• Etsy

Etsy

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Overview

Etsy has a rating of 1.8 stars from 1,555 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Etsy most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and phone number problems. Etsy ranks 717th among Marketplace sites.

Is Etsy legit?

Founded in 2005, Etsy is a legit online marketplace focused on homemade products from close to 2 million sellers. Each seller on Etsy is different, so always read their individual reviews and policies before making an order. Over 2,000 shoppers have reviewed Etsy and advise that since sellers are from all over the world, shipping may sometimes take a while. If you experience issues with a particular seller, Etsy has a customer support team to assist you.

  • Service
    362
  • Value
    334
  • Shipping
    296
  • Returns
    251
  • Quality
    302

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 14.6%
Positive
7
Neutral
2
Negative
39
209
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How would you rate Etsy?
Top Positive Review

“HELP”

Gicu M.
6/22/24

📢 Attention, Etsy Community and Support Team! My Etsy shop, NecklaceAura, was permanently banned right at the beginning of my journey with no explanation provided. To make matters worse, I was scammed as a seller on my very first day on the Etsy platform (Issue ID: #16571142). As a passionate and dedicated creator, I am deeply disappointed and seeking clarity on this decision. I kindly ask Etsy to review my case, unblock my store, and provide a transparent explanation. It is unfair to penalize a small business without a clear reason. My small business dream depends on it! #EtsyHelp #SupportSmallBusiness #NecklaceAura #EtsyCommunity

Top Critical Review

“If you're thinking about opening a shop on Etsy, don't even bother!”

Lione C.
10/4/24

I tried setting one up, and it was instantly and permanently shut down by Etsy without so much as a hint of explanation. There weren't even any listings on the store—literally, all I did was create a profile picture. I appealed the closure, and guess what? Denied. No reason, no transparency, nothing. Now I can't sell or buy anything on my account, and if I try to set up a new one, that'll be blocked too. And to top it all off? Their denial of the appeal is permanent—no second chances, no reconsideration. Ridiculous.

Reviews (1,555)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

phone number (49) credit card (68) customer service (264) shop owner (42) post office (19)
Thumbnail of user billyj56
Nevada
6 reviews
14 helpful votes
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October 31st, 2018

I ordered items from several different sellers on Etsy. A couple of t-shirts and posters for decoration. Both orders came on time and were as on description. I like it! I know that some complained that products were not of the best quality, but I think you just need to choose carefully. I had no problems with Etsy purchases.

Thumbnail of user kristens51
Massachusetts
16 reviews
86 helpful votes
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June 18th, 2021

I've shopped on Etsy several times. For people who don't know, it's marketplace of thousands of sellers. I buy gifts for my daughter, as she's a huge beauty fan but she's vegan, and it's sometimes hard to find products that are cruelty free and vegan. I've had great results with the sellers I've shopped. However, be careful with clothing. I bought myself a few t-shirts, and one was only in men's sizes. I got a larger size, as I didn't know if it would shrink. It was a large and I barely got it over my head. And it wasn't worth returning, so next time I'll be more careful.
I've also started making candles. I bought some scents to add to them. I ordered I think 6 different oils. Only 3 came. I wrote to the seller, and after 3 months I gave up and wrote to customer service. I got a refund very quickly.
So. Overall, I like the site. And I will continue to use them, especially for beauty products.

Tip for consumers:
Check each seller's reviews and policies

Products used:
T-shirt, beauty products, candles

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user anns704
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 7th, 2020

Be careful when ordering express shipping when ordering more then one item. Etsy will split order and only send one item express the other regular. Which causes delay in one or all items. They should at least notify you of this prior to completing order not after!

Thumbnail of user cosimah
New York
10 reviews
0 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2021

I love this site. They have a great selection of all kinds of stores (by people) and I always find goodies.
Now, your opinion can differ depending on who the seller is and what they're selling you. I've never had a bad experience on this site before.

Thumbnail of user michaell4536
Ireland
5 reviews
5 helpful votes
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July 17th, 2022

Great idea, poor customer support. I initially thought that the customer here is really protected (like on ebay for example), but it turned out that it is really hard to get them to help in case an item you purchased is low quality or not as described.

Thumbnail of user dennisd521
Florida
2 reviews
22 helpful votes
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August 7th, 2020

Bought an item through Etsy from a co. Called " made in America" Charged over $16.00 for shipping and is coming "snail mail", from USPS. At that price it should be coming " priority mail". Been waiting and waiting, but arrival time keeps getting pushed back. Tracking says it is proceeding through USPS system, tells me a lot! With No info where it actually is. I'm done with Etsy. Terrible co.

Thumbnail of user trudyz
Utah
1 review
3 helpful votes
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January 12th, 2013

There are many talented artists on Etsy but also tons of resellers who make the front page every day. Big sellers bully smaller sellers and get away with it regularly. I've had both good and bad experiences buying and selling there. Bottom line, get your own website if you are a seller. Etsy owns their site and your store. NOT you. I don't know why sellers don't understand this. As a buyer, I would rather deal directly with a business on their own website and not have to give Etsy any of my money. Tons of sellers copy each other and accuse each other of doing. The sellers sound petty every time you visit the forums. Doing business there reminds me of being in high school.

