You know you should ask customers for reviews. The hard part is writing a request that people actually open, read and act on, especially when the purchase was a $9,000 sauna and the customer is still deciding how they feel about it. A lazy “Rate your order!” email sent the day it ships does more harm than good.
Below you’ll find 8 copy-paste review request email templates built for high-ticket purchases, 6 SMS versions with character counts, 20 subject line options, a straight comparison of email vs SMS including consent basics, the timing I recommend, and how to send all of it from Klaviyo or a Shopify review app. Swap in your details and you can have a full review request sequence live this week.
I have been selling online since 2005 and started my business in October 2010. On my own high-ticket stores, review requests went out through Judge.me on Shopify and Klaviyo emails, and we pointed buyers to Google Business Profile and Trustpilot. I later founded Ecommerce Paradise, and today I build and scale stores for clients selling saunas, cold plunges, outdoor kitchens, fitness equipment and HVAC. These templates are the kind I would set up for any of them.
What Makes a Review Request Email Work
Every good review request email has the same 6 parts. Miss 1 and your response rate drops. Use this as a checklist before you hit send.
| Part | What it does | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Subject line | Gets the email opened | Use their product or first name, under 50 characters |
| Personal opener | Shows a real person is writing | Name the product and the moment, like delivery or install |
| The ask | Requests an honest review | Ask for honest feedback, not 5 stars |
| 1 link or button | Makes it a 1-tap action | Direct review link only, no homepage links |
| Time estimate | Lowers the effort barrier | “It takes about 2 minutes” |
| Support line | Gives unhappy customers a path to you | Offer it to everyone, never instead of the review link |
Keep the whole email under 120 words. Plain-text style emails from a named person usually feel more personal than a heavily designed template, but test both with your own list.
20 Subject Lines for Review Request Emails
Pick 2 or 3 and test them against each other. Replace the bracketed parts with real details.
- How is your new [product] treating you?
- [First Name], how did the delivery go?
- Quick question about your [product]
- Your install is done. How did we do?
- 2 minutes to help the next [product] buyer?
- Would you share your honest experience?
- How did our crew do today?
- 1 month with your [product]. Thoughts?
- We read every review, including yours
- Can I ask you a small favor?
- Thanks for trusting us with a big purchase
- How did we handle your support request?
- Your feedback on the [project name] project
- Still enjoying the [product]?
- A quick note from [Owner Name] at [Business Name]
- Was the [product] worth the wait?
- Tell other buyers what to expect
- Last reminder: your review link
- Help us improve your next experience
- [First Name], did we get it right?
8 Review Request Email Templates
Each template uses placeholders in brackets. The business details are examples. Keep the tone, change the words to sound like you.
Template 1: Post-Delivery Review Request
Subject: [First Name], how did the delivery go?
Hi [First Name],
Your [product] was delivered on [date], and I wanted to check in personally. Freight deliveries on big items can be stressful, so I’d love to know how it went.
Would you take 2 minutes to leave an honest review of your delivery experience? It helps other buyers know what to expect.
[Review Link]
If anything arrived damaged or isn’t right, reply to this email or call me at [phone] and we’ll fix it.
Thanks,
[Owner Name], [Business Name]
Template 2: Post-Installation Review Request
Subject: Your install is done. How did we do?
Hi [First Name],
Thanks for having [Installer Name] and the crew out to install your [product] today. I hope you’re already planning your first session.
If you have a couple of minutes, we’d really value an honest review of the install, from scheduling to cleanup.
[Review Link]
Any questions about using or maintaining your new [product]? Just reply here.
Best,
[Owner Name], [Business Name]
Template 3: 30-Day Check-In and Product Review
Subject: 1 month with your [product]. Thoughts?
Hi [First Name],
You’ve had your [product] for about a month now. That’s usually long enough to know what you love and what you’d change.
Would you share an honest review of the product itself? Your experience helps people who are trying to decide on a big purchase like this.
[Review Link]
And if something isn’t working the way it should, reply here first so we can help.
Thanks,
[Owner Name], [Business Name]
Template 4: After a Support Resolution
Subject: How did we handle your support request?
