You can’t post feedback on Etsy when your order isn’t eligible—outside the 100-day window, guest checkout, file not downloaded, or a case is open.
Staring at a missing or greyed-out review box can be confusing. This guide breaks down the rules that control when reviews open, the common blockers that hide the button, and the exact steps that get you to the star rating screen without hassle.
Reasons You Can’t Post An Etsy Review: Quick Checks
Run through these fast checks. In most cases, one item on this list explains the roadblock and the fix.
| Issue | What It Means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 100-day window passed | The review period ended | Reviews run for 100 days from the delivery or estimated date; once closed, feedback isn’t possible |
| Guest checkout | Purchase isn’t tied to an account | Create or sign in, then connect the order to your account to enable reviews |
| Digital file not downloaded | Digital orders need one download to unlock reviews | Download from a desktop browser; the app doesn’t fetch digital files |
| Open case on the order | Escalated disputes hide the review tool | Wait until the case closes; the option returns if the order remains active |
| Review start date not reached | For shipped goods, the clock starts on the estimated arrival date | Check Purchases and reviews for the exact open date |
| Multiple shipments | The last package sets the timer | Reviews open after the latest estimated delivery date |
| Private/custom listing | Edge cases can hide public actions | If the button never appears within the window, contact support |
| Temporary bug | A known glitch blocks the button | Try desktop web, clear cache, or wait for an official fix |
How The Time Window Works
Etsy uses a strict review clock. For shipped items, the countdown starts on the estimated delivery date shown on your order. If an order ships in parts, the later estimate controls the start. For a digital purchase, the clock starts after you download the file for the first time. The window lasts 100 days and doesn’t pause during a dispute.
To see your personal timeline, sign in and open your Purchases and reviews page. You’ll see the line that tells you when you can post feedback or report an issue.
Timing Scenarios That Trip People Up
- Untracked shipping: the review box appears after the listed arrival date, not the ship date.
- Split orders: the last scheduled arrival date controls the start of the 100-day clock.
- Full refund after a case: once a case closes with a full refund, the option to rate can be gone for that transaction.
Guest Checkout And Missing Review Button
Buying without an account is handy, but that choice hides the review option because ratings tie to accounts. The fix is quick: create an account and connect the guest order to it. Use the same email you used during checkout so the system can match the purchase.
Step-By-Step: Link A Guest Order
- Create an Etsy account or sign in.
- Open the order confirmation email from your guest purchase.
- Follow the “Create an account” link in that email to claim the order.
- Once it shows under Purchases and reviews, wait for the open date if the timer hasn’t started yet.
Digital Download Rules That Block Reviews
Digital goods add one extra step. You must download the file at least once before the review box opens. Also, the mobile app doesn’t download digital files. Use a desktop browser to pull your files and trigger the review clock.
Where To Find Your Files
On desktop web, go to Purchases and reviews and click “Download files.” After the first download, the review option becomes available once the 100-day timer begins.
Cases, Refunds, And Review Access
When you open a case and escalate it, the review tool vanishes for that order until the case closes. If the case ends with a full refund, the ability to post feedback usually stays off for that transaction. If the case closes and the order remains active, the button can reappear for the rest of the 100-day window.
Desktop Vs. App: Why The Button May Not Show
Many shoppers only use the app. That can hide options tied to digital files and active cases. If you can’t find the review tool in the app, switch to a desktop browser and check again. Clear cookies, try a different browser, and sign out/sign in if it still doesn’t appear.
Exact Steps To Post A Review Once Eligible
- Sign in on Etsy.com.
- Open Your account → Purchases and reviews.
- Find the item and choose the star rating next to “Review this item.”
- Write clear comments about quality, match to the listing, shipping, and service; add a photo or video if you like.
- Submit. You can edit the text during the edit window Etsy provides.
Why Your Review Helps Other Shoppers
Fresh feedback gives future buyers a clearer picture of sizing, materials, packaging, and service. Photos and short clips show real-world detail that listings can miss. Keep it straightforward and fair. Rate the item and service you received, not issues outside the seller’s control like carrier delays or customs holds.
Write A Clear, Useful Review
- Start with facts: mention workmanship, accuracy vs. photos, and whether the item matches the description.
- Call out sizing: share your measurements or the size you ordered and how it fits.
- Note shipping: include the stated time frame vs. actual arrival.
- Add media: photos or short video clips help others gauge color and scale.
- Edit once: if the seller fixes a problem, adjust your text during the edit window.
Where The Official Rules Live
For the full policy language, check the help pages that explain the review window, digital downloads, cases, and guest order linking. Those pages outline the 100-day clock, the desktop-only download step for digital files, and the process to attach a guest purchase to an account so the review tool appears.
Helpful references: Etsy Help: How to leave a review and How to connect a guest order.
Fix-It Flow: From “No Button” To Posted Review
Step 1: Check The Date
Open your order details and look for the message that shows the review open date. If that date hasn’t arrived yet, set a reminder. If it’s passed, confirm the 100-day window hasn’t ended.
Step 2: Confirm You’re Logged Into The Right Account
Make sure the order appears under the account you’re using. If you paid as a guest, reclaim the order through the link in your email so it shows in Purchases and reviews.
Step 3: Download Digital Files On Desktop
For instant files, sign in on a desktop browser and click “Download files.” That single action triggers the review clock for digital orders.
Step 4: Close Any Active Case
If a dispute is open, reviews stay hidden. Once the case closes and the order remains active, the review tool should return for the remainder of the window.
Step 5: Try Desktop Web If The App Won’t Show It
The app can lag behind web on some review actions. If the button is missing in the app, switch to desktop web, clear cache, and try again.
Edge Situations And Practical Answers
- Before delivery: no feedback yet. For shipped goods, the tool opens on the estimated arrival date.
- No tracking updates: the open date still keys off the estimate, not the scan history.
- Late package with split shipping: the last scheduled date controls the timer for the whole order.
- Partial refund: the tool can remain available; a full refund tied to a closed case can remove it.
- Payment method: Apple Pay, PayPal, or card doesn’t change review rules.
- Custom or private listing: if the button never appears inside the window, send screenshots to support.
Second Look: Timeline Cheat Sheet
Use this table to gauge when feedback opens and closes for typical orders.
| Order Type | When Reviews Open | When Reviews Close |
|---|---|---|
| Single shipped item | On the estimated delivery date | 100 days after the open date |
| Multiple shipments | On the latest estimated delivery date | 100 days after that date |
| Digital download | After the first download on desktop web | 100 days after that first download |
| Order with an open case | After the case closes (if access returns) | End of the 100-day window |
| Guest order linked to account | Once the order attaches to your account and reaches its open date | End of the 100-day window |
What To Do If It’s Likely A Bug
Now and then, a site issue blocks reviews for eligible orders. To rule that out, check from desktop web, try a different browser, and look at recent threads in seller forums that call out review outages. When it looks widespread, it’s best to wait for a fix. If it seems unique to your account, contact support with your order number, the device and browser you used, and a screenshot of the Purchases and reviews page.
Wrap-Up: A Simple Checklist
- Confirm the open date and make sure the 100-day window is still live.
- Use a signed-in account; link any guest order to your account.
- For digital items, download once from desktop web.
- Close any active case and retry on desktop.
- If all else fails, gather screenshots and contact support.