How do I encourage more customer reviews on Etsy without being pushy?

Hi! Totally normal—especially with only ~10 orders. A lot of Etsy buyers simply don’t review, and Etsy already sends them review reminders, so the best approach is a gentle “nudge” that focuses on their experience (not on getting a 5‑star review).

The Etsy-appropriate methods that usually work best (without annoying people)

1. Use a simple packaging insert (my #1 recommendation)
   Keep it tiny, friendly, and optional—no pressure, no “5 stars,” no guilt.

• Example insert text: “Thank you so much for supporting my small shop! If your pup loves the treats, an Etsy review (or a photo!) truly helps. Either way, we appreciate you.”

Why it works: it’s low-friction, it doesn’t intrude into their inbox, and it catches them at the “happy unboxing” moment.

1. Add a “Message to Buyers” (receipt note) that thanks them + mentions feedback
   This shows on the receipt page/order confirmation email. Keep it gratitude-first and short.

• Example: “Thanks for your order! If anything isn’t perfect, please message me so I can help. If you’re happy, an Etsy review means a lot to my small business.”

1. Send ONE non-pushy follow-up message only when it makes sense
   If you choose to message, do it once, after you’re confident it arrived (delivered scan or a reasonable delivery window). Make it a check-in, with the review as a soft PS.

• Example message:
  “Hi [Name]! Just checking in—did the treats arrive OK, and is everything as expected? If anything’s off, please tell me and I’ll make it right. And if you have a moment, a quick Etsy review (even a sentence) helps my new shop a ton. Thank you again!”

What to avoid (this is what makes buyers feel pushed)

• Don’t ask for a “5-star review” or tell them to contact you instead of leaving a negative review.
• Don’t message multiple times about reviews (one follow-up max is plenty).
• Don’t offer freebies/discounts “in exchange for” a review or a positive review. If you include a coupon, make it a simple thank-you for any future purchase (not tied to reviewing).

A couple of small tweaks that quietly increase reviews

• Under-promise, over-deliver: clear processing times, clear ingredient info, and consistent packaging all reduce “silent dissatisfaction.”
• Make photo reviews easy: if your branding is cute, buyers are more likely to snap a pic of their pet + the treats.

If you want, paste what you’re thinking for your insert and/or follow-up message and I’ll help you tighten it so it feels friendly (and stays safely within Etsy norms).