Hi [First Name],
Thanks for your patience while we sorted out [issue]. I know dealing with a problem on a big purchase is frustrating, and I appreciate you working with [Support Rep Name].
If you’re willing, we’d love an honest review of how we handled it, good or bad. We use every review to improve.
[Review Link]
Thanks again,
[Owner Name], [Business Name]
Template 5: B2B or Commercial Buyer
Subject: Your feedback on the [project name] project
Hi [First Name],
Now that the [product or equipment] at [Company Name] is up and running, thank you again for choosing us for the project.
Other facility managers and owners often ask us for references. Would you be open to leaving an honest review of your experience, including project management, delivery and support?
[Review Link]
If you’d prefer to share feedback on a quick call instead, reply with a good time.
Best regards,
[Account Manager Name], [Business Name]
Template 6: Gentle Reminder
Subject: Last reminder: your review link
Hi [First Name],
I sent a note last week asking about your [product]. I know inboxes get busy, so this is my last reminder.
If you have 2 minutes, an honest review would help us a lot.
[Review Link]
Either way, thanks for being a customer.
[Owner Name], [Business Name]
Template 7: Google-Specific Review Request
Subject: Would you share your experience on Google?
Hi [First Name],
Thanks again for choosing [Business Name] for your [product]. Many of our customers found us by reading Google reviews, so yours would mean a lot.
The link below opens our Google review box directly. You’ll need to be signed in to a Google account.
[Google Review Link]
Honest feedback is always welcome, whatever your experience was.
Thank you,
[Owner Name], [Business Name]
Template 8: Local Installer or Service Company
Subject: How did our crew do today?
Hi [First Name],
Thanks for trusting [Business Name] with your [service, like HVAC install or deck build]. [Crew Lead Name] mentioned it was great working at your place.
Most of our new customers are neighbors who read reviews first. Would you leave an honest review about your experience with our team?
[Review Link]
If anything needs a second look, call us at [phone] and we’ll be back out.
Thanks,
[Owner Name], [Business Name]
6 SMS Review Request Templates With Character Counts
A single SMS segment holds up to 160 characters when it uses the standard GSM-7 character set. According to Twilio’s SMS character limit guide, a message that goes over 160 gets split into segments of 153 characters each. Emoji and some special characters switch the message to UCS-2 encoding, which drops the limit to 70.
The counts below include spaces and assume a 14-character short link written as example.com/rv. Your real link may be longer. Google review links are often 30 or more characters, so count again after you paste yours in. Summit Saunas is an example business name.
SMS 1: Post-Delivery (143 characters)
Summit Saunas: Hi Sam, your sauna was delivered today. How did it go? An honest review helps other buyers: example.com/rv Reply STOP to opt out
SMS 2: Post-Installation (145 characters)
Summit Saunas: Thanks for having our crew out today, Sam. Got 2 minutes for an honest review of the install? example.com/rv Reply STOP to opt out
SMS 3: 30-Day Check-In (141 characters)
Summit Saunas: Hi Sam, you’ve had your sauna about a month. How is it going? We’d love an honest review: example.com/rv Reply STOP to opt out
SMS 4: After Support Resolution (157 characters)
Summit Saunas: Glad we got your heater fixed, Sam. If you’re willing, an honest review of how we handled it helps a lot: example.com/rv Reply STOP to opt out
SMS 5: Gentle Reminder (135 characters)
Summit Saunas: Hi Sam, a quick reminder. If you have a minute, we’d still love your honest review: example.com/rv Reply STOP to opt out
SMS 6: Google-Specific (137 characters)
Summit Saunas: Thanks again, Sam. Would you share an honest Google review? It takes about 2 minutes: example.com/rv Reply STOP to opt out
Notice every text starts with the business name and ends with opt-out instructions. That is not just good manners. It lines up with carrier best practices, which I cover next.
Review Request Email vs SMS: Which Should You Use?
