A few questions/conspiracies about requesting reviews
Hello again, second question in a few days 
Since our first sale on the 1st of April, we’ve had 5109 orders. For each and every one of those orders (except for the most recent), I’ve requested a review from the customer either by sending a customised message, or clicking the ‘Request a Review’ button.
I know there are automated programmes out there to do this, but they’re expensive and I’m not sure I’d resort to them unless sales really take off, plus I don’t mind the work that goes into doing this if it means more reviews for my ASINS ( +/- better reviews ) by wishing the odd Merry Christmas or so in a custom message alongside the review request.
Anyway, it means I’m quite invested in my requests getting across to the customers. But I can’t help but feel suspicious (without any proof) that not all requests are being relayed to customers.
Even taking into account the fact that some customers have opted not to receive such emails from Amazon, and others for whom the email ends up in their junk mail, my response rate is still really low. Maybe 3-4% at best, but often lower.
Plus, between my and my wife we’ve purchased hundreds if not thousands of products on Amazon over the years and have not received a review request… is it just us? My understanding was that most Amazon sellers aim to request reviews for each sale, so I’d have expected many requests. We haven’t tinkered with our Amazon settings and we Amazon emails don’t go to our junk mail.
Secondly, I’d love to hear whether people typically receive more reviews with custom messages or by clicking the ‘Request a Review’ button.
Thanks for your time
A few questions/conspiracies about requesting reviews
Hello again, second question in a few days
Since our first sale on the 1st of April, we’ve had 5109 orders. For each and every one of those orders (except for the most recent), I’ve requested a review from the customer either by sending a customised message, or clicking the ‘Request a Review’ button.
I know there are automated programmes out there to do this, but they’re expensive and I’m not sure I’d resort to them unless sales really take off, plus I don’t mind the work that goes into doing this if it means more reviews for my ASINS ( +/- better reviews ) by wishing the odd Merry Christmas or so in a custom message alongside the review request.
Anyway, it means I’m quite invested in my requests getting across to the customers. But I can’t help but feel suspicious (without any proof) that not all requests are being relayed to customers.
Even taking into account the fact that some customers have opted not to receive such emails from Amazon, and others for whom the email ends up in their junk mail, my response rate is still really low. Maybe 3-4% at best, but often lower.
Plus, between my and my wife we’ve purchased hundreds if not thousands of products on Amazon over the years and have not received a review request… is it just us? My understanding was that most Amazon sellers aim to request reviews for each sale, so I’d have expected many requests. We haven’t tinkered with our Amazon settings and we Amazon emails don’t go to our junk mail.
Secondly, I’d love to hear whether people typically receive more reviews with custom messages or by clicking the ‘Request a Review’ button.
Thanks for your time
Seller_6sxtIS0RbZ5k7
I agree that even 10-20% is being optimistic. I don’t know what the percentage is online but I know that only 5% of people look at any leaflet dropped through the letterbox and I would imagine it’s much the same or even less for an email.
Most of us tend to average out at about 2% feedback so yours seems to be in line with that.
24 replies
Seller_64jziShTiTjOq
As you’ve now created your own thread about this, perhaps you could delete your posts on
to save other sellers answering you twice over
But my own view is that a 4% return is probably pretty good. I suspect the novelty of posting reviews, feedback etc on every single online transaction or enquiry has long since worn off for most users, and they probably get annoyed at being asked to do so. The general view of most experienced sellers is, I believe, that if you get reviews, you get reviews but it’s not worth worrying if you don’t. Using outside agencies to solicit reviews is said to be risky as they can get your account suspended by asking more than once, as indeed can you. In short, it’s probably a waste of your time trying to get reviews
Seller_BS5lg2keRs2QO
I suppose my question would be if you were to send 100 emails and every buyer saw it in their inbox, what do you think the response rate should be?
Seller_ftMMn0UeA4IQP
I think ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ is the motto of most seasoned sellers. I would seriously not be poking that hornets nest and contacting buyers if I absolutely didnt have to.
Seller_AosJD54bRJJWc
My advice would be use the time you are taking to write and send these emails to grow the business instead. Don’t worry about reviews/feedbacks, they will come organically as your business grows on Amazon.
Seller_NoMNQDGnEW5Bx
I get review requests from almost every item I buy from a third party seller and every one gets deleted. In part this is because I’m not risking my account but mostly because its boring getting asked to review everything constantly, review products, review a phone call, review the hot chocolate I bought it becomes ridiculous.
I’m inclined to think if you push too much for reviews you’ll get ones you don’t want instead of good ones
Seller_dKD6Hgh85NK0l
I used to send a “thanks for the order etc” email to all buyers once the block emails option arrived I would estimate 80% of emails were blocked - with a corresponding drop in feedback
Seller_6sxtIS0RbZ5k7
I agree that even 10-20% is being optimistic. I don’t know what the percentage is online but I know that only 5% of people look at any leaflet dropped through the letterbox and I would imagine it’s much the same or even less for an email.
Most of us tend to average out at about 2% feedback so yours seems to be in line with that.
Seller_4EP71c7vPg4eY
No feedback for one year, I don’t care
Seller_IcGtGTuwjEcXw
good evening,
i see you might be referring to the 80/20 principle. more likely in this case the 96/4 percent principle. in that between 80 to 90% of customers will not do anything after a sale. so chase the 10% to 20% instead.
i guess most people are busy souls these days.
personally i think is it is best to let customers do their own thing; if they do contact you answer fast be friendly and try to keep them happy. (which i am sure you do anyway though).
other than that leave sleeping giants rest, good luck with your sales and i hope you go from strength to strength.
