Reviews are GOLD on Etsy. They build trust, help buyers make decisions, and can seriously boost your shop's visibility on the search algorithm.
But when you're just starting out, getting those first reviews can feel like a huge hurdle.
It might be tempting to find "shortcuts", but there's one you definitely want to avoid: shilling.
In this article, let's break down what it is, why it's risky, and how you CAN ethically encourage those all-important reviews, especially from friends and family.
Let's get started.
What Exactly is Etsy Shilling?
Shilling is creating fake, dishonest reviews to inflate an Etsy shop's review score to mislead other buyers.
This could look like:
- Creating fake accounts to buy and review your own products.
- Having friends or family buy items only so they can leave a positive review (especially if you pay them back or tell them exactly what to say).
- Getting reviews from people who haven't actually received or used your product.
- Basically, any activity designed to make your shop look better through dishonest means.
(Quick note: This is different from 'review extortion', which is when a buyer tries to unfairly pressure you using the threat of a bad review).
Why is Shilling a Big No-No on Etsy?
Etsy takes shilling seriously because it breaks the trust between buyers and sellers – and trust is important in online shopping. It violates their policies on Fair Dealing and Transparency.
Engaging in shilling can lead to consequences like:
- Warnings from Etsy
- Listings being removed
- Your shop being suspended (yikes!)
It's just not worth the risk to your Etsy business.
The Million-Dollar Question: Can Friends & Family Leave Reviews?
This is where things can feel a bit grey, but let's clear it up. There's a big difference between genuine support and shilling.
What's Generally OKAY
- Your friend genuinely loves your product.
- They go to your Etsy shop, purchase it like any other customer (paying the listed price or using a discount code you've made publicly available).
- They actually use the product.
- Later, if they choose, they leave an honest review based on their real experience.
What's NOT Okay (This is Shilling)
- You ask your cousin, "Hey, can you buy my cheapest item so you can leave a 5-star review? I need to boost my rating. I'll send you the money back."
- You tell your friend, "Please buy this and make sure to mention how good this feature is in your 5-star review."
- Someone leaves a review without ever actually receiving the item.
The key is genuine intent and an honest transaction. Did they buy it because they wanted it? Is their review truthful about their experience? If yes, it's going to be fine, even if it's from your friends or family members. But if the main goal was just to manipulate your shop's rating, it's likely shilling.
Legit Ways to Get Your First (and Future!) Reviews
Okay, so how can you encourage those important reviews ethically for your Etsy shop?
- Product & Service First: Offer amazing products that match your descriptions. Provide friendly, helpful, and prompt customer service. Happy customers are way more likely to leave positive reviews without even being asked.
- Subtle Nudges:
- Include a small, nicely designed thank-you note in your packaging (for physical items) that mentions you appreciate feedback on Etsy.
- For digital items, your thank-you/download instruction PDF could include a similar polite line.
- Polite Follow-Up (Use Sparingly): A few days after tracking shows delivery (or after a reasonable time for digital downloads), you can send one brief, polite message via Etsy Convos. Something like: "Hi [Buyer Name], just wanted to check in and make sure your order arrived okay and you're happy with everything. Thanks again for supporting my shop!"
- Avoid: Sounding demanding, asking specifically for a 5-star review, or offering anything in exchange for a review (that's also against Etsy rules!).
- Make it Easy: Ensure your buying process is smooth, descriptions are clear, and products are high quality. Remove any friction that might annoy a customer.
- Run Real Sales: Attract genuine buyers with legitimate promotions or participation in Etsy-wide sales events. More real buyers = more potential for real reviews.
- Be Patient: Building a strong reputation based on real experiences takes time. Focus on consistent quality and service.
