Discount for Reviews: Should You Offer It to Customers?
You’ve served dozens of happy customers, but only a few have left a review.
Most people mean well, but leaving feedback is not a priority and they often forget even when you include a link in your invoice email.
After trying reminders that don’t get results, it’s easy to start thinking: “Maybe I should offer a discount to get more reviews.”
You might be considering that right now, but the truth is that approach will not end well.
Why that is the case is exactly what we cover in the article below.
Can You Offer a Discount for a Google Review?
The short answer: No. Google doesn’t allow businesses to offer discounts, freebies, or any kind of compensation in exchange for a review.
Google’s review policy classifies this as “fake engagement” or “review manipulation.”
Even if your intention is to simply encourage more honest reviews, giving customers something in return for posting one violates their guidelines.
Consequences of Offering Discounts for Reviews
It might sound like a smart shortcut: offer a discount, get more reviews, build trust. But in reality, incentivizing reviews often does more harm than good.
Here’s what you risk:
Platform Penalties and Review Removal
Major platforms such as Google, Yelp, and Amazon forbid businesses from giving incentives for reviews.
If discovered, the reviews can be removed without notice and your business profile may be suspended. Instead of improving your reputation, you risk losing it altogether.
Legal and Compliance Risks
In the United States, the FTC requires clear disclosure if a review was incentivized. Other regions have similar consumer protection laws.
Failing to comply can lead to fines, legal action, or public warnings. Even in countries with fewer regulations, global platforms still enforce their own standards.
Damage to Customer Trust
Customers often recognize when reviews look forced or unnaturally positive. If they realize you offered discounts in exchange, trust in your business can decline.
Negative word of mouth spreads quickly, and what started as an attempt to build credibility can end with skepticism and lost sales.
What to Do Instead of Offering Discounts for Reviews
You don’t need to risk penalties or lose customer trust to collect more reviews. Instead of offering discounts, focus on strategies that encourage authentic, voluntary feedback.
Ask at the Right Time
Timing matters.
Customers are more likely to leave a review when the experience is still fresh, such as right after a successful purchase, quick delivery, or a positive interaction with your staff.
Also consider how often you should ask for a review because a well-timed request feels natural rather than forced.
Automate Review Requests
Manually asking every customer is hard to scale.
With automation tools, you can send email or SMS reminders shortly after purchase or service completion. This creates a steady flow of reviews without extra effort from your team.
Our review tool makes this even easier by automating requests, tracking responses, and ensuring customers are reminded at the right time without adding more work to your plate.
Offer Non-Monetary Incentives
If you’d still like to give something back, focus on non-monetary rewards:
- Early access to new products
- Loyalty program points
- A simple “thank you” shout-out in your community or social media
These add value without crossing into risky territory like discounts for reviews.
Simplify the Review Process
The easier it is to leave a review, the more likely customers will do it.
Share your direct Google review link, include QR codes at checkout, or add a “Leave a Review” button in follow-up emails. Reduce friction, and the number of reviews will naturally increase.
Check out our how to ask for a review guide if you want an in-depth discussion on this.
How Surge Point Helps You Get Reviews Without Discounts
Surge Point is a reputation marketing platform that helps businesses collect more authentic reviews, strengthen credibility, and improve visibility — all without relying on risky incentives or discounts.
- Reviews: Automates review requests through email and SMS so you can consistently gather genuine feedback at the right time.
- Referrals: Turns satisfied customers into brand advocates by making it easy for them to share your business.
- Insights: Gives you data on customer sentiment and review performance so you can refine your strategy.
- Repeat: Helps you build loyalty by keeping happy customers engaged and coming back.
We also specialize in tailored solutions for industries where reviews make or break trust, including law firms, dental offices, medical practices, med spas, plumbing services, and landscaping businesses.
Conclusion
As you take the next steps, we wish you the best in growing your reviews the right way. If you’d like to explore more strategies, you can check out our resources on review automation and review gating, or browse through our full blog for tips on reputation and marketing.
And if you’re ready to put these ideas into action, we’d love to help. Reach out to us anytime at info@thesurgepoint.com.