Thumbnail of user susant1750
California
0 reviews
2 helpful votes
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January 10th, 2022

I had one buyer who sent a picture of a ripped bag who said it happened in shipping. Etsy returned her money. Since it was a tea item I could not even accept a return. A couple months later Etsy said one of my products was prohibited. At the same time they allowed 10 other sellers to sell exactly the same tea. They removed all of my items even though they were not the same. If they do not remove my suspension I will sue in small claims. This is easy to do. Sincerely Mojave Trails

Tip for consumers:
Use ebay or amazon or your own website.

Products used:
Iam a seller, not a buyer

Service
Thumbnail of user nh105
Florida
1 review
23 helpful votes
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April 9th, 2020

If anyone has any questions to buy in this place, I recommend that you listen to your intuition and do not buy or write to me and I will tell you my experience. The folder is nice, only what you request does not and they charge it. Then you give send to the purchase you get a $60 shipping fee. I paid $160 for a simple folder and the name they put inside is not visible. I've never had such an experience shopping online. And when you communicate by email, they answer you with all the unacceptable excuses and they don't solve anything for you. A real scam!

Thumbnail of user reeniev
California
1 review
7 helpful votes
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September 15th, 2015

I've been selling on Etsy for sometime now. I have had only good experiences with my sales, feedback and customers. I follow the rules, make sure my orders are out within 24 hours of purchase and follow up and make sure those packages have been delivered.

Many of the complaints I have read about Etsy and shops being closed is because the shop owners did not following Etsy's policies or are not selling authentic handmade.

As a buyer either on Etsy, eBay or Amazon, I research the seller first for red flags. If they have bad feedback or no sales, I don't purchase from them.

All in all, there a many, many reputable sellers on Etsy that sell wonderful, authentic handmade items.

I'm sorry to all those shoppers that had a bad experience with a bad shop owner.

Hopefully more of those bad shops will be closed soon so that they will no longer smear the reputation of good and responsible shop owners on Etsy.

Thumbnail of user mummabearb
Australia
2 reviews
14 helpful votes
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September 4th, 2014

I am reviewing the etsy shop Cherished Sentiments.

The shop owner is lovely when you are in the ordering & payment process. As soon as they ship the sub standard jewellery with errors that they have made they don't want to know you. They made typographical errors on both pieces. After several emails all with no response I can easily say this is the worst shop/person I have ever dealt with be it online or in person.

Tip for consumers:
Avoid this shop like the plague if you want what you paid for!!!!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user kristenn1
Massachusetts
1 review
3 helpful votes
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June 5th, 2014

Etsy does not answer phone calls. They keep taking out money and charging me fees for a shop I closed several months ago. Dont give them any bank account number or debit card information. Dont' sell items here since they do charge miscellaneous fees for a closed account. Nothing was sold, nothing was bought and they keep dipping into my account. Beware. Seriously. You cant get help because they don't answer their phone number or email back.

Thumbnail of user robertk2519
New York
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
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August 10th, 2022

I just cannot believe the amount of counterfeit sports cards on sale on Etsy. Why does Etsy take no action on counterfeit sports cards. Etsy should be ashamed they are a front for the sales of counterfeit sports cards. Just take one seller.

50 Count reprints of Michael Jordan auto cards - I can count 10 listings. That is 500 counterfeits. See image below for examples.
While most buyers are unknowingly buying counterfeits, see some comments of this seller.

"Cards were/are completely fake. Not from any legit card maker. Don't buy from them. Do NOT recommend. Will never purchase anything from them again. False advertising and a complete scam."

"The cards are so thin they can barely be called cards. These things are wafer thin and barely there."

"Just wasn't close to feeling and looking like a real card. I know it's a reprint but is printed on such thin paper that it doesn't seem right."

"The map is a bit dark and one is the color off."

"cards were dark. Just ok"

Tip for consumers:
Beware. Wild West. Etsy does not care about members getting scammed by bad sellers.

Products used:
Could not send back even though counterfeit goods. And I am by law allowed to send back counterfeit goods thru the mail. The seller committed a felony when he shipped counterfeit goods via USPS.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user katk7
Canada
19 reviews
52 helpful votes
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October 22nd, 2014

I have all good things to say about this site... Everything I have purchased so far has been handmade, unique and great quality. Customer service has been excellent, communication thorough and professional.

However, I wish to point out that each order experience is reflected on the actual individual shop and seller within the Etsy site, not the site itself.

I find that if you make an honest review using criticism instead of just negativity your comment is likely to remain on the seller's profile and could possibly be addressed by the original seller to resolve the issue.

If you have greater issues with an order, you can make a complaint with the Etsy site to investigate the matter. Just look for the "Do you have a problem with your order?" link under your order history for more information.

