February 10, 2025
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful tools for service-based businesses, including trades, healthcare services, and restaurants. They influence potential customers, boost online reputation, and improve search engine rankings. However, knowing when to ask for reviews is just as important as how to ask.
Timing plays a crucial role in getting high-quality, genuine reviews. If you ask too soon, the customer may not have fully experienced your service. If you wait too long, they may forget the details. This article will help you determine the best times to request reviews, ensuring you maximize responses while maintaining a positive customer experience.
Customers are more likely to leave a review when their experience is still fresh in their minds. Here’s why timing is critical:
Now, let’s explore the best moments to request a review.
The best time to ask for a review is immediately after delivering a great service. Customers are most appreciative and willing to share their experience at this moment.
📌 Examples:
How to ask:
👉 “I’m so glad we could help today! If you have a moment, we’d love for you to share your experience in a review.”
Look for natural cues—customers smiling, thanking your staff, or sharing positive feedback. This is the perfect moment to request a review because they are already thinking positively about your business.
📌 Examples:
How to ask:
👉 “We’re so happy to hear that! If you wouldn’t mind, a quick review would mean the world to us.”
Returning customers already trust your business, making them more likely to leave a review. Reward their loyalty with a simple request.
📌 Examples:
How to ask:
👉 “We appreciate your continued support! If you have a moment, we’d love your feedback in a review.”
Even if an issue arose, a well-handled resolution can turn an unhappy customer into a loyal one. If they express satisfaction after their issue is resolved, it’s an opportunity to ask for a review.
📌 Examples:
How to ask:
👉 “We’re glad we could resolve this for you. If you’d be willing, we’d love to hear your feedback in a review.”
If customers are already interacting with your brand, they are more likely to leave a review.
📌 Examples:
How to ask:
👉 “Thanks for your support! If you’d like to share more about your experience, a quick review would be greatly appreciated.”
Review cards are tap cards that make it easy for customers to leave a review. They typically can be:
✅ A tap to pay type of card to request feedback.
✅ A QR code linking to your review platform.
✅ A short URL for easy access.
📍 At checkout or after service – Share them to customers when they pay or after completing a service.
📍 On tables or counters – Place them in visible areas in restaurants or waiting rooms.
📍 Inside packaging – Include them with takeout orders, invoices, or service receipts.
✔️ They are a non-intrusive reminder.
✔️ They simplify the review process by providing direct access to review platforms.
✔️ They work well for businesses that have in-person interactions.
No one likes to feel pressured, so it’s important to ask for reviews in a natural, customer-friendly way.
✅ Keep it simple:
✅ Offer multiple ways to leave a review:
🚫 Asking at the wrong time – Don’t request a review when a customer is rushed or hasn’t fully experienced your service.
🚫 Making it feel like an obligation – Keep it optional and friendly, not forced.
🚫 Offering incentives – Many platforms (like Google and Yelp) prohibit rewarding customers for reviews.
🚫 Sending too many reminders – Follow up once, but don’t overwhelm customers with requests.
🔹 Make It Easy – Provide direct links to Google, Yelp, or Facebook reviews. Use QR codes and short URLs.
🔹 Personalize Your Request – Address the customer by name and mention the service they received.
🔹 Follow Up – If they didn’t respond the first time, send a friendly follow-up reminder.
🔹 Train Your Team – Educate employees on the best ways to request reviews naturally.
🔹 Leverage Social Media – Occasionally remind followers how reviews help and encourage them to leave one.
To make the process seamless, consider automating your review requests with Reputigo's review management tool.
🔹 Use SMS or email follow-ups after service completion.
🔹 Set up automated workflows in review management tools.
🔹 Personalize messages with the customer’s name and service details.
✔️ Ensures every customer is asked at the right time.
✔️ Saves time while increasing review volume.
✔️ Tracks response rates and improves request strategies.
Asking for reviews at the right time can significantly impact your business’s reputation and growth. Whether it’s right after a positive experience, during repeat visits, or through review cards, the key is making it easy and natural for customers to leave feedback.
Start implementing a review request strategy today with Reputigo whether through in-person asks, automation, or review cards, and watch your online reputation grow!