Etsy is a popular online marketplace where individuals can buy and sell unique and handmade products. It is a platform that thrives on trust, and one of the most important features that helps build trust among buyers and sellers is reviews. In this article, we will discuss how to add and edit reviews on Etsy and explain why they are so important.
Why Reviews Matter on Etsy
Reviews are a crucial aspect of the Etsy community as they provide valuable feedback and insights into the quality of products and services offered by sellers. They help potential buyers make informed decisions about whether to purchase from a particular shop, and they also serve as a way for sellers to improve their products and customer service.
Positive reviews can help build trust and credibility, leading to increased sales and improved search rankings. On the other hand, negative reviews can harm a seller's reputation and deter potential buyers from making a purchase.
The Five-Star Review System
Etsy uses a five-star review system to rate products and sellers. When leaving a review, buyers can choose to rate the product on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars being the best rating. Here's a breakdown of what each rating means:
1 star: The product was very unsatisfactory and did not meet the buyer's expectations.
2 stars: The product was unsatisfactory and did not meet the buyer's expectations.
3 stars: The product was average and met the buyer's expectations.
4 stars: The product was good and exceeded the buyer's expectations.
5 stars: The product was excellent and far exceeded the buyer's expectations.
The five-star review system is important because it allows buyers to provide feedback on their experience with a seller and their products. It also helps other buyers make informed decisions when considering purchasing from a particular seller. As a seller, receiving positive reviews can help build your reputation and attract more customers.
Why You Should Contact the Seller Before Posting a Bad Review
If you have an issue with a product you received from an Etsy seller, it's important to contact them first to try to resolve the issue before posting a negative review. Here are a few reasons why:
Misunderstandings can happen: Sometimes, issues can arise due to miscommunications or misunderstandings. By reaching out to the seller first, you can clarify any misunderstandings and potentially resolve the issue.
The seller may be able to offer a solution: The seller may be able to offer a solution to the issue that you hadn't considered, such as a replacement or refund.
Resolving the issue benefits both parties: When issues are resolved, both the buyer and seller benefit. The buyer receives the product or solution they were looking for, while the seller avoids a negative review that could harm their reputation and deter future buyers.
By contacting the seller first, you give them the opportunity to make things right before resorting to a negative review. If the seller is unresponsive or unhelpful, then leaving a negative review may be necessary. However, by attempting to resolve the issue first, you can potentially avoid a negative experience altogether.
How to Add a Review on Etsy
Adding a review on Etsy is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Sign in to Etsy.com and go to Your account. On the Etsy app, sign in and tap You.
Go to Purchases and reviews.
Find the item you want to review.
Choose the star rating next to Review this item.
Describe the item and the service you received.
Choose whether to add a photo or video (on the Etsy app) to your review.
Select Submit Review. "
It's important, to be honest, and detailed in your review to provide useful feedback for both the seller and other potential buyers.
Editing Reviews on Etsy
If you have submitted a review on Etsy and wish to make changes, you can do so within 100 days of the original submission date. Here are the steps to follow: On Etsy.com:
Go to Your account, then Purchases and reviews.
Find your order.
Select Edit review.
When you’re finished, select Submit Review.
In Etsy App:
Tap You, then Purchases & Reviews.
Find your order.
Tap Edit review.
When you're finished, tap Submit.
Reviews cannot be edited while a case is open for that order.
If the seller responded to your review, you won't be able to edit the review, even if the seller deletes their response. You can contact Etsy directly if you’d like to remove your original review.
Why can’t I review my order?
If you're unable to find the option to review your order in Purchases and reviews, there could be a few reasons why. Here are some possible explanations:
Guest orders cannot leave a review unless they are added to an Etsy account. If you made a purchase as a guest without signing in to an Etsy account, you will need to claim the order to an Etsy account to leave a review.
The review window is limited to 100 days from the order's estimated delivery date, with the exception of digital items, for which the review window begins once you download your file(s). If the order has an open case, this window will not pause.
The item must have been purchased directly from Etsy.com or the Etsy app to be eligible for a review.
You cannot leave a review if there is an open case on the order. The review can only be submitted once the case is closed.
If the order was canceled, it may take up to 48 hours for the cancellation to process, during which time a review can be left and edited if the order is still within its review eligibility window. However, if the order has been canceled, it is considered voided, and a review cannot be left.
If none of these reasons apply and you're still unable to leave a review, contact Etsy's customer support for assistance.
The Impact of Reviews on Search Rankings
Reviews can also have a significant impact on search rankings on Etsy. The more positive reviews a seller has, the higher their shop is likely to rank in search results. This is because Etsy's search algorithm considers a shop's overall reputation when determining search rankings.
Tips for Writing Effective Reviews on Etsy
When writing a review on Etsy, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure that your feedback is useful and informative for both the seller and other potential buyers. These include:
Be specific: Provide detailed information about the product and your experience with it, including any pros and cons.
Use photos: Including photos in your review can help provide additional context and give potential buyers a better idea of what to expect.
Keep it concise: While it's important to provide detail, try to keep your review brief and to the point.
Be honest: Provide your honest opinion, whether it's positive or negative. This can help other buyers make informed decisions.
Be respectful: Avoid using offensive language or attacking the seller personally, even if you have had a negative experience.
The Importance of Authenticity in Reviews
Authenticity is crucial when it comes to reviews on Etsy. Both buyers and sellers rely on reviews to make informed decisions, and if reviews are not genuine, it can harm the integrity of the platform. Etsy has strict policies in place to ensure that reviews are authentic, and any attempts to manipulate or falsify reviews can result in account suspension or termination.
The Role of Reviews in Building Trust
Reviews play a critical role in building trust among buyers and sellers on Etsy. When potential buyers see positive reviews from satisfied customers, it can help establish credibility and confidence in the seller. Conversely, negative reviews can harm a seller's reputation and deter potential buyers from making a purchase.
The Power of Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is a valuable tool for any business, and this is especially true for Etsy sellers. By listening to feedback from customers, sellers can gain insights into what their customers want and need, which can help them improve their products and services.
Conclusion
Reviews are a critical aspect of the Etsy community, providing valuable feedback and insights into the quality of products and services offered by sellers. By following best practices for managing and responding to reviews, sellers can establish credibility, build trust, and improve their offerings.
