To write a review on Etsy, go to Purchases & Reviews, pick the order, choose a star rating, add your notes, and submit.
Shoppers rely on clear feedback. Makers do too. If you’ve received a handmade mug, a digital art file, or a custom tee, a short, honest note helps the next buyer and gives the shop practical guidance. This guide walks you through the exact taps and clicks, the timing window, media options, and easy fixes when the review box doesn’t appear.
Fast Steps: Leave A Rating And Comment
- Sign in to your account.
- Open Purchases & Reviews from the account menu.
- Find the order and tap or click Leave a review.
- Pick 1–5 stars.
- Write clear, specific notes. Add a photo or short video if the option shows.
- Press Post.
Review Eligibility And Timing Rules
Reviews sit inside a set window tied to delivery. For parcels with tracking, the box unlocks when the carrier marks the item as delivered. For parcels without tracking, the estimate must pass. For digital items, the clock starts when you download. The window stays open for 100 days.
| Situation | Can You Review? | What Triggers Access |
|---|---|---|
| Physical item with tracking | Yes, during the 100-day window | Carrier marks as Delivered |
| Physical item without tracking | Yes, during the 100-day window | Estimated delivery date passes |
| Digital download | Yes, during the 100-day window | You download the file |
| Guest checkout with no account | No, until you claim the order | Create or sign in and claim the purchase |
| Open case on the order | No, while the case is open | Case resolves |
| Refunded order | Yes | Same 100-day window rules |
Write A Helpful Etsy Review
Short, clear, and fair wins. Aim for two or three tight lines that mention the item, the fit or function, packaging, and shipping speed. Add a photo if the listing color or finish needs proof. Skip private info, order numbers, or personal details.
What Star Ratings Mean
- 5 stars: Item matches the listing, works as expected, smooth delivery.
- 4 stars: Good purchase with a small quirk.
- 3 stars: Mixed experience; item or shipping missed the mark.
- 2 stars: Big gap between listing and reality.
- 1 star: Serious issue; message the shop to seek a fix first.
What To Write
Cover the real-world use. Mention size, color, finish, materials, scent, fit, digital file quality, or print clarity. If the maker went above and beyond, say what they did. If something failed, state the fact and skip sarcasm. Keep photos crisp and bright.
Post Feedback On Etsy: Phone And Desktop Steps
On iPhone Or iPad
- Open the Etsy app and sign in.
- Tap You → Purchases & Reviews.
- Find the order → Leave a review.
- Pick the stars, type your notes, and post.
On Android
- Open the app and sign in.
- Tap You → Purchases & Reviews.
- Select the order → Leave a review.
- Rate, type, add media, post.
On Desktop Browser
- Sign in on Etsy.com.
- Click your profile photo → Purchases & Reviews.
- Choose the order → pick stars → write your notes → Post.
Edit Or Update Your Feedback
You can change the star rating, rewrite the text, and replace photos while the 100-day window is open and before the shop posts a public reply. After a public reply, the edit option closes, so send a message first if you plan a major change.
How To Edit
- Go to Purchases & Reviews.
- Open your posted review and pick Edit review.
- Adjust the stars and text, then save.
Why The Review Box Might Not Show
If you can’t see the review prompt, one of these roadblocks is likely in play. Fix the match and the box should appear.
Common Roadblocks
- No delivery event yet: Tracking has not changed to Delivered, or the estimate has not passed.
- Guest checkout: The order sits outside an account. Claim it or sign up with the same email.
- Open case: Reviews pause while a case is active.
- Wrong order: Reviews are tied to each purchase. Make sure you’re on the right receipt.
- Time window closed: The 100 days ran out.
Shop Replies, Photos, And Videos
Sellers may post a public reply once per review. After they reply, your edit switch turns off. You can attach one photo or a short clip if the option appears; media helps shoppers judge color, scale, and finish.
Ratings Feed Into Shop Scores
Your rating joins the shop’s rolling 12-month average. That average shows on listings and the shop page. Straight facts in your notes help other buyers and give the maker clear signals on packaging, sizing, and craft quality.
When A Problem Needs Action
Start with a calm message to the maker about missing items, late parcels, or quality issues. Many shops fix issues quickly with a replacement, a remake, or a refund. If that stalls, you can open a case from the order page.
Reference Pages For Rules And Timing
For the finer points on the 100-day window, delivery triggers, and photo uploads, read Etsy Help: How to leave a review. For delivery logic that unlocks the review box (tracked, untracked, and digital), see How the review system works for sellers.
Posting A Review On Etsy — Rules And Tips
This section gathers quick checkpoints so you can post feedback with confidence and avoid roadblocks.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Leave a review” not visible | Delivery not logged or estimate not reached | Wait for Delivered scan or the estimate to pass |
| Can’t add a photo | Photo option not enabled for that order | Post your text now; edit later if the option appears |
| Edit button missing | Shop posted a public reply | Send a message to align; edits lock after a reply |
| No review on guest order | Order not linked to an account | Create an account and claim the order |
| Window expired | Over 100 days since delivery or download | Message the shop if you still need help |
Photo And Video Tips That Help Shoppers
Media gives buyers a close look at scale, color, and finish. Shoot in daylight or soft indoor light. Hold the item next to a ruler or common object for size. If color shift is a risk, place a white sheet behind the item. Keep faces, addresses, and screens out of frame.
Good Angles To Capture
- The whole item on a clean surface.
- A tight crop of textures, seams, or engraving.
- Any flaw you mention in the text.
- Packaging if that shaped your rating.
Do’s And Don’ts For Clear Notes
Do
- State what you bought and the variation (size, color, scent, file type).
- Mention how you used it and for how long.
- Point out one thing you loved and one thing that could be better.
- Keep a polite tone, even when you’re upset.
Don’t
- Paste personal info, addresses, or order numbers.
- Attach photos that show private data.
- Use insults or slurs.
- Copy parts of private messages into the review text.
Edge Cases You May See
Posting After A Refund
You can still rate the experience during the window. Many shoppers use this to share how the shop handled the fix. Keep it balanced and stick to facts.
Seller Replies And Removal
Shops can reply once on each review. That reply is public. Removal sits with the platform and only applies in narrow policy cases such as personal data or threats. Most reviews stay up. If the shop replies, your edit switch turns off.
Reviews Without A Purchase
Ratings tie to orders. A review requires a linked purchase inside an account. If you checked out as a guest, create an account with the same email and claim the order so you can post.
Plain Checklist You Can Copy
- Sign in.
- Open Purchases & Reviews.
- Pick the order.
- Choose stars.
- Write two or three clear lines.
- Add media if offered.
- Post.
If You Want To Edit Later
Keep your first pass short. Use the window to update after a few days of use. Add a note on wear, wash, fit, or how a digital file printed. If the shop has replied, edits lock, so send a message for any correction.
Privacy And Safety Notes
Avoid private data in your text and media. Skip phone numbers, emails, order IDs, and street views. If you see a review with threats or personal data, the platform may step in under policy rules. Keep your own notes clean and factual.
Why Honest, Specific Notes Matter
Clear reviews raise trust across the marketplace and help small shops sharpen listings. Details on sizing, finish, packaging, and shipping speed guide the next buyer. Makers read every line; fair facts carry real weight.