.
- Ask the original buyer to post a rating through their order. They have the verified path and the review window tied to their account.
How To Post A Review After A Guest Checkout
Guest checkout is fast, but you won’t see the rating option unless you connect that order to an account. Good news: the email receipt makes it quick.
Claim Your Guest Order
- Open the email receipt from Etsy for the purchase.
- Click the order number link in that email.
- Create or sign in to an Etsy account using the same email.
- Once connected, your order appears under Purchases & Reviews.
When the review window opens, you’ll see the option to rate the item, write your comment, and attach a photo or video if supported by your device.
When The Review Window Opens And Closes
The timing hinges on delivery. For physical goods, the option appears after the estimated arrival date or the carrier-confirmed delivery date. For digital downloads, it appears after you download the file. The window then stays open for a fixed span. If a case is open, posting waits until it’s closed.
How Etsy Calculates Estimated Arrival
Etsy uses the shop’s stated processing time plus the carrier’s typical transit time to forecast when a parcel should show up. Sellers can enable estimated dates through shipping settings, and the site recalculates if an order ships early.
Step-By-Step: Posting A Rating And Comment
- Go to your profile and open Purchases & Reviews.
- Find the order and select the star rating.
- Write specific, product-level feedback: material feel, fit, color, packaging, speed, or service.
- Add a photo or short clip (mobile devices support this feature) if it helps other shoppers.
- Submit. You can edit during the active window if you want to clarify details.
Natural Variations Of The Main Question: The Rules Explained
Plenty of shoppers ask versions of the same thing: “leave feedback without buying,” “post a shop rating with no order,” or “comment on a listing I didn’t purchase.” The answer stays the same. Public ratings live behind a purchased-item gate. Claim a guest order to unlock the option, or choose one of the alternatives listed earlier.
Common Roadblocks And Quick Fixes
You Don’t See The Review Button
- Too early: Wait until after the estimated arrival date, or download the file for digital goods.
- Guest checkout: Link the order to your account through the receipt email.
- Open case: Finish the case; the option returns afterward.
- Missed window: The post period has closed; use Messages for private feedback.
Can You Review An Entire Shop?
Ratings attach to purchased items. Your words still appear on the shop’s page under your order’s product, and they roll into the shop’s overall score. To comment on an entire storefront without buying, send a message to the seller or follow on social channels.
Photo And Video Reviews
Shoppers often want to show the item in real life. You can attach images or short clips when leaving feedback, especially on mobile. Keep media clear and relevant: sizing, color accuracy, fit, or how the item arrived. Avoid posting private info like labels with your address.
What If You Bought Outside Etsy?
If a seller took payment in person or through a separate point-of-sale system linked to their shop, that purchase won’t unlock the Etsy review feature. You can still share feedback with the shop owner directly or post on the platform where you paid.
Timing Details You Should Know
Delivery estimates aren’t perfect. Carrier delays, customs checks, and early shipments can shift the timing of your review option. If your button appears earlier or later than expected, look at the estimate shown on your order page first. If that window has passed and you still can’t post, reach out to Etsy support.
Review Etiquette That Helps Buyers And Sellers
- Be specific: Share the details you wish you’d known: exact shade, texture, sizing, assembly steps, or packaging.
- Be fair: Mention what went well and what didn’t. If something’s off, message the seller before posting; many issues get fixed fast.
- Stay factual: Stick to what you received and how the shop handled it. Screenshots help if you’re clarifying timelines.
Review Timing And Triggers
Here’s a simple reference you can skim when you’re ready to post:
| Trigger | When Posting Opens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical item ships | After estimated arrival or carrier-confirmed delivery | Edits allowed during the active window |
| Digital download | After you download the file | Window length is the same; no shipping involved |
| Open case on the order | After the case closes | Posting pauses until resolution |
Keyword Variant: Posting Etsy Feedback Without A Purchase — What’s Allowed
You can’t publish a public rating without an order tied to your account, but you can still evaluate a shop through messaging, social posts, or by asking the original purchaser to rate their experience. If you’re serious about helping other shoppers and supporting makers, the most useful path is to place an order and write a precise, item-level comment backed by photos.
Fast Checklist
- Want to rate? Make sure your order sits in your account.
- Guest checkout? Link the order from the receipt email.
- Physical goods? Wait until the estimated arrival passes.
- Digital items? Download, then post.
- Window closed? Send private feedback to the shop.
Helpful Official References
For the rule details and the exact timing language, check How to leave a review on Etsy and the Buyer Policy. You’ll also find how estimated arrival works in Etsy’s shipping help and why guest orders must be connected before posting feedback.