You delivered the product. The customer loved it. You even got a “thank you” message…
But no review.
Sound familiar?
On Etsy, reviews are more than nice-to-haves—they’re fuel for your shop’s visibility and credibility. They build trust with new buyers, boost your search ranking, and often seal the deal when someone’s deciding between your item and a competitor’s.
The problem? Most buyers won’t leave a review unless it’s effortless—or unless you create a moment worth sharing.
This post gives you 9 proven ways to get more Etsy reviews without being pushy or breaking Etsy’s rules. These are strategies that work, especially for small shops that want to grow faster and earn long-term loyalty through real customer experiences.
Let’s get started…
When and How to Ask for Reviews
Timing matters—and so does the way you ask.
Reviews are critical on Etsy, but you need to follow the platform’s rules and keep the experience authentic. Etsy already sends automatic review reminders to buyers a few days after delivery, but you can still do your part to encourage them at the right moment.
When to Ask:
- After delivery is confirmed and your buyer has had time to enjoy the product
- After receiving positive feedback via message (“I love it!” is your cue)
- Within a few days of delivery, but not immediately—give them time to experience the product
How to Ask (the right way):
- Use Etsy’s message system to say a genuine thank you after the sale or delivery
- Keep it short and sincere. Something like:
“Thanks again for your order! I’m so happy you chose my shop. If you have a moment and feel like sharing your experience, reviews really help other shoppers find handmade businesses like mine.”
- Never ask for a “5-star” review or offer discounts or gifts in exchange—it’s against Etsy’s policies and risks your shop’s standing
Pair your thank-you with something helpful—like care instructions or tracking info. It adds value and makes your message feel less like a request and more like great customer service.
When done with sincerity and good timing, asking for a review doesn’t feel pushy—it feels like part of a great buying experience.
9 Proven Ways to Increase Reviews on Your Etsy Store
1. Deliver a Flawless Customer Experience
The best way to earn more reviews on Etsy is to give buyers an experience worth discussing. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews when everything—from product quality to delivery—feels smooth and easy.
Start with what you sell. Make sure your product matches the photos and description. Don’t overpromise. Be clear about sizes, materials, and colors so there are no surprises when it arrives.
Then focus on the buying journey.
- Answer messages quickly
- Ship orders on time
- Add thoughtful touches like thank-you notes or branded packaging
Even small details—like clean wrapping or fast replies—can turn a regular order into a 5-star review.
People review based on how they feel. If their full experience feels easy, respectful, and trustworthy, they’ll be much more likely to write something nice.
2. Send a Thoughtful Thank-You Message
A simple thank-you goes a long way. After a buyer places an order or receives their product, sending a kind and personal message can build an authentic connection and gently encourage them to leave a review.
What to include in your message:
- A warm thank-you for their purchase
- A note that you’re available if they have questions
- A friendly reminder that their review helps your small shop grow
Example: Hi [Name], thank you so much for your order! I truly appreciate your support. If you love your purchase, I’d be grateful if you could take a moment to leave a review. It really helps my small shop grow. Let me know if you need anything!
Keep it short, friendly, and helpful—not salesy or pushy. Most buyers respond well to sincere, polite messages.
If you’re using Etsy messages, send the thank-you after the item is marked as delivered for better timing.
3. Ask for Honest Feedback, Not Just 5 Stars
If you only ask for “5-star reviews,” it can sound fake or forced, and it may even go against Etsy’s guidelines. Instead, ask buyers for honest feedback. It feels more natural and builds trust.
When buyers feel their honest opinions are welcome, they will likely write a review. Many times, satisfied customers need a gentle nudge.
What to say: “Your honest feedback helps me improve and lets other shoppers know what to expect. I’d love to hear what you think.”
Add this message to your thank-you note, packaging insert, or post-delivery follow-up. If you’re messaging outside Etsy, make sure to include a direct link to your Etsy review page.
By inviting honesty, you encourage real, helpful reviews—and if you’ve done your part right, most of the time, those will be positive.
Related Post: How to Get More Reviews on eBay (Seller’s Guide)
4. Encourage Photo Reviews
Photo reviews do more than build trust — they help shoppers see your product in real life, outside of your store images. These reviews feel more genuine and often boost buyer confidence, leading to more sales and even more reviews.
Seeing a product in a real setting helps new buyers imagine it in their own hands. Plus, Etsy highlights listings with strong photo reviews.
How to encourage photo reviews:
- In your thank-you message, politely ask buyers to include a photo if they’re happy with their purchase.
- Use a line like: “We love seeing our products in their new homes — feel free to share a photo in your review!”
- Share examples of past photo reviews on your shop banner or listings to inspire others.
If a buyer posts a great photo review, thank them and ask permission to repost it on your shop’s social media or product images (always credit them).
The more visual proof you collect, the more likely new buyers are to trust you and leave their own reviews in return.
5. Turn Positive Messages into Public Reviews
Sometimes customers send kind messages saying how much they loved your product—but they don’t leave a public review. Don’t let those nice words go to waste.
When a buyer sends a positive message, thank them and gently ask if they’d be open to sharing that feedback as a review on Etsy. Most happy buyers are glad to help—you just have to ask.
