• Etsy

Etsy

Overview

Etsy has a rating of 2.75 stars from 2,456 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 24th 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
    349
  • Value
    324
  • Shipping
    288
  • Returns
    243
  • Quality
    293

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 15.1%
Positive
19
Neutral
4
Negative
103
205
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • The company is great to work with and the customer service was excellent.

Critical highlights

  • ETSY HAS NO phone number or anyway to contact them.
  • Within weeks of buying the items BOTH CREDIT CARDS HAD FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY ON THEM!
How would you rate Etsy?
Top Positive Review

“Etsy”

Jaie L.
3/22/24

Etsy is my go-to platform for unique, handcrafted items. Whether I'm looking for personalized gifts or one-of-a-kind home decor, Etsy never disappoints. The sellers on Etsy are incredibly talented, and I love supporting small businesses. Plus, the customer service has always been excellent whenever I've had questions or issues with my orders

Top Critical Review

“Etsy is full of fraud and scammers - beware!”

Stuart H.
3/22/24

Etsy is full of fraud and scammers. Their contradictory policies enabled a particular scam but they don't care to fix the problem. They won't refund my money, even though I follower their explicit policy, and they refuse to even make any changes to stop the same scam from continuing. Not to mention the site now flooded with cheap cr*p from overseas. Buyer beware. Avoid.

Reviews (2,456)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

phone number (49) credit card (68) customer service (261) shop owner (42) post office (19)
Thumbnail of user evelialavan61
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
February 22nd, 2024

I am fed up I cannot get an answer from Esty regarding my order. Why is it so easy to take customers money, and very difficult to reach anyone when there is a problem. Problems like these are happening far too often. It has soured me on ordering anything else on line. I will go back to going to stores in person. That way, one can see the product, and take it home immediately. Less stress.

Tip for consumers:
The public needs to be aware of Esty's policy in dealing with consumers complaints. Lack of response is not quality business.

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Thumbnail of user jenniferc2268
3 reviews
7 helpful votes
October 18th, 2023

I wanted to look for gifts for coworkers for Christmas. I typed in the search bar "gifts for coworkers" and was SHOCKED by how many items came up that included the "F word" or the words "$#*!" or "$#*!". That is not at all cute or funny or appealing to me as a consumer. Etsy's help department could not offer any way to filter out profanity, forcing me to view it if I wanted to peruse their offerings. I get it that Etsy is a collection of small shops, but there should be some universal filters to avoid profanity. Just really ridiculous. They lost a long time customer.

Products used:
None. Not going to shop where I am bombarded with profanity.

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Thumbnail of user miguelj108
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 21st, 2024

After around 6 emails with the seller they agreed to reimburse me for the item once they received it, but not the shipping cost. Turns out the seller is from London UK. Post office quote to return the item was 40 something dollars and around 100 at the ups. Not worth sending back a 20 dollar item that I assumed was the correct one just by looking at the picture. If it was Amazon, they would of refunded everything. But why are these items coming from overseas with out us knowing? Why are they selling from overseas when this item can be found in the USA. Making it more expensive for us to return, so we get stuck with an item that does not meet our needs. 2nd item I bought from Etsy with problems on both, so I closed my Etsy account. No more inconsistent descriptions and charges. If I can't find it in the USA, I don't need it. But I'm sure I will not have that problem with AMAZON. Don't waist your money...

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Thumbnail of user robertb9556
1 review
3 helpful votes
January 27th, 2024

I have purchased from several Etsy sellers with fantastic results. However, when a seller fails to refund monies on returned merchandise, Etsy DOES NOTHING! I provided proof of the return and delivery confirmation. Seller's communications stated a "...refund would be promptly issued.". Etsy has this information, yet they do nothing! NO HELP AT ALL!

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Thumbnail of user kelleyl136
1 review
2 helpful votes
August 12th, 2023
Verified purchase

The seller claims to be based in my country or i wouldnt have bought from them. Their email says my item will arrive in over a month, but they provide no tracking #. Etsys automated system won't let me communicate with anyone at etsy until the day after the shipment is due. What is going on? Why is a month out considered acceptable/normal to the system? I'll never use etsy again. Hopefully I get my item since my money is tied up for this whole time.

Service
Shipping
Thumbnail of user tomj1189
1 review
1 helpful vote
September 20th, 2023

There's lots of cool stuff on Etsy that you can't find anywhere else. However, most sellers are "creative types" and not business owners with initiative.

Therefore, it's lots of goofballs on there that literally take forever to ship your item. Like they're too "busy" laying around smoking pot to bother driving to the post office to mail your stuff to you.

Avoid.

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Thumbnail of user rachelf273
1 review
3 helpful votes
October 26th, 2020

After purchasing tons of items through Etsy for years, I have come across my first issue and unfortunately it's a big one, hence the 2 stars despite my otherwise good history with the company. I purchased custom wood shelves costing nearly $200. I was aware of the long wait as they were custom. While waiting I noticed the shop changed their name to Closed and the description of their store changed to "store permanently closed". After receiving no response from the store, I contacted Etsy customer service for assistance with getting a refund. They refused to open a case to even look at this until December 16 (the date the expected ship by was). They even tried to tell me the store was still open. I asked them to change the date I could open a case because of the clear fact the store shut down and the multiple reviews on the store page indicated I was not the only one who had my money taken and then received no response after the store closed. Customer support told me there was no way to open a case sooner and suggested I try to email the store. I already have with NO response! I am not the only one screwed out of a lot of money by this store and Etsy is turning a blind eye. Unacceptable customer support. Don't spend a lot of money here, not worth the risk or the hassle.

Thumbnail of user alial15
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 16th, 2023

They take way too long to answer any questions. I was locked out of my account and they asked me to send them a lot of my personal information, so that I can regain access. I answered all of their personal information questions on the 1st of April, I wrote to them again on the 4th then the 5th, they answered only one of my questions and still never reached out about regaining access to my account. I wrote again on the 5th with no answer, it is now the 16th of April, and I am still waiting.

If you have issues with your account, Etsy will NOT help, if you are lucky and don't have any problems then it is fine to use.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user millsiej
1 review
18 helpful votes
June 24th, 2019

I had an Etsy shop for over a year. They started out easy to work with, and a generally great place to sell my handmade crafts. But as wave after wave of changes came, they began to become too expensive to sell with, and their ridiculous new restrictions and rules were too difficult to keep track of. Now, I won't even shop with them. Too many scams and fakes selling there who go unpunished while genuine business go through all sorts of hoops just to stay up.

Thumbnail of user kates678
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 16th, 2023

The past two orders I have made from Etsy have been marked as delivered and said they were left on the front porch, but never arrived. I've had to pull teeth to get through and get things settled to either get a replacement or refund. Just be aware that your order may or may not arrive and you might have to jump through hoops to get your money worth/back.

Thumbnail of user tj124
6 reviews
33 helpful votes
December 8th, 2019

The recent changes were really the last draw for me.

As someone who made very few sells, who struggled with even getting views unless I PAID EXTRA for a promotion for my listings, the recent changes of showing "free shipping" items over non-free shipping items was really the last draw for me.
Mind you, I didn't have shipping on anything as I sold digital content, but I was seeing how unfair Etsy was being towards sellers in general. For some, it would be fine. But for others, this just would not be feasible. But Etsy clearly does not care. So many sellers who don't play along will simply get even more buried.

As a buyer, I've never really had any issues that I can recall. Except once I bought from a seller stating they were located in one area but I got the item shipped from somewhere completely different (Isreal) which I thought was suspicious.

It's mainly not the users on the platform that have been a problem. It's been Etsy! The constant site changes and experimentations is too much for some of us. Depending on what you're selling, there are better alternatives (eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, Creative Market, etc.)

Etsy needs to stop trying to be new and edgy and stick to what works. Stop expecting sellers who are already paying listing and selling fees to pay for Promotions just to be seen! I know of many who have closed down shop. No they were not all unsuccessful like me. Some were doing quite well but just would NOT out up with it.

Actually another issue I had with Etsy was the obvious Trademark infringements. This was especially true with t-shirts. Fake well-known name brand shirts were allowed to be posted. Do they not do scans. WE are supposed to report them.

Same as how it seems they rely on US, the users, to help each other in the forums.

I highly doubt I will ever return to Etsy as a seller. I may buy something off Etsy but I'd honestly rather not. I'd rather take my business elsewhere and reward sites that don't treat people the way I feel I've been treated... like I don't matter. (I rarely even have a look around on Etsy anymore. Maybe once or twice a year I'll browse about but that's it.)

Thumbnail of user trangdt
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
February 8th, 2023

Quite sad that they suspend my account event I didn't do anything. Just open an account and upload my products and they suspend after :(

Thumbnail of user paulh2698
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 12th, 2022

People should know you can only post a photo with a review of it's 5 stars. Therefore the photos you see are not always accurate to what you may receive. If Etsy is legit. Why not let anyone post a photo of what they receive?

