Want more Shopify reviews without breaking the rules? Here are 7 legal ways to encourage honest customer feedback while staying compliant with Shopify and FTC guidelines:
- Discounts for Future Purchases: Reward reviews with discount codes for their next order - valid for all feedback, positive or negative.
- Loyalty Points: Offer points for reviews, photo uploads, or verified purchases that customers can redeem for store rewards.
- Giveaways: Host contests for reviewers with clear rules, fair prize distribution, and FTC-compliant disclosures.
- Better Customer Support: Great service naturally leads to more positive reviews.
- Simplify the Review Process: Use mobile-friendly forms, one-click reviews, and automated requests to make leaving feedback easy.
- Highlight Reviews: Display customer feedback on product pages, emails, and your homepage to build trust.
- Non-Cash Rewards: Offer perks like VIP access, free shipping, or extended returns for active reviewers.
These methods focus on rewarding genuine feedback, building trust, and improving customer engagement - all while staying within legal boundaries.
1. Give Future Purchase Discounts
This approach follows FTC guidelines and encourages customers to share their honest feedback. Instead of offering immediate cash rewards, provide a discount code for their next purchase after they submit a review.
Define the Terms
Make the rules clear to avoid confusion:
- The discount is valid only for future purchases.
- Reviews should reflect honest opinions.
- Both positive and negative reviews are eligible.
- Discount codes should have a 30-60 day expiration period.
Set Discount Values
Base the discount amount on your average order value (AOV) to strike a balance between incentivizing reviews and protecting your profit margins:
- AOV under $50: Offer a 10-15% discount.
- AOV between $50 and $200: Provide $10-$20 off.
- AOV over $200: Use a 5-10% discount.
Keep the discount appealing enough to encourage participation without cutting too deeply into your profits.
Automate the Process
Streamline the entire system with automation. Set up an email to go out 7–14 days after the product is delivered. This email should:
- Include a direct link to leave a review.
- Explain the discount offer clearly.
- Send the discount code automatically once the review is submitted.
"Thank you for sharing your experience! Here's a discount code for your next purchase as a token of our appreciation."
To maintain profitability, adjust your Shopify settings to prevent stacking discount codes and, if necessary, set minimum purchase requirements. Make sure the redemption process is straightforward to encourage more customers to participate.
2. Set Up a Points Program
A points-based loyalty program is a great way to encourage customer reviews while staying within FTC guidelines. By tying review incentives to your loyalty program, you can keep customers engaged and collect honest feedback. Unlike simple discounts, points programs encourage ongoing interaction by offering continuous rewards.
Structure Your Points System
Here’s an example of how you can structure your points system:
- Submitting a review: 100–200 points
- Adding photos or videos to reviews: 250–500 points
- Reviews from verified purchases: Extra 100 points
- First-time review bonus: 250 points
Set Point Values
Make it easy for customers to understand the value of their points. Use a clear conversion rate like this:
| Points | Reward Value |
|---|---|
| 500 | $5 off |
| 1,000 | $10 off |
| 2,500 | $25 off |
| 5,000 | $50 off |
Implement Program Rules
To ensure the program runs smoothly, set clear rules:
- Points expire after 12 months.
- Reviews must meet quality standards (e.g., no spam or irrelevant content).
- Limit rewards to one review per order.
- Points cannot be transferred between accounts.
- Set a minimum number of points required for redemption (e.g., 500 points).
Track Performance Metrics
Keep an eye on these metrics to measure the program's success:
- The percentage of customers who complete reviews.
- How often customers redeem their points.
- Average points earned per customer.
- The lifetime value of customers participating in the program.
Use Shopify Apps
Use apps like Smile.io or LoyaltyLion to integrate a points system into your Shopify store. These tools can help you reward points for reviews while staying compliant with Shopify’s policies.
Communicate Value
Make sure customers know about their points and rewards by displaying balances in key areas:
- Account dashboards.
- Post-purchase emails.
- Review request notifications.
- Order confirmation pages.
3. Host Review Giveaways
Encourage honest customer feedback by hosting review giveaways while ensuring compliance with FTC regulations.
Create Clear Contest Rules
Establish straightforward guidelines for your giveaway to avoid confusion and ensure fairness:
- Define the entry period clearly (e.g., a 30-day window).
- Accept all reviews, no matter the rating.
- Allow multiple entries per purchase.
- Use a random, verifiable method to select winners.