Thumbnail of user jop105
Ohio
3 reviews
8 helpful votes
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November 21st, 2012

I'm kinda "Meh" about Etsy. There is so much just crap that people claim is handmade that I can tell is being pumped out of a factory oversees.
I have bought two things from Etsy and one was great and arrived and the other one the seller closed their shop and Etsy pretty much told me, "Oh well sorry no refund".

Thumbnail of user lisaw51
Florida
4 reviews
6 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2014

This is a fairly large site for buying and selling original, handmade items. I am a seller on etsy and have sold a few of my Twilight-inspired jewelry items. I have always received instant payment from the buyers. It costs a small amount to list & sell items, but items listed here will sell for more than they would on ebay.

Thumbnail of user christineg252
Massachusetts
2 reviews
15 helpful votes
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September 9th, 2019

ETSY has just announced that if a seller does not offer free shipping, their listings will end up beyond the first page of the search where 83% of sales occur. Not only is this outrageous, in that we are all charged the same fees, I just got off the phone with a befuddled Etsy customer service rep. I was told that unless I offer free shipping, EVEN my promoted listings will go beyond the first page in the search, unless it's very rare with little competition. So, Etsy is charging me for a service they have agreed to but will not honor. This sounds illegal to me.

Thumbnail of user pipert6
Canada
5 reviews
12 helpful votes
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June 24th, 2021
Verified purchase

I am definitely a Etsy addict. Etsy is a website where you buy from individual shops, like a virtual vendor sale. Most shops sell handmade items and there are many small businesses worth supporting. You can always find a local shop on there, to support shopping locally. I love being able to use this website for unique gifts, and it is my number one website for gifts. I am known for giving amazing presents, and many Etsy shops make many custom and personable items. I have never been scammed on Etsy, but my friend has once, and the customer service was top notch and refunded her immediately. She did not read the reviews, which is something you should always do with the individual shops on the website.

Tip for consumers:
Read reviews!!

Products used:
Everything imaginable.

Service
Thumbnail of user shayanav
New York
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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January 4th, 2023

I have never bought anything from Etsy myself, but as a seller, it is a neat website to sell your products on. Of course, you have to invest in advertisements, otherwise, your products will not be seen. Besides that everything is just great.

Thumbnail of user naomif92
New Zealand
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 23rd, 2022

Had put a lot of effort into making an online store and even making a few sales. After 2 days of being open Etsy closed my store permanently. Reason? I provided them with a bank statement instead of utility bill for address proof. I explained I can get a utility bill but no the decision was already made and I can not get a reply from them. No warning, no reasonable explanation or willingness to help, no explanation as to what happened to the sales. Nothing. Disgraceful behavior from Etsy. Will use another platform instead - my mistake for not checking reviews before!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user amyv29
California
1 review
6 helpful votes
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February 14th, 2017

This website does not give a $#*! about their customers. Not only that, they will do everything to make themselves sound right. I'm telling ya, do not ever order on etsy here. You'll just end up wasting money. This website is full of $#*!. Customer service sucks, and guess what, missing items or whatever you name it, they can't do anything about it. You'll just end up wasting your money.

Thumbnail of user nordiccombined2
Tennessee
1 review
3 helpful votes
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October 8th, 2023

I have sat here for 2 days listing items on Etsy and now it won't let me input a credit card to list them! It keeps highlighting my country--
USA--and will not accept any of the 8 cards I have put in. So I have spent an entire week naming my store, uploading photos, measuring, comping, describing all for naught. Guess I don't eat this week. Thanks etsy

Tip for consumers:
selllers--don't waste your time

Products used:
none, i couldn't start a shop...read review!!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user tealn
Michigan
2 reviews
11 helpful votes
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February 12th, 2016

I recently opened up an Etsy shop, and I have been an active buyer for years, and I have always enjoyed using Etsy.

Keep in mind that all shops are owned by different people, and they will all work a little differently. Before buying from a shop read the reviews and shop policies, and remember you get what you pay for. Some sellers are definitely not worth dealing with, but the majority are wonderful.

Thumbnail of user judyr4
New Jersey
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 31st, 2013

I was looking for some unique Christmas gifts and a friend referred me to Etsy. While browsing on Etsy I saw a shop called Bead A Little Bead. The shop has a lot of different jewelry pieces in it. I had ordered some angel earrings and a necklace as gifts. The jewelry was mailed out the next day with a delivery confirmation number so I could track its progress. It was well packed and came with a free gift. I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for some cute inexpensive handmade jewelry pieces.

Thumbnail of user jasonl605
Missouri
1 review
37 helpful votes
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June 20th, 2020

I tried selling on Etsy. I get a bill for over $70 dollars and Im' like for what? "I haven't sold anything". When you sign up to be a seller, Etsy signs you up on their highest advertising tier without telling you or you being aware of it. Very sneaky and shady. I can understand a listing fee, but advertising with Etsy. Ahh NO. It shady how they charge you to advertise with them plus a listing fee too. They are ripping people off.

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From the business

Etsy is a marketplace for buying and selling crafts, handmade and vintage goods, as well as art and craft supplies. Etsy is a private company based in Brooklyn, New York and has raised more than $90 million as of May 2013.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user alisas27
Alisa S.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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