How to qualify for Top Rated Plus: A beginner-friendly checklist

Earning a Top Rated Plus badge can boost your visibility and sales on a marketplace. For beginners, the path to qualification is straightforward when broken into clear steps. This article presents a simple, practical checklist and an action plan so you can begin improving your store’s eligibility right away.

Step 1 — Understand the marketplace criteria

Every platform defines Top Rated Plus criteria a bit differently, so your first task is to find the official program rules for the marketplace you use. Typical measures include overall positive feedback rates, defect and case rates, on-time shipping percentages, valid tracking rates, and buyer-friendly return policies.

Step 2 — Track baseline performance

Before you can improve, you need to know where you stand. Use your seller dashboard to capture metrics for the last 3–6 months:

• Percentage of positive feedback (e.g., 95%+).
• Defect rate and number of buyer cases/claims.
• Percentage of orders shipped on time.
• Percentage of orders with valid tracking information uploaded.
• Return rate and how quickly returns are processed.
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Step 3 — Create a priority checklist (quick wins)

Begin with improvements that have the biggest impact on metrics.

• Accurate listings: Clear photos and descriptions reduce buyer dissatisfaction and unwanted returns.
• Fast handling time: Commit to a short handling time and meet it consistently.
• Provide tracking: Upload tracking numbers for every shipment to reduce claims and increase buyer confidence.
• Set clear return terms: Offer free or low-cost returns when feasible, and make the process easy for buyers.

Step 4 — Operational changes to sustain performance

Once the quick wins are underway, make process-level changes that create consistency:

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs): Document packing, labeling, and shipping steps to avoid mistakes.
• Inventory accuracy: Use simple inventory checks to avoid out-of-stock issues and cancellations.
• Customer service template responses: Speed up response time and ensure consistent, polite handling of questions.

Step 5 — Monitor customer satisfaction

Customer perception drives your ratings. Encourage honest reviews politely after delivery, and respond constructively to any negative feedback. Use buyer feedback as a source of continuous improvement rather than ignoring it.

Step 6 — Meet minimum volume and time thresholds

Some marketplaces require a minimum number of transactions or a minimum period of maintaining performance standards before granting Top Rated Plus status. Plan for a 30–90 day window during which metrics are measured. Don’t expect the badge to appear instantly — markets often use rolling evaluation periods.

Sample 60-day action plan

1. Days 1–7: Audit listings, update photos and descriptions, and publish clear return policies.
2. Days 8–14: Shorten handling time, negotiate faster shipping with carriers, and test the tracking upload process.
3. Days 15–30: Improve packaging and label SOPs; ensure inventory accuracy for best-selling items.
4. Days 31–45: Focus on customer service response times and resolve any open cases quickly.
5. Days 46–60: Review dashboard metrics; submit any appeals or verification steps required by the marketplace.

Tools and small investments that help

• Label printers and packing supplies to speed fulfillment and reduce errors.
• Automated messaging tools to confirm orders, shipping, and delivery.
• Simple inventory spreadsheets or entry-level inventory software to prevent oversells.
• Carrier pickup services or discounted shipping accounts to lower costs and improve delivery times.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Overpromising shipping times: Set realistic handling and delivery windows and meet them consistently.
• Ignoring returns: Process returns quickly and follow marketplace rules to avoid negative marks.
• Reactive instead of proactive customer service: Answer messages within the marketplace’s recommended time frame (often within 24 hours).

When you don’t qualify right away

If you don’t earn Top Rated Plus on your first attempt, use the marketplace’s performance reports to identify the weakest metric, correct it, and continue improving. Persistence and consistency matter more than a single perfect month.

Final friendly tip



Think of Top Rated Plus as a reward for reliable habits. Small operational improvements — consistent packaging, guaranteed tracking, simple returns, and quick responses — compound over time. Start with the checklist, measure progress weekly, and treat buyer feedback as a practical roadmap to the badge.