Product reviews are just as important as product descriptions. Both the customer and the retailer can benefit from product reviews. Still, many customers don’t write reviews. There are a few reasons they give for not writing product reviews, but don’t fret. For all these concerns, we have solutions!

As any online retailer knows, we love it when customers review products. First of all, it’s free content the customer writes. It also helps to convert online browsing into online sales. Retailers like negative reviews almost as much as the glowing reviews because they also generate sales. With a negative review, what won’t work for one customer may be exactly what the next customer needs.

Reviews are also good for the customer. Sometimes the product description doesn’t include enough detail for the customer to know if the product is right for its intended application. Customers can assist one another by sharing how they used a product and by giving additional information, such as including the weight, size, or quality of materials used. Reviews can also lead to changes in product development when the reviews are getting to the manufacturer (We can’t speak for all retailers, but at TruTech Tools we make sure these reviews get to the manufacturer.)

If reviewing products is so important, why doesn’t everyone write a review?

1) I’m not good at writing. I never know what to write.

The beautiful thing about product reviews is that you don’t have to be a talented author. You can click a star rating and then write a couple of sentences about the product.

Reviews can be as simple as “This item was really good. I like the color too.” or they can be very descriptive.

2) I don’t have the time to write a review. I don’t even have time to read them. I’ve barely read this letter.

Thanks for sticking around this long, but let’s be honest with each other. Does it really take that long to write one or two sentences? You don’t have to spend a lot of time on a review. You can simply write, “It did the job.” Or “For this job, I should have bought something else.”

3) Whatever. I don’t care if you sell this wonderful/awful product. Why should I write a review if it doesn’t change the product?

Oh, but it does. When we see a suggestion for improvement or a complaint about a product we carry, we send it straight to the manufacturer. Legitimate concerns are addressed and lead to new, improved products.

Likewise, positive reviews tell us what we’re doing right. How else can we, “keep up the good work?”

So, in short, yes, what you write in that review is fairly likely to change something about the product or the way a product is presented, if more information would have been helpful.

4) But I really hated the product! Should I still review it?

Absolutely! Yes, please still review the product. As the saying goes, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” When you let the manufacturer know you’re not happy, they are listening loud and clear because they want their product to do well. And the more customers complain, the more the manufacturer will do to improve their product.

If you still don’t know what to write, this may help you write your next product review: 

• Simply state whether you love it or hate it and one or two reasons why.
• Say something you liked about it. Maybe you liked that it was light weight and easy to carry.
• If you were performing a particularly difficult task and the product helped or hurt the task, share your story.
• Talk about what you wanted to see more of or what needs improvement. Your suggestions will get back to the manufacturer which could lead to improvements or upgrades to the product.

 Tips to remember:

• Be honest, but also remember to be helpful. Don’t just say “it sucks” but tell everyone why it sucked.
• Your review can be anonymous, so don’t feel as though you’re going to be judged. Write as much or as little as you want.
• Think of it as a conversation with a friend. What would you tell someone who expressed an interest in buying the same product?
• Make sure you try the product before you review it. This seems like it should be obvious but… it’s not.