- Clearly outline prize details, including approximate retail value.
- Include all necessary disclosure requirements for participants.
Once your rules are set, focus on selecting rewards that your customers will appreciate.
Select Prizes That Appeal to Customers
Choose rewards that align with your audience's interests while keeping the giveaway fair and professional:
| Prize Tier | Value Range | Example Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prize | $100–$250 | Store gift card |
| Second Tier | $50–$75 | Product bundle |
| Third Tier | $25–$35 | Single product |
Follow Legal Guidelines
Stay on the right side of the law by implementing these safeguards:
- Provide an option to enter without making a purchase.
- Include FTC-compliant disclosures on review forms.
- Add "Void where prohibited" to your contest rules.
- Specify eligibility criteria, such as age and location.
- Document the winner selection process.
- Keep detailed records of entries and communications.
Automate the Review Process
Simplify and streamline review collection by using Shopify's built-in features:
- Schedule automated review requests 7–14 days after delivery.
- Send follow-up emails to remind participants about the contest.
- Track entries using unique customer IDs.
- Use tools to verify reviews and prevent fraudulent submissions.
- Monitor review quality to ensure they meet contest requirements.
Build Trust Through Transparency
Earn participant trust by being open and communicative about the giveaway:
- Share the total number of entries and announce winners publicly.
- Include clear disclaimers in all promotional materials.
- Respond quickly to any participant questions or concerns.
4. Improve Customer Support
Great customer support naturally encourages positive reviews. By prioritizing service quality, you open the door for genuine feedback from satisfied customers.
Offer Real-Time Support
Make it easy for customers to get help when they need it. Some effective support options include:
- Live chat during business hours for instant assistance
- 24/7 chatbot support to handle basic questions
- Email support with clear timelines for replies
- Social media monitoring to respond to customer messages promptly
Build a Knowledge Base
A well-organized self-service hub can save time for both customers and your support team. Include resources like:
- Detailed product guides to help users understand and use your products
- FAQs that address common questions and solutions
- Video tutorials for step-by-step visual instructions
- Size charts to ensure accurate measurements for products like clothing or footwear
Set Clear Response Times
Quick responses show customers you value their time. Aim for these benchmarks:
- Live chat: Respond within 2 minutes
- Social media messages: Reply within 1 hour
- Emails: Respond within 24 hours
- Complex issues: Provide a resolution or update within 48 hours
Train Your Support Team
Well-trained teams deliver better experiences. Focus on these key areas:
- Product Knowledge – Ensure your team understands the details of your products and common customer concerns.
- Communication Skills – Teach staff to use positive language, show empathy, and remain professional.
- Problem Solving – Empower your team to make decisions, like offering store credits or expedited shipping, to resolve issues quickly.
Track Support Performance
Keep an eye on metrics that reflect your team's effectiveness, such as:
- First response time
- Resolution rate
- Customer satisfaction scores
- Ticket volume
- Patterns in recurring issues
Add a Personal Touch
Make every interaction memorable by tailoring your approach. Simple gestures can leave a lasting impression:
- Use the customer's name in conversations
- Reference their previous purchases
- Suggest products based on their needs
- Follow up to ensure their issue is resolved
- Send a thank-you note to show appreciation
These small but thoughtful actions can encourage customers to leave genuine reviews about their experience.
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5. Make Reviews Easy to Submit
Making it simple for customers to leave reviews can greatly increase participation. Here are effective ways to streamline the process and encourage feedback.
Optimize Email Review Requests
Timing is everything when it comes to requesting reviews. Here's what works best:
- Send the first email 7–10 days after delivery for physical products.
- If there's no response, follow up about 5 days later.
- Include a direct link to the review form to save customers time.
- Keep emails short, to the point, and easy to read on mobile devices.
Use One-Click Reviews
Simplify the review process by cutting out unnecessary steps:
- Let customers leave star ratings without requiring written feedback.
- Auto-fill their information using account details.
- Allow photo uploads directly from mobile devices.
- Add character count indicators for text fields to guide users.
Prioritize Mobile-Friendly Design
Since many customers shop from their phones, ensure your review forms work well on mobile:
- Use large, easy-to-tap buttons.
- Add swipe gestures for star ratings.
- Keep required fields to a minimum.
- Enable voice-to-text input for convenience.
Streamline Review Forms
Keep your review form straightforward by including:
- A required overall rating.
- An optional written review and photo upload.
- Automatic purchase verification to save time.
- Options for customers to choose how their name is displayed.
Add Convenient Review Shortcuts
Make review submission effortless by placing buttons in key spots:
- Order confirmation emails.
- Customer account dashboards.
- Product pages.
- Post-purchase thank-you pages.
- Order tracking updates.
Offer Multi-Product Review Options
For customers who bought several items, create a single page where they can review everything:
- Allow them to leave star ratings for all items at once.
- Include quick-select options for common feedback themes.
- Display product thumbnails for easy reference.
Use Smart Triggers
Set up automated prompts to request reviews based on customer actions:
- After they make repeat purchases.
- Following a positive interaction with customer service.
- When they engage with your loyalty program.
6. Display Customer Feedback
Adding customer reviews to your Shopify store can help build trust and encourage more purchases. When potential buyers see reviews from others, it reassures them and often motivates them to leave their own feedback.
Where to Place Reviews
Put reviews in spots where they’ll make the most impact:
- Homepage: Highlight standout testimonials.
- Product Pages: Add a dedicated review section.
- Shopping Cart: Use social proof widgets to reinforce trust.
- Order Confirmation Pages: Show reviews to encourage repeat purchases.
- Emails: Include reviews in campaigns to engage customers.
How to Make Reviews Stand Out
Make reviews both appealing and credible by:
- Showing star ratings prominently.
- Including verified purchase badges for authenticity.
- Featuring customer photos or videos.
- Sorting reviews by date or relevance.
- Displaying reviewer details, like names or locations, when possible.
Present Reviews Effectively
Ensure reviews are easy to read and navigate:
- Use clean, legible fonts.
- Opt for mobile-friendly designs.
- Add filters or search tools for convenience.
- Highlight key takeaways or summaries.
- Keep the design aligned with your store’s branding.
7. Use Non-Cash Rewards
Non-cash rewards can be a great way to encourage customer reviews while staying within legal boundaries. Instead of direct payments, these rewards provide added perks that customers appreciate.
Digital Perks
Offer online benefits that make shopping more enjoyable:
- Early access to upcoming product launches
- VIP status with special privileges
- Priority customer support for verified reviewers
- Extended return periods for active participants
- Free shipping on their next purchase
In-Store Extras
Make the shopping experience more engaging with these ideas:
- Birthday bonuses for loyalty members who leave reviews
- Exclusive content for customers who stay involved
- Invitations to private shopping events
- Sneak peeks at new products for active reviewers
- Personalized assistance from dedicated staff
Community Recognition
Highlight your customers and build a sense of community:
- Spotlight reviewers on your website or store
- Special badges for top contributors
- "Expert reviewer" titles for consistent feedback
- Social media mentions for insightful reviews
- Customer of the month awards
These rewards help create a transparent and fair system that encourages genuine feedback.
Tips for Success
- Make rewards available to all customers.
- Be upfront about incentives in review sections.
- Keep rewards modest to ensure reviews remain genuine.
- Reward all reviews - positive or negative.
- Maintain a clear and documented reward policy.
Wrapping It Up
A well-structured Shopify review system strikes the right balance between encouraging customer participation and staying compliant with legal standards. The methods shared earlier offer a solid foundation for gathering genuine feedback while fostering trust and credibility.
Here’s how to keep your review strategy effective:
- Offer meaningful rewards like discounts on future purchases or loyalty points that benefit both your customers and your business.
- Build a sense of community with initiatives like giveaways or recognition programs tied to reviews.
- Provide excellent customer support to naturally encourage positive reviews.
- Simplify the review process to make it easy and hassle-free.
- Highlight real customer testimonials to establish social proof.
- Use non-monetary rewards that enhance the overall shopping experience.
Collecting reviews isn’t just about feedback; it’s a key part of engaging with your customers. A strong review system not only builds trust but also provides insights to improve your products.
If you’re looking to take your review strategy to the next level, consider working with experts. UltraLabs specializes in creating Shopify stores designed to boost customer engagement and streamline review systems while staying compliant with legal guidelines.
The most effective review programs foster genuine relationships with customers. By focusing on these strategies, you’ll create a loyal, engaged community that contributes to your store’s growth through honest reviews and feedback.
To keep your review program running smoothly:
- Regularly check compliance with legal regulations.
- Analyze review data to uncover patterns and insights.
- Be transparent about rewards and incentives.
- Experiment with different incentive approaches to find what works best.