Product reviews are a proven way to increase sales online. But what if you don’t have a website that lists all your products? And then there’s the cost, finding good review software and integrating it into your website can be expensive. So why not just post reviews offline, in your store?
Yes, even if you’re a local, independent retail store, you can use product reviews. Just put them right there on your product shelves or display cases. Your biggest decision will be how to do it physically.
Product Review Binder
Many businesses like to keep a brag book of positive letters they receive from customers. Transform your brag book into a review book or binder. Get a small binder for your products that receive reviews. When you get a review for that product, just slip it into a clear sheet cover and put it in the binder. Leave the binder right there next to the reviewed item.
Solicit Product Reviews
Make it easy for your customers to provide reviews. People are comfortable providing reviews online. It’s easy for customers to fill out a review in the comfort and privacy of their home. Help your customers provide an offline review by giving them an offline review box in the form of a self-addressed postcard. Just tell the customer you’re placing it in their bag and then ask them for the review. There is the issue of postage, you will have to make the decision whether or not to provide postage.
What to do About Negative Reviews
Don’t trash negative reviews! Keep them and include them in your review book. They add credibility and can actually help enhance sales. It also gives you the opportunity to make product improvements. When you do, include your own response to the negative review and thank the customer for providing the necessary feedback.
Tips on Getting and Using Product Reviews
– Allow the customer to provide the review anonymously. You will find, that even with the anonymity option, most customers will still provide their name.
– You may want to provide incentives to customer who provide a review, such as a 10% off next purchase coupon. Ask the customer if they would provide a review after they’ve used the product (using your review postcard), if they agree, hand them the coupon.
– To jump start your product review initiative, use your in-house mailing list and send product-review postcards to past customers. Start with a trial of about 100 to test the response. If response is good, mail to everyone.
In-store product reviews are quite uncommon, but there’s no reason you can’t be a trailblazer, right?
Why You Need Local Online Reviews
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