Etsy Star Seller Requirements: How to Get the Badge

The Star Seller requirements

Etsy shows the Star Seller badge on shops with a record of strong customer service. To earn it, a shop has to meet Etsy’s basic customer service standards and then reach three higher targets, all measured over the previous three months:

• Message response rate: reply to 95% of first messages in a thread within 24 hours. Only the first message from a buyer in each conversation counts.
• On-time shipping and tracking: 95% of orders ship on time, with valid tracking or a shipping label bought on Etsy where tracking is required. Only physical items count; digital downloads are left out.
• Average review rating: 4.8 or higher.

On top of those targets, the shop needs at least 5 orders and $300 in sales in the same three months, has to be at least 90 days past its first sale, must meet the standard for case rate, and must comply with all of Etsy’s policies. An overdue bill or limited account privileges can remove the badge.

Star Seller targets compared with Etsy’s minimum standards

Every shop has to meet Etsy’s customer service standards. Star Seller asks for more on three of the four measures:

When Etsy checks, and where you see your progress

Etsy reviews every shop on the 1st of each month, using the three months before that date. If you qualify, the badge can take up to 24 hours to appear. Your Customer service stats page in Shop Manager shows the current review period, updated daily, and you can switch to the previous period to see the numbers behind the badge you have now.

Etsy says the badge does not directly change your search ranking. It helps buyers pick your shop out. Missing it carries no penalty, but falling below the minimum standards can hurt your visibility and your account.

How to hit each target

• Messages. Turn on notifications in the Etsy Seller app and save quick replies for the questions you get every week: shipping times, sizes, personalisation. A short first reply counts; you can follow up with detail later.
• Shipping. Set a processing time you can meet on your busiest week, not your quietest. Buy labels through Etsy or add tracking to every order, and mark orders as shipped the day they leave.
• Reviews. Most low ratings come from an item that did not match the listing. Photos from every angle, real sizes and clear materials prevent them better than any follow-up message. The free Etsy listing checker shows which listings are missing that detail.
• Orders and sales. A new shop has to reach 5 orders and $300 in three months before anything else counts, so the first job is traffic. The guide to promoting your Etsy shop covers where it comes from.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Etsy Star Seller requirements?

Over the last three months: reply to 95% of first messages within 24 hours, ship 95% of orders on time with tracking or an Etsy label where required, keep an average review rating of 4.8 or higher, and have at least 5 orders and $300 in sales. The shop must also be 90 days past its first sale, meet the case rate standard and follow Etsy's policies.

How often does Etsy check Star Seller status?

On the 1st of every month, using the three months before that date. If you qualify, the badge can take up to 24 hours to appear.

Does Star Seller help Etsy search ranking?

Etsy says the badge does not directly affect search ranking. It makes your shop easier for buyers to recognise. Falling below Etsy's minimum customer service standards, on the other hand, can reduce your visibility.

Do digital downloads count toward Star Seller shipping?

No. On-time shipping and tracking is measured on physical items only. A shop that sells only digital downloads is measured on messages and reviews.

Why did I lose my Star Seller badge?

Usually because one of the three-month numbers dropped below its target. Etsy can also remove the badge for an overdue bill, limited account privileges or a policy violation.