Etsy's new Review/Rating system. What are your thoughts?

[Former_Member]

I've just received a newsletter from Etsy saying there's a new system to replace the feedback system.. it will be a star rating and review system, much like Amazon.


What are everyone's thoughts on this? Do you think it will affect sales and small shop owners? Or do you think it will have advantages?


Personally I think it's really daunting... Etsy is changing everything which makes it unique, and is slowly growing more like Ebay and Amazon.


Here's more info of the changes: www.etsy.com/blog/news/2013/5-stars-for-etsys-new-review-system/

[ColourscapePrints]

The feedback system has been one point of contention for many many many years on here and I personally am glad they've changed it over to this new system.

I think it's biggest advantage is actually that it *is* like Amazon/eBay.. customers understand how those systems work already so it'll seem less daunting to them.

I'm hoping they've made it easier to leave feedback, with a bright shiny button that customers can actually see instead of hiding it in one of the menu's. I've lost count over our 2 shops (and the shop I had previously a few years back) how many times I've stepped customers through the hoops to find where they can leave it.

[TwoStylishSisters]

Changes are inevitable. I've been reading a lot of threads about the new changes, and some people are seriously freaking out about it. I feel like it's not that big a deal... but when we all start reading threads and read one person freaking out, we all start to freak out a little. I can't imagine it being such a huge change that it would literally tank someone's once successful businesss... but then again my shop is relatively new here. I try not to get too upset over feedback in general. Some people are going to leave negative feedback no matter how many hoops you jump through for them.

All you can do as a seller is to roll with the punches and adapt, and keep providing excellent customer service. Running a small business is no easy feat, we all wear many hats: designers, photographers, managers, customer service rep, etc... we have enough on our plates to worry about already! Eventually they will replace this system with an even newer, more annoying system, just as soon as we work out the kinks and get used to this one ; ) Just remember... "this too, shall pass."

-Nicole

[Former_Member]

I agree that Etsy should've made the feedback procedure more accessible, but did they really need to change it to a review/rating system on individual products? Personally I think this is bad news for small shop owners.

Amazon works great with this rate/review method because their products are predominantly from established larger companies who mass produce, but Esty listings are mostly hand crafted items from small shop owners. I feel like the changes to become more like Ebay and Amazon will reduce the humble feeling of purchasing authentic hand crafted items, which will mean more critics and harsher reviews/ratings... I dunno, hopefully I'm over reacting.

It will also be hard for small shop owners to show up in the search results when products with more reviews will be on top. It seems like Etsy is moving towards catering for mass production and larger businesses, so I fear for the small guy.