Star Seller is Etsy's badge for shops with a proven record of great customer service. Etsy reviews eligibility on the 1st of every month, based on your customer service stats from the past 3 months.
Etsy Star Seller requirements
| Requirement | What Etsy asks for |
|---|---|
| Message response rate | Reply to 95% of first messages in a thread within 24 hours |
| On-time shipping & tracking | 95% of orders ship on time, with valid tracking or a shipping label bought on Etsy (when required) |
| Average review rating | 4.8 or higher |
| Orders and sales | At least 5 orders and $300 in sales over the past 3 months |
| Shop history | Eligible from 90 days after your first sale |
| Customer service standards | Meet Etsy's minimum standards, including case rate |
Does Star Seller affect search ranking?
Etsy says Star Seller badges do not directly impact search ranking, but they make it easier for buyers to identify your shop. Separately, consistently missing Etsy's customer service standards may impact your search visibility.
How to hit every metric
Messages
Install the Etsy app on your phone and turn on notifications, so you can answer first messages within 24 hours.
Shipping
Set realistic processing times (if you make it in 2 days, say 3) and always add tracking, or buy the label on Etsy.
Reviews
Set clear expectations in your description: size, color and timing. Offer a quick solution when an order goes wrong.
A 90-day plan
- Days 1–30: check your Customer service stats weekly and fix whichever metric is lowest
- Days 31–60: tighten processing times and message habits until both stay above 95%
- Days 61–90: keep the routine, and review your stats for the review period before the 1st of the month
If you lose the badge
Etsy re-evaluates on the 1st of every month. A badge can be removed if your shop no longer meets the criteria, has an overdue bill, has limited account privileges or violates Etsy's policies. Find the metric that dropped and fix it before the next review.
The Customer Insights page shows your repeat-customer rate — Star Seller plus a high repeat rate are two signs of a healthy shop.
Sources
Checked on October 22, 2026