Thumbnail of user joeh147
6 reviews
18 helpful votes
May 26th, 2023

I collect vintage electronic items and Etsy.com is a good site to help locate them. Unfortunately, sellers can cancel a purchase after you have paid for it with little or no explanation. If a seller cancels a purchase, it is difficult if not impossible to leave any feedback on that seller. A final purchase on Etsy is not necessarily a final purchase if the seller decides they could sell a vintage item for more money somewhere else. They can refund your payment and simply say the item is no longer available.

Thumbnail of user janeta933
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 7th, 2022

I am truly upset with Etsy as I have purchased through them often. They do not provide support to customers. Every time I request a call back and speak to a representative, they verify my information, I then get disconnected and receive no call back! They do not stand by their customers!

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Thumbnail of user ronia19
1 review
3 helpful votes
November 6th, 2021

I think Etsy should take a look at products price and accountability for it. As a customer, I have noticed that products are too pricey (not sure why, perhaps etsy charges the seller) on their site. On the other hand, if you look at other websites it is much reasonable. There is no customer service of Etsy at all. The sellers asking price feels like a rip off. Even though they claim, the products are handmade but I do not think that is quite right. There is no buyer protection

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Thumbnail of user marshallc100
1 review
7 helpful votes
August 22nd, 2022

We have been happy with the sales on Etsy but they do not seem to care at all about the seller experience and there is no way to block problematic buyers or scammers. As a seller, it is nearly impossible to get anybody at etsy to help with disputes. I still recommend selling on this platform but they need to work on helping sellers and not just exploiting them. DO NOT USE PROMOTED LISTINGS. That system is just setup to waste as much of your advertising dollars as possible and the results have been hugely disappointing.

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Thumbnail of user elik18
4 reviews
1 helpful vote
August 31st, 2023

Ive had some success withEtsy, but when there is a problem there is no number to call and no way to get help.
Ive wasted an inordanate amount of time trying to find the right laction on the site to report a seller, who took my money, never sent the items and now doesnt respond to any follow messages.
I am so frustrated. Etsy is fine if all goeswell, but a nightmare if theres a problem!

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Thumbnail of user shanep373
12 reviews
14 helpful votes
March 18th, 2022

Poor accessibility and no contact options for managing transactions and fraudulent buyers. To date, I've not found a customer service phone or email option - only automated responses through their pre-qualified designations - a disappointing development after all the time put in.

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Thumbnail of user jaym343
2 reviews
15 helpful votes
June 13th, 2019

Selling on this site has become a joke. I have over ******* sales and sales just keep dropping, my amazon and eBay sites have doubled in the past year. Now I work for Etsys high fees and disregard for high level sellers. There motto is keep sighing up new sellers and set the hook. I am going to close my site and put my money and time where I can make a profit.

Thumbnail of user jackieb814
1 review
4 helpful votes
August 17th, 2023

Etsy.com was once a thriving haven for artisans and creators, a virtual marketplace where the essence of handmade craftsmanship thrived. As a loyal seller for over 12 years, I've witnessed its transformation from a nurturing platform into a disappointing shadow of its former self.

Gone are the days of genuine handmade treasures. Etsy now masquerades as a champion of artisanal excellence while harboring a dark secret: the majority of products labeled as "handmade" are nothing more than mass-produced items churned out overseas. The platform's supposed commitment to authentic craftsmanship has become a mere marketing gimmick, leaving dedicated sellers like me drowning in a sea of inauthenticity.

The recent changes have been nothing short of catastrophic. Sellers are coerced into maintaining an around-the-clock virtual presence, all for the privilege of flaunting a viral badge on their shop. This push for constant engagement disregards the fact that many sellers have lives beyond the screen, demanding an unrealistic level of dedication that undermines the very essence of creativity.

Etsy's obsession with homogenizing pricing is equally troubling. Sellers who pour their heart and soul into crafting unique handmade items are now forced to slash their prices to match the cost of mass-produced imitations. The platform's blatant disregard for the value of true craftsmanship is a slap in the face to artisans who once flourished within its walls.

And let's not forget the ever-escalating fees. As if gouging sellers' profits wasn't enough, Etsy has taken a sledgehammer to what little control sellers had left. Policies that promise fairness and protection evaporate into thin air when actual issues arise. Attempting to reach out to Etsy's customer support is an exercise in futility, with days passing before receiving a generic, irrelevant response that only adds insult to injury.

Etsy's claim that the average seller income hovers around $250 a year is a grim reflection of its disregard for the livelihoods of its loyal creators. This abysmal figure is celebrated by the very platform that once held promise for artisans seeking a viable income source.