Example reply: I’m so glad you loved it! If you have a moment, would you mind sharing this as a review on Etsy? It helps more than you know and supports my small shop.
The customer is already happy. You’re just guiding them to make their message public, where it can build trust and encourage new buyers.
Don’t copy their message as a review yourself. Always ask them to post it in their own words.
6. Include a Handwritten Note or Card
A small, handwritten note adds a personal touch that buyers remember. It shows you care—and often encourages them to leave a kind review.
People love supporting small businesses, and a thoughtful note makes the experience feel human. That extra effort often turns into a 5-star review.
What to write:
- Thank them for their order
- Mention that their review means a lot
- Keep it warm and simple
Example: Thank you so much for your order! I truly appreciate your support. If you have a moment, I’d love if you could leave a review—it really helps my small shop grow!
Use nice stationery or a branded card to leave a good impression.
It takes just a minute, but this small gesture often leads to more reviews and happier customers.
7. Make Review-Worthy Packaging
Great packaging doesn’t just protect your product—it creates a “wow” moment that buyers want to share. If your packaging feels special, customers are more likely to leave a glowing review (and even include a photo).
Unboxing is part of the shopping experience. When it feels thoughtful and polished, buyers remember it—and they talk about it in their reviews.
What to include:
- Clean, neat packaging that fits your brand
- Tissue paper, logo stickers, or a thank-you card
- Optional extras like a small freebie or care instructions
Keep it simple but consistent. Even a low-cost touch can make your shop stand out.
When your packaging feels personal and professional, it becomes part of the story your buyer shares in their review.
8. Use Etsy’s Request Review Automation
Etsy helps sellers by automatically sending a review request email to buyers after their order is marked as delivered. This feature works quietly in the background and is one of the easiest ways to collect reviews.
Most buyers won’t leave a review unless they’re reminded. Etsy’s email reminder feels natural because it comes from the platform itself—not the seller—so buyers are more likely to respond.
How to make the most of it:
- Ship orders on time to avoid delays in the review request
- Make sure delivery info is correct so the reminder goes out promptly
- Pair the automation with a personal touch, like a thank-you message, to boost response
Let buyers know they’ll receive a message from Etsy asking for a review.
Example: You’ll get a quick email from Etsy soon. I’d love to hear your feedback—it really helps my small shop!
This simple step can gently prepare them to leave a review when the time comes.
Also See: 3 Easy Steps to Automate Google Reviews for Your Business
9. Follow Up Politely (Within Etsy’s Guidelines)
Sometimes, buyers need a gentle reminder. A polite follow-up message can increase your chances of getting a review—if done correctly and within Etsy’s rules.
Buyers get busy or forget. A kind message after delivery shows you care about their experience and encourages them to share it through a review.
How to follow up properly:
- Send your message through Etsy Messages
- Wait a few days after delivery before sending it
- Keep your tone friendly, not pushy
- Never ask for a 5-star review—just honest feedback
Example message: Hi [Name], I hope your order arrived safely and you’re happy with it! If you have a moment, I’d truly appreciate it if you could leave a quick review. Your feedback helps my small shop grow and reach more people. Thanks again!
Etsy doesn’t allow review manipulation or pressure. So stay within guidelines by making it optional, respectful, and not tied to rewards.
Done right, follow-ups help turn happy buyers into reviewers—without crossing any lines.
How to Use Reviews to Drive More Sales
Getting reviews is just the first step. If you want those reviews to work harder for your Etsy shop, you need to use them in smart ways that build trust and push new buyers to purchase.
1. Highlight Top Reviews in Product Descriptions
- Pick a short, powerful line from a real review and include it at the top or bottom of your product listing. This gives shoppers instant social proof.
- Example: Exactly as described—my go-to gift shop now!” – Verified Buyer
2. Showcase Photo Reviews in Listing Images
- If a buyer leaves a review with a photo, ask for permission to reuse it in your listing gallery. Real-life images build trust and help buyers picture the product in their own space.
3. Mention Your Review Count in Shop Banner or Profile
- Let shoppers know how many happy customers you’ve had. Example: Over 1,000 5-star reviews and counting!
4. Repost Reviews on Social Media
- Turn great reviews into Instagram or Pinterest posts. This shows your happy customers and builds confidence for followers who haven’t bought yet.
5. Use Reviews to Improve Listings
- Notice repeated praise? Lean into it.
- If buyers love your packaging or shipping speed, mention that in your product copy. It shows you’re listening and sets expectations.
- Keep reviews fresh. More recent reviews = more trust.
By sharing and using your reviews in the right places, you turn them into sales drivers—not just nice words on a page.
Conclusion
Getting more reviews on your Etsy store doesn’t happen by luck—it happens when you create a great customer experience and make it easy for buyers to share their thoughts.
From sending thank-you messages to using Etsy’s built-in review reminders, each of these 9 tips helps you build trust, increase feedback, and grow your shop’s reputation.
Remember, most buyers are happy to leave a review—they just need a gentle nudge. Start with one or two strategies from this list and stay consistent. Over time, you’ll see more reviews, stronger credibility, and more sales.
Want more Etsy growth tips? Stick around—your shop’s success starts with small steps like these.
