A new store with zero reviews has a trust problem. Buyers wonder: is this shop real, is the product as shown, will my money be safe? A handful of honest reviews answers all three. Here is how to get your first product reviews without tricks.
1. Start with people who already buy from you
If you have a shop, a WhatsApp list or regular Instagram buyers, those customers already trust you. When they order on your new website, ask them for a short review. Ten reviews from real regulars are worth more than a hundred from strangers.
2. Ask at the right moment
The best time is a few days after delivery, once they have used the product. Too early and they have not tried it; too late and they have forgotten.
3. Make it one tap
Send the direct link to the product's review section. Do not make them search for the product or log in again if you can avoid it.
Example message: "Hi Kavita, hope you are enjoying the cotton saree! If you have a minute, please share a short review here: [link]. It really helps a small shop like ours."
4. Put a card in the parcel
A small printed card with a thank-you note and a QR code to the review page works well. People open parcels in a good mood — that is the moment to ask.
5. Ask for a photo
A review with a real photo — the saree worn at a function, the sweets on a plate — is more convincing than any studio picture. Say "a photo would help other buyers a lot".
6. Reply to every review
Thank people for good reviews. For a complaint, reply politely, fix the problem and say what you did. Buyers trust a shop that handles problems well more than one with only perfect scores.
What not to do
- No fake reviews — not from friends pretending to be buyers, and not bought from agencies.
- No payment for good reviews only. If you give a small thank-you, give it for any honest review.
- Do not delete honest negative reviews. Answer them instead.
India has a national standard for online consumer reviews (IS 19000:2022) that asks platforms to keep reviews genuine and not suppress negative ones. Honest reviews protect you as well as your buyers.
Show reviews where they matter
Put reviews on each product page, a few of the best on your home page, and share photo reviews on Instagram and WhatsApp with the buyer's permission.
Our online stores include product reviews from buyers on every product page. See online store plans or read how to get your first 100 orders.
Sources: 2026 guides on collecting product reviews for small online stores; BIS IS 19000:2022.
FAQs
How can a new online store get its first reviews?
Ask existing customers first, send a one-tap review link a few days after delivery, add a QR card in the parcel, and ask for a photo.
When is the best time to ask for a review?
A few days after delivery, once the customer has used the product but still remembers the purchase.
Can I pay for reviews?
Do not pay for positive reviews or post fake ones. If you give a small thank-you, give it for any honest review, good or bad.
Should I delete negative reviews?
No. Reply politely, fix the problem and explain what you did. It builds more trust than hiding complaints.
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