In its prime, Etsy was a beacon of hope for artists and creators. However, those days are long gone, replaced by a soulless corporate machine driven by profits and ruthless policies. For sellers like me who once believed in Etsy's mission, the platform's downfall is a bitter disappointment. It's clear that Etsy's evolution has left true craftsmanship and creativity in its wake, shattering dreams and tarnishing the legacy it once held dear.

Products used:
I purchased a fake mass produced gold bee ring, that after looking on Etsy 10 different sellers were selling the same exact ring!

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Thumbnail of user lizm596
1 review
3 helpful votes
April 29th, 2021

Ever wonder why every seller seems to have a 4.5 to 5 star rating? Mediocre reviews are not posted. By Etsy's own published policies, you can only post a picture of the item you received if you are giving a five star review. There are many talented, hard-working creators on Etsy, but as a buyer you are not getting the full picture from reviews.

Tip for consumers:
Scrutinize the pictures in reviews carefully and read between the lines of what people are saying. Some buyers may give five star reviews against their better judgment in order to be heard and share their picture. My picture was just for scale so people would know what they would be getting. It was a three-star review so Etsy will not allow me to post it. There’s really nothing else you can do except buy from somewhere else. Which is a shame.

Products used:
The service, product quality, refund policies and shipping times vary from seller to seller. Most are great, a few are not. Etsy.com itself is awful.

Thumbnail of user grantj48
1 review
6 helpful votes
January 20th, 2021

Refused to provide refund unless customer paid original shipping cost of $10.90 PLUS the return shipping cost of $10.90, for a total of $21.80. The item originally purchased for $17.00. You lose money dealing with this little company.

The original item was sent by VintageandCraftsCo, apparently a subsidiary of Etsy. They were hostile and argumentative when responding to customer emails. The company had sold and shipped a Corning Ware item that lacked the lid without stating in the ad that it would be sent "incomplete--lid missing."

Tip for consumers:
Be cautious. Ask all the tough questions before sending this little company any money.

Products used:
Seven-inch Corning Ware skillet. Was shipped by company incomplete--lid was missing. My order number was *******720, order dated 1/9/2021. Photo of skillet not available

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Thumbnail of user bryanj226
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 20th, 2022
Verified purchase

Ordered shirt said 9 in stock. It was ordered on the 11th and marked shipped on the 12th. Still haven't recieved. This is the second and final time I will order. I'm guessing shirts weren't available they just say that and make them as you order. Shipping label is all that has been completed. Saying shipped is false. Label made immediately to look as if it shipped. When I called they blame usps for not updating.

Tip for consumers:
Expect that your shirt has to made that they aren't really any available like they say so shipping takes forever and when they say shipped all that's done is label made and will receive weeks later

Products used:
Shirt

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Thumbnail of user anyan2
2 reviews
17 helpful votes
March 3rd, 2019

I've been buying on Etsy since 2013 and I just opened my own shop on there last year. I would highly recommend buying on Etsy, but if you are a seller please be aware Etsy will nickel and dime you to death and will make it difficult to get your items seen if you don't pay for their "promoted" listings. They charge you a fee for shipping (even though YOU pay for shipping to customers yourself and Etsy has nothing to do with it!) a fee for each of your for listings and of course they take a percentage of the sale. Now there is a tax that shows up when you make sales to certain states. In the last year they started a campaign where they promote "free shipping" seller's listings above all others- basically ensuring that the sellers that already sell mass quantities continue to get prime spots in the search and those of us that have to charge for shipping (because we are single-person operations and cannot afford to offer free shipping...) get knocked to the bottom of the listing feed. This has taken my daily clicks on items from 30-40 a day to zero some days since the change. It's so disheartening after all the work I put into my shop. Customer service is extremely friendly and empathize when you have an issue, but their hands are tied and they have no real power to change anything. Etsy will also hold your money for days- sometimes more than a week after sale! If you are counting on the sale money to be able to ship the item then you end up risking an unhappy customer who has to wait- just because Etsy can't immediately deposit your funds for no reason at all. (And thanks to Amazon most customers EXPECT their item to be sent immediately and arrive in two days... even though that is completely unreasonable to expect from a seller who is doing this as a side job!) It used to be a great site to buy quality handmade artisan goods, but now it seems like anything goes... most of the listings are just wholesale items from China. If Etsy could try to make more of an effort to return to its craftsy/artsy roots and encourage sellers instead of making it so difficult for them to succeed it would be nice, but as with most of these corporations... I won't hold my breath. I'm working on building my own site for future sales so I won't be put out of business by greedy corporate fees by Etsy.

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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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