Both work. They just do different jobs. Here is how I think about it for high-ticket sellers.
| Factor | SMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Best moment | Post-delivery, 30-day check-in, reminders | Install day, right after a support win |
| Space | Room for context and a support line | About 160 characters per segment |
| Speed of response | Hours to days | Usually minutes |
| Consent needed | Lighter rules for transactional email, still follow CAN-SPAM where it applies | Get consent to text first, follow carrier rules |
| Cost | Low | Paid per message segment |
| Risk if done badly | Spam folder | Complaints, carrier filtering, legal exposure |
My default for big-ticket orders is email first, with SMS reserved for in-the-moment asks where the customer has already agreed to receive texts. If you only pick 1 channel, start with email.
SMS Consent Basics
This is the part to get right. I’m not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Texting customers in the US is governed by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and FCC rules, plus state laws, and the details depend on how the message is sent and what it says. Talk to a lawyer before you launch a text program.
The wireless industry also has its own expectations. The CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices say senders should get consumer consent to receive messages and express written consent before promotional texts. They also call for clearly identifying the sender, honoring STOP and similar opt-out words, and keeping a record of consent.
In practice, that means you should only text customers who opted in to texts from you, start each text with your business name, include opt-out instructions, and stop immediately when someone opts out. Your SMS provider will usually have its own consent rules and registration steps on top of that.
Email Rules to Know
Email is more forgiving, but not rule-free. The FTC’s CAN-SPAM Act compliance guide explains that what matters is the primary purpose of the message. Transactional or relationship messages are largely exempt but still cannot use false or misleading routing information, and the FTC says it views those categories narrowly.
A review request that mixes in a sale or product promotion is more likely to count as commercial. The simple fix is to keep review requests free of promotions and include an unsubscribe link anyway. Again, check current guidance or ask a lawyer for your situation.
When to Send Each Template
Timing matters as much as wording. For high-ticket products, I trigger requests on confirmed delivery or a completed install, never on shipment.
| Template | Trigger | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Post-delivery email or SMS | Carrier marks delivered | 1 to 3 days |
| Post-installation email or SMS | Install marked complete | Same day or next day |
| 30-day check-in | Delivery date | About 30 days |
| Support resolution | Ticket closed as solved | Same day to 2 days |
| B2B or commercial | Project sign-off | Within 1 week |
| Gentle reminder | No review after first request | 5 to 7 days, then stop |
Send 1 reminder at most. Sending 3 or more requests starts to feel like nagging, and nagging is how a happy customer turns into a 3-star review.
How to Send Review Requests From Klaviyo or a Shopify Review App
You do not need fancy software. Most high-ticket Shopify stores can run everything above with an email platform and a review app. Here is how it works in general terms. Menus change, so follow each tool’s current docs.
Klaviyo
Klaviyo’s guide on creating a third-party product review flow uses a Fulfilled Order trigger with a delay longer than your average delivery time. It points out that fulfillment alone does not mean the package arrived, and gives 14 days as an example delay. For freight items with long transit times, set the delay longer.
If you use Klaviyo Reviews, its review request flows start from a Ready to review event that is tracked when an item is delivered or fulfilled and meets your criteria. Paste templates 1, 3 and 6 into the flow emails and adjust the wording.
Shopify Review Apps
Most Shopify review apps send automatic requests after fulfillment or delivery. For example, Judge.me’s help article on scheduling review requests after delivery explains that delivery-based requests wait until Shopify reports the order as delivered, then send after your delay. That feature is listed on its paid Awesome plan, so check current pricing.
Whatever app you pick, edit its default email copy. The defaults are generic, and your customers spent thousands with you. Use the templates above and keep the same request going to every customer.
Google Review Links
For Google-specific requests, get your link from Google Business Profile. Google’s help page on how to create a link or QR code to request reviews says to open your profile on a computer, select Read Reviews, then Get more reviews, and copy the link. Paste it into template 7 and SMS 6.
Keep Your Review Requests Compliant
A few rules apply to every template on this page. Send the same request to every customer, not only the ones you think are happy. Never tie a discount or gift to a positive review. Do not ask employees or family to review you.
The FTC’s Endorsement Guides FