Review Prompt Timing

Understanding Review Prompt Timing

Prompt timing significantly affects review response rate. Asking too early (before the customer has used the product) produces sparse, unhelpful reviews. Asking too late (after the product is forgotten) produces low response rates.

Optimal timing varies by category:

- **Consumables (food, beauty, supplements):** 7-10 days post-delivery — long enough to try, short enough to remember - **Apparel:** 14-21 days — needs wash/wear cycle for honest evaluation - **Furniture, electronics:** 21-30 days — needs setup and use period - **Subscription goods:** 30-45 days — first replenishment cycle anchor

The time window is also affected by category seasonality. Holiday gift purchases benefit from waiting until 7-10 days post-Christmas because the gift recipient has had time to use it. Pre-holiday purchases sent immediately can produce reviews of products that haven't been opened yet.

Multi-touch prompt sequences typically outperform single requests. A typical high-response sequence is: initial request at the optimal post-delivery window, follow-up reminder 7-10 days later, then a final reminder with a small incentive 21 days after first request.