Does Etsy still require written text for reviews, or are star-only reviews allowed?

Hi! Yes—star-only reviews are allowed on Etsy, so what you’re seeing is normal. Buyers can sometimes submit a rating without leaving any written comment (it can depend on how/where they’re leaving the review, like the app vs. desktop), and sellers can’t require a written note.

If you want to encourage more written Etsy reviews (without being pushy), a couple things usually help:

• Include a small thank-you note in the package (or in your digital download message) that says something simple like: “If you have a minute, a short review sharing what you liked helps my small shop a lot.”
• Send one polite follow-up message after delivery (optional, not multiple reminders). Keep it short, and frame it as feedback-first, review-second.

Here’s a message you can copy/paste and tweak:
“Hi [Name]! I’m so glad your order arrived. If anything isn’t perfect, please message me and I’ll make it right. And if you have a moment, I’d really appreciate an Etsy review with a quick note about what you liked—it helps other shoppers find my shop. Thank you again!”

A couple quick don’ts: don’t offer discounts/freebies in exchange for a review, and try not to spam messages—Etsy already sends buyers review reminders, and too many pings can backfire. Also, if the star-only review is positive, I’d usually avoid posting a public response, because responding can prevent the buyer from editing/adding text later.