Is it okay to ask Etsy customers for photos to use in listing images?

Hi! Yes—it’s generally appropriate to ask Etsy customers for a photo, as long as you keep it optional, non-pushy, and you get clear written permission before using their image in your Etsy listing photos (or anywhere else you market).

A few important “do’s” so it stays professional (and avoids Etsy messaging/review issues):

• Ask after delivery (or after you know they’ve received it) and make it clear there’s no obligation.
• Don’t offer a discount/freebie in exchange for a photo or review. That can cross into “incentivized review” territory and can undermine trust.
• Don’t message repeatedly if they don’t respond—keep it to one polite ask.
• Only use photos you have the rights to use. Even if a buyer posts a photo, the buyer typically still owns that photo—so you want their explicit okay to reuse it for marketing.

How to ask + get permission (simple and safe)

1. Ask for the photo (optional, friendly).
2. Ask for a specific permission grant (where you’ll use it).
3. Confirm whether you may credit them (some people prefer “no credit” for privacy).
4. Avoid photos that include faces/kids unless you’re very confident you have permission from everyone shown (minors especially—best to avoid entirely).

Here’s a message template you can copy/paste in Etsy Messages:

• “Hi [Name]! I’m so happy your order arrived. If you happen to take a quick photo of the item in real life, I’d love to see it—but no worries at all if you’re busy.
  If you do send a photo, may I have your permission to use it in my Etsy listing photos and shop marketing (like my Etsy shop page and social posts)? I can credit you by first name/username, or keep it anonymous—your choice.”

And when they send a photo, follow up with a clear confirmation:

• “Thank you—this photo is gorgeous. Just to confirm: you’re giving me permission to use this specific photo for my Etsy listing images and marketing. Would you like credit (and if so, what name), or would you prefer no credit?”

If you want the lowest-friction option long-term, you can also add a short line in your “message to buyers” like: “Love your item? Feel free to message me a photo—if I’d like to feature it, I’ll always ask your permission first.” This keeps it buyer-led and doesn’t feel like marketing spam.