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How to Delete a Review on Etsy: A Complete Guide for Sellers

Last Updated on August 25, 2026 by Himanshu Rawat

Getting a negative review on Etsy can be frustrating, especially when you have worked hard to provide a great product and customer experience. However, if you’re an Etsy seller, there is one important thing to know:

You generally cannot delete a review from your Etsy shop yourself.

Etsy controls the review system, and sellers do not have a button that allows them to remove a customer’s review. However, there are legitimate ways to deal with a review, including reporting reviews that violate Etsy’s policies and responding professionally to negative feedback.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to delete a review on Etsy, what sellers can and cannot do, when Etsy may remove a review, and how to handle negative reviews effectively.

Can Etsy Sellers Delete Reviews?

No. Etsy sellers cannot directly delete or remove a buyer’s review from their shop.

If a customer leaves a review that you believe is unfair, inaccurate, or damaging to your business, you cannot simply delete it from your Etsy dashboard.

Instead, you have a few options:

• Check whether the review violates Etsy’s review policies.
• Report the review to Etsy for review.
• Respond publicly to the review.
• Contact the buyer and try to resolve the underlying issue.
• Encourage the buyer to update their review if they choose to do so after the issue is resolved.

It’s important to remember that only Etsy can determine whether a review should be removed for violating its policies.

Which Reviews May Be Removed by Etsy?

Etsy may remove a review if it violates its review policies. However, a negative or unfair review does not automatically qualify for removal. The review must contain content that goes against Etsy’s guidelines.

Reviews may be eligible for removal if they contain:

• Private or personally identifying information.
• Obscene, racist, threatening, or harassing language.
• Content that violates Etsy’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
• Prohibited medical drug claims.
• Advertising or spam unrelated to the transaction.
• A complaint solely about a third party, such as Etsy or a shipping carrier.
• Threats, extortion, or demands connected to the review.
• Shilling or attempts to falsely inflate or damage a shop’s review score.

Keep in mind that a review mentioning a third party does not necessarily qualify for removal. For example, a review about a shipping delay may remain if it also discusses the product or the seller’s service.

If you believe a review violates Etsy’s policies, you can report it to Etsy for review.

Methods to Delete a Review on Etsy

Etsy sellers do not have a direct option to delete customer reviews. However, there are a few ways to manage a review or request its removal, depending on the circumstances. The right approach will depend on whether the review violates Etsy’s policies or whether you need to resolve the issue directly with the buyer.

Here are the main options available to Etsy sellers.

1. How to Report a Review on Etsy 

If you believe a review violates Etsy’s review policies, you can report it to Etsy for review. Etsy may remove reviews that contain prohibited content, but a review will not necessarily be removed simply because it is negative.

Step 1: Sign in to your Etsy account

Go to Etsy and sign in to the account associated with your shop.

Step 2: Open Etsy Shop Manager

Once you’re logged in, select Shop Manager from your Etsy account.

Step 3: Go to your Reviews

From Shop Manager, navigate to the section where you can view your shop’s reviews.

Find the review that you believe violates Etsy’s policies.

Step 4: Find the review you want to report

Locate the specific review you want Etsy to investigate.

Look for the Report the review option associated with the review.

Step 5: Report the review

Select the reporting option and follow Etsy’s instructions.

Explain clearly why you believe the review violates Etsy’s policies. For example, if the review contains inappropriate language, personal information, threats, or content unrelated to the transaction, mention the specific issue.

Step 6: Wait for Etsy to review your report

After you submit your report, Etsy will evaluate the review in accordance with its policies.

If Etsy determines that the review violates its policies, it may be removed. However, reporting a review does not guarantee that Etsy will remove it.

2. How to Respond to a Negative Etsy Review

If a review does not violate Etsy’s policies, you may not be able to have it removed. In that case, you can respond publicly to the review.

A professional response can show potential customers that you take feedback seriously and care about customer service.

Step 1: Sign in to Etsy

Log in to your Etsy seller account.

Step 2: Open Shop Manager

Go to Shop Manager from your Etsy account.

Step 3: Open your Reviews section

Navigate to the section where you can view reviews left by customers.

Step 4: Find the negative review

Scroll through your reviews and locate the review you want to respond to.

Step 5: Select the option to respond

Choose the option that allows you to post a response to the review.

Step 6: Write a professional response

Keep your response short, polite, and helpful. Avoid arguing with the customer or blaming them.

For example:

Hi [Buyer’s Name],

I’m sorry to hear that your order did not meet your expectations. I’d appreciate the opportunity to understand what went wrong and see whether I can help resolve the issue. Please let me know more about the problem, and I’ll do my best to assist.

Thank you,
[Your Name or Shop Name]

Step 7: Publish your response

Review your message carefully before posting it. Once you’re satisfied with your response, publish it.

Tip: If you believe the review violates Etsy’s policies, consider reporting it before posting a public response.

3. How to Contact the Buyer and Resolve the Issue

Sometimes, the best way to deal with a negative review is to address the problem directly with the customer.

If the customer had a genuine issue with their order, resolving it may encourage them to reconsider their review.

Step 1. Sign in to Etsy and open Shop Manager.

Log in to your Etsy account and select Shop Manager.

Step 2. Go to Orders.

Select Orders and find the order connected to the buyer’s review.

Step 3. Open Etsy Messages.

Click the mail icon to contact the buyer and open your conversation with the buyer.

Step 4. Acknowledge the concern.

Respond politely and show that you understand the buyer’s issue. Avoid arguing or becoming defensive.

Step 5. Ask for details if needed.

If the problem is unclear, ask the buyer for additional information, such as photos or specific details about the issue.

Step 6. Offer a reasonable solution.

Depending on the situation, you may offer a replacement, correction, refund, or another appropriate resolution.

Step 7. Keep communication on Etsy.

Use Etsy Messages so there is a record of your conversation and any resolution you offer.

Step 8. Keep relevant evidence.

Save order details, photos, tracking information, and previous messages in case you need to provide them to Etsy.

If the buyer has opened an Etsy case, communicate through the case page instead. Go to Shop Manager → Help → Cases, open the applicable case ID, and use the Add Your Comment box. You can also attach screenshots or photos directly to the case.

Important: Do not pressure or threaten a buyer to change or remove their review. You should also avoid offering compensation specifically in exchange for changing a review.

4. How to Ask a Buyer to Update Their Review

If you have successfully resolved the customer’s problem, the buyer may have the ability to update their review, depending on Etsy’s current review rules and the review’s eligibility.

The key is to make the request politely and without pressure.

Step 1: Resolve the customer’s problem

First, make sure the underlying issue has actually been addressed.

Step 2: Contact the customer

Send the buyer a polite message thanking them for allowing you to resolve the issue.

Step 3: Let the buyer know they can update their review

You can mention that if they feel their experience has changed after the issue was resolved, they may update their review if Etsy allows them to do so.

For example:

“We’re glad we were able to resolve the issue for you. If you feel that the resolution has changed your experience with your order, you’re welcome to update your review if you’d like. We appreciate your feedback and your time.”

The decision should always remain with the buyer.

What If the Buyer Leaves a Review About Something the Seller Couldn’t Control?

Sometimes buyers leave negative reviews about issues such as shipping delays or circumstances outside the seller’s control.

Before reporting the review, check whether it actually violates Etsy’s review policies.

A review being frustrating, inaccurate, or unfair from the seller’s perspective does not automatically mean Etsy will remove it.

If the review is allowed under Etsy’s policies, consider leaving a calm public response that provides helpful context for future shoppers.

What Sellers Should NOT Do

When handling negative Etsy reviews, avoid actions that could be considered review manipulation or harassment.

Don’t:

• Create fake reviews for your own shop or use fake accounts to improve your rating.
• Ask friends or family for misleading reviews if they have not genuinely purchased from your shop.
• Offer compensation for a positive review. Do not offer refunds, discounts, or free products in exchange for changing feedback.
• Threaten or pressure a customer because they left a negative review.
• Harass or repeatedly contact a buyer about their feedback.
• Create multiple accounts to manipulate your shop’s rating.
• Ask customers to remove truthful negative feedback simply because you disagree with it.

Instead, focus on resolving the customer’s concern professionally and use genuine feedback to improve your products and customer service.

Tips to Prevent Negative Reviews on Etsy

While you can’t prevent every negative review, taking a few simple steps can reduce misunderstandings and improve the overall customer experience.

Write Clear Product Descriptions

Make sure your listing provides accurate and complete information about:

• Product size and dimensions
• Materials and colors
• Quantity
• Variations
• Processing and shipping times
• Customization options

Clear descriptions help customers know exactly what to expect before placing an order.

Use High-Quality Product Photos

Use clear, accurate photos that show the product from different angles. If certain details such as size, color, or texture may not be obvious from the images, include additional photos or explain them in the description.

Set Realistic Expectations

Be honest about processing times, shipping estimates, product features, and what customers can expect. Avoid making promises you may not be able to keep. It’s also helpful to clearly communicate your return and refund terms.
For more guidance, check out our guide to the Etsy return policy. 

Communicate With Customers

If an order is delayed or there is an issue, contact the customer as soon as possible. A quick and helpful update can often prevent frustration and allow you to resolve the problem before it leads to a negative review.

Provide Good Customer Service

Respond to customer questions politely and try to resolve issues fairly. While good customer service cannot eliminate every negative review, it can help create a better shopping experience and reduce the likelihood of avoidable complaints.

Note: If you’re looking to build a strong review strategy for your Etsy shop, learn more in our guide on how to ask for reviews on Etsy and encourage happy customers to share their experience. 

Final Thoughts

A negative Etsy review can be disappointing, but sellers don’t have a direct option to delete buyer reviews.

The best approach is to determine whether the review violates Etsy’s policies. If it does, report it to Etsy and provide the relevant details. If it doesn’t, focus on resolving the customer’s concerns and responding professionally.

Over time, consistently providing accurate listings, quality products, reliable shipping, and excellent customer service can help you build more positive reviews and strengthen your Etsy shop’s reputation.

Remember: You may not be able to control every review, but you can control how you respond to it and the experience you provide to your customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I delete a negative review from my Etsy shop?

No. Sellers generally cannot directly delete buyer reviews. You can report a review if you believe it violates Etsy’s policies.

2. Can Etsy remove a bad review?

Potentially, but only if the review violates Etsy’s applicable policies. Etsy does not remove reviews simply because they are negative.

3. Can I ask a buyer to change their review?

You can work with the buyer to resolve their issue, but you should not pressure, threaten, or incentivize them to change their review.

4. Can I offer a refund for a negative review?

If a customer has a legitimate issue with their order, you can resolve the issue according to your shop policies and Etsy’s rules. However, you should not make a refund or other compensation conditional on the customer changing or removing their review.

5. What should I do if I receive an unfair review?

First, determine whether it violates Etsy’s policies. If it does, report it to Etsy. If it doesn’t, consider responding professionally and focus on providing context for future shoppers.