The sales transaction is not going as planned.
There seems to be some miscommunication about the price, or maybe it was how it was presented to me.
The clerk isn’t being very cooperative, which isn’t making me happy. I’m told the price is final, and it’s not on sale (as I had thought).
We finally get things sorted out, and I’m okay with the outcome, but not totally satisfied that I got my way. But the clerk thinks I am.
After begrudgingly paying, I’m asked by the clerk to please leave a Google review about my experience, and “Could you give me 5 stars?”
“Is he serious?”
When the Focus Shifts to the Rating
This is what I call selling to the review.
Instead of focusing on creating a great experience, the emphasis shifts to securing a perfect rating. When a customer is asked for five stars after a lukewarm interaction, it can feel awkward, even manipulative.
You might wonder:
- Did we just have the same experience?
- Does this person care about me, or about their bonus?
- What qualifies as five-star service?
Confident Service Doesn’t Need to Ask for a Perfect Score
In an age when business reviews drive customer recommendations, we need to understand that honesty is the best policy. Think about what 5-star service means to you. Don’t bend under the pressure to do one that doesn’t represent how you feel about it. If the salesperson isn’t authentic about providing the best personal service and is only doing what they think will get them a good review, then you need to be authentic about what your feelings are about the service and give an honest review. Authenticity goes both ways!
Pause Before You Click
Online reviews matter. They influence buying decisions and shape reputations. That’s why honesty is so important.
Before leaving a review, ask yourself:
- Was I treated with respect?
- Did I feel heard and valued?
- Was the communication clear?
- Did the experience truly exceed expectations?
If the answer isn’t a confident yes, five stars may not be appropriate — and that’s okay.
Authenticity Goes Both Ways
As someone who speaks about authentic selling, I believe trust is built through genuine care and not pressure for praise.
If a salesperson isn’t authentic in delivering a meaningful experience, customers shouldn’t feel pressured to be inauthentic in their feedback.
Five stars should feel earned, not requested.
You’re not just reviewing the product.
You’re reviewing the experience.
And authenticity on both sides truly deserves a glowing review.
Ready to Build Your Confidence in Sales?
If follow-up feels uncomfortable or you’re not sure what to say next, you’re not alone. My Sales Confidence Coaching programs help women entrepreneurs sell authentically, follow up with ease, and close with confidence.
Book your free 30-minute Confidence Call and let’s make sure you’re never the one who feels pressured to ask for that review. You have the confidence to show you’ve represented yourself authentically.
