How to encourage reviews

[Rockstoc]

Hi everyone :-)

I am just wondering if any of you have good ideas how to generate a review here on Etsy. I have only joined since December (a week prior to xmas) and have sold a few items...I think it tallies at 15 but only got 4 reviews. During that time I did get a handful of really positive feedback back to my Fb which is where most of my traffic is generated from but not very many translated back to my shop....

I did try to ask for whether they were able to spend a min just writting it down and have sent it in the parcel to ask them to review, but it seems that it isn't translating very well.

I am also getting repeat business from them?

Could it be that they just want to remain anonymous?

Yvonne

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I know reaching out to people after they purchased on Etsy for a review is a no no since its considered spam.

I usually have an automatic note when an item is purchased and another when it is shipped, and in both I do have a quick blurb saying something along the lines of, "If you really liked your order, please come back and leave a review."

[Former_Member]

I have gotten cards that ask for reviews with some purchases. You might consider that.

Or maybe post on your FB page how grateful you are for all the wonderful reviews on Etsy!

[RedKiteCreations]

4 reviews out of 15 sales sounds pretty standard on Etsy. It took a while before we got our first review, and we thought about the same thing. However, we settled on just letting them happen naturally in time. Sometimes people will write a review months after their purchase! I think some people like to wait and see how a product holds up before writing a review, and others prefer to stay anonymous.

The only advice I can give is to "wow" your customers with your product and service. That's the best way to get reviews. They'll just come naturally, but so far I think you're right on track!

[ProjectObjectVintage]

I made colorful tags that I put in all my orders with a coupon code for 20% their next purchase and just a short note that Etsy feedback is very helpful as I am a new seller. I also have only 12 reviews out of 48 sales, but at least they are good!

[OneFairfaxRoad]

I love getting reviews, but I don't try to get them, it feels a little spammy to me.

I often find there is a lag between when the person received the item and when they leave the review.. maybe a few weeks go by. So you may receive more reviews from your 15 customers.

[Former_Member]

I also post my positive reviews on social media and tell people that if they post theirs they will receive a coupon code

[BirdiesLab]

Hi, Yvonne!

I do ask for reviews, but it's different for me because I provide a service and it's really important for my future potential buyers to find out how I relate to my customers. I don't ask for a review from clients who buy premade logos, but I do ask for one from those who buy custom designs and with whom I have enough time to develop a relationship. None of them were bothered by my request. In fact, all of them said they are eager to do so. :)

I say something like: I would really love it if you left me a review. I hate to ask, but since my business is brand new this would help me a lot.

I hope this helps!

[Rockstoc]

Hi all!

Sorry for taking so long to respond here. But firstly I do want to say thank you and how much I appreciate everyone's comments. What I am happy about I guess is that I'm not the only one in this boat. I just wasn't sure whether it was me, or the shop or whether having small percentage reviews are the norm. I guess I'm just trying to work out how to subtlety put it into words without seeing to be too aggressive or overt in my request. When I do parcel my things out for post, I enclose a card with one line asking if they wouldn't mind providing feedback if they were happy with their purchase. And I guess I do get a bit worried if I don't hear back. Does that mean that they aren't happy? Or do people often take a while to muse about things? Does anyone know how long they have to provide feedback? And if it is less than positive, do we have an opportunity to respond or rectify?

Thanks Yvonne :-)

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Reviews are not mandatory on Etsy, so you won't get them for all of your sales.

Most people shop Etsy once and don't return to leave a review. It is of no importance to them. Some will send you an e-mail or Etsy convo instead, because they cannot be bothered to study Etsy's review system.

You want to remember that no news is good news.
Should the buyer have a complaint, you will definately hear from them!

You don't want to beg for reviews either. Most customers will find that annoying. Also, when a customer has no complaints, but you sort of 'force them' to write a review, you might be unpleasantly surprised, because they will go looking for pro's and con's of the transaction and come up with little negative facts, which they never even thought of in the first place. Again: no news is good news.

Another reason why some people (who DO know about the review system) don't leave reviews is because their username will be clearly visible.
In the past, after years of being asked for this, Etsy hid buyers info. Somehow with the new review system they thought it was a good idea to make the info public again. Not all buyers agree with that.

If you still feel the need to ask for reviews, then at least call them reviews instead of feedback, so customers know where to find them on Etsy.

The answers to your other questions about reviews can easily be found on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/help/article/102

[WilliamsGiftshop]

I like to add this: the best way to 'encourage' customer reviews is by having amazing products of great quality and excellent customer service.
That makes lots of customers want to 'tell the world' about your products and your service.

[Plektra]

I agree with others. When I first opened a shop, I did let them know the option is available as I was very new to this - you have to start somewhere:) After a couple of reviews, I stopped asking. It's best to leave buyers free to act as they wish. They know feedback exists, it's hard to avoid it nowadays as it's everywhere. The minute you write or call a company, they let you know about feedback. I find that too much.

Also, bear in mind that Etsy is sending out reminders to buyers to leave feedback too. I don't know if this is still the case, but that might put people off as you send notifications for shipping as well.

[Former_Member]

I very much agree with BeaG, as a buyer I hate being nagged for feedback. my record so far is to have FOUR messages after one transaction, sounding increasingly desperate each time. it doesn't have the desired result

[JudyStalus]

The best way to generate good reviews is to have excellent products and customer service. Other than that just be patient.

[Rockstoc]

Thanks again....

Lol okay so I'll just wait and see what comes about...wow regarding being asked 4 times for feedback - that is just plain scary...

I'll just have to be patient and wait :-)

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Don't wait! LOL
Work hard instead.

[Rockstoc]

Hahahahaha I'm trying...now I just need to get another sale!