Table Of Content
Why Etsy Reviews Matter More Than You Think
Etsy is built on trust. Reviews are often the first thing potential buyers check before purchasing from your shop. A few negative reviews—especially if misleading, fake, or exaggerated—can significantly damage your sales and reputation.
Etsy sellers frequently ask:
- Can I remove a bad Etsy review?
- What if the review is unfair or violates Etsy’s policies?
- What tools exist to suppress or manage these reviews?
This guide explains everything in clear, actionable steps, while also exploring advanced strategies to manage your Etsy reputation long-term.
Etsy’s Review Policy: What You Can and Can’t Remove
Etsy values transparency, so reviews are rarely removed unless they violate platform guidelines. According to Etsy’s Review Policy, a review may be eligible for removal if it involves:
- Harassment or threats
- Hate speech or discriminatory language
- Irrelevant content (not related to a transaction)
- Privacy violations
- Extortion or manipulation (e.g., asking for refunds to remove bad reviews)
- Inappropriate images or links
- False claims about shipping if tracking shows otherwise
🛑 Etsy will not remove a review just because it’s negative or hurts your feelings.
Additional Reasons Etsy Might Remove Reviews
- Reviews involving counterfeit claims without proof
- Content that violates local laws
- Impersonation or identity fraud
- Multiple reviews from the same IP address targeting your shop
If your situation meets any of these criteria, your odds of removal increase significantly.
Steps to Remove a Bad Review from Etsy
1. Check If the Review Violates Etsy’s Rules
Carefully read the review and identify if it violates any portion of Etsy’s policies. If it contains profanity, personal information, false information, or appears to be retaliatory, you have a strong case.
2. Gather Evidence
If you’re disputing a review, collect:
- Order number
- Screenshots of communication
- Proof of shipment and delivery
- Photos or timestamps (if the buyer misrepresents the item or delivery time)
- Any other evidence that supports your case
3. Contact Etsy Support
Go to Etsy’s Help Center and navigate to the Contact Etsy Support page. Submit a ticket, explaining your issue clearly. Include:
- A link to the review
- Your shop name
- Order number
- Specific policy violation
- Attached proof
🎯 Tip: Remain calm, factual, and professional in your message.
4. Follow Up Politely
If you don’t hear back within 72 hours, follow up through the support dashboard. Be persistent—but courteous. Repeat messages that reinforce your evidence-based argument.
5. Respond to the Review Publicly
If Etsy refuses to remove the review, write a calm and concise public response. Your goal is not to argue but to demonstrate professionalism:
“We’re sorry the experience didn’t meet your expectations. Our records show the package was delivered on time. Please reach out so we can make this right.”
This builds trust with potential buyers and shows you’re responsive.
What If the Review Is From a Competitor or Fake Buyer?
Fake reviews happen. Sometimes, unethical competitors may leave defamatory comments to sabotage your ratings. Etsy is aware of this, but proving bad intent is crucial.
Indicators of a Fake or Malicious Review:
- Reviewer has no history of actual purchases
- They posted several reviews in quick succession
- They use aggressive or extremely vague language
- They fail to mention actual product details
If you believe the review is fraudulent:
- Flag it immediately
- Provide all evidence, including prior communication (or lack thereof)
- Ask Etsy to investigate the account’s behavior across the platform
Legal Options for Defamatory Etsy Reviews
Some reviews go beyond bad feedback—they defame your character or business reputation.
You may have a case if:
- The review contains outright lies with proof to the contrary
- The reviewer never made a purchase
- The review uses defamatory language that damages your brand
While Etsy won’t mediate legal disputes, you may:
- Issue a cease-and-desist letter
- Hire a reputation management firm for non-legal suppression
- File a libel claim if applicable under your state’s defamation laws
🧩 Need assistance? Defamation Defenders can help you explore non-legal and legal options to manage Etsy review attacks.
Proactive Steps to Prevent Bad Reviews on Etsy
✅ Set Clear Expectations
List detailed product specs, sizes, shipping timelines, and return policies. Misunderstandings often lead to negative reviews.
✅ Communicate Proactively
Message buyers after delivery to confirm they’re satisfied. Happy buyers are less likely to leave poor feedback.
✅ Resolve Disputes Quickly
Even if a buyer is being unreasonable, responding promptly with empathy can often defuse situations before reviews are posted.
✅ Request a Review Change
If you’ve resolved an issue, buyers have 60 days from the review date to edit their rating. Kindly ask them to reconsider if satisfied.
✅ Use Etsy’s Star Seller Metrics to Your Advantage
Good response times and consistent delivery records help showcase your credibility. Etsy promotes high-performing sellers more visibly.
Long-Term Reputation Management for Etsy Shops
Reputation is everything. Here are long-term strategies for improving and protecting your store’s standing:
🧰 Leverage Positive Reviews
Use Canva or other tools to design social media graphics from happy customer testimonials.
📈 Invest in SEO
Ensure your shop pages and listings rank highly in search. This can bury negative reviews under more recent, positive feedback.
🔍 Monitor Mentions Outside Etsy
Use Google Alerts or brand monitoring tools to catch reviews or blog mentions outside Etsy.
📦 Add Personal Touches
Handwritten thank-you notes, special packaging, or unexpected freebies go a long way in turning a transaction into a five-star experience.
How Defamation Defenders Can Help
As a reputation management firm, Defamation Defenders specializes in:
- Suppressing or removing harmful reviews through outreach and platform strategies
- SEO tactics that push bad content lower in search results
- Monitoring tools to alert you to new negative content
- Legal guidance if the review crosses into libel or harassment
👉 Request a free consultation to learn how we can clean up your Etsy store’s reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Reviews can only be removed if they violate Etsy’s policies.
Responses typically arrive within 24–72 hours.
If the review was left without a purchase or under a fake identity, Etsy may remove it after an investigation.
Yes. A polite, professional response shows potential buyers that you care about customer satisfaction.
Yes. We offer removal assistance, suppression strategies, and legal connections.
Unlikely, but avoid defamation in your response. Stick to facts.
No, reporting reviews is free and part of Etsy’s customer support services.
Related Contents:
