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A discount for a Google review? Keep the two separate.

A happy customer has just paid and tells you they will be back. It feels like a good moment to offer something: leave a Google review and get 10% off next time. They save a little money, you say thank you, and the business gets another review. It sounds harmless enough.

Google prohibits rewards in exchange for reviews, including discounts and free services. That also applies when you ask for an honest opinion rather than five stars. Google’s policy

Picture a salon reception desk with a little card offering a discount to customers who write about their visit. Perhaps the owner made it with the best intentions. But the customer now has two decisions to make: whether they want to write something, and whether they want to miss out on the offer. A simple invitation has become a small negotiation.

I would keep the discount, if it makes sense for the business, and remove the review from its conditions. You can offer a returning customer a better price without asking for anything in exchange. Separately, you can explain that their feedback would help people who have not visited you before.

The message can be ordinary: “Thanks for coming in. If you have a moment, we'd appreciate you sharing your experience on Google. Here's the link.” There is no need for a speech about five stars or another sales pitch as somebody is trying to leave.

It is worth checking the small things too: receipt wording, appointment follow-up messages and the sign by the till. If several people deal with customers, agree on the wording together. Otherwise, you might remove the offer from the sign while a colleague continues mentioning it out of habit.

Try reading your invitation aloud. Would you say it that way to somebody who is already looking for their car keys? If it sounds lengthy or pushy, shorten it. They came for your service. Let them leave happy without giving them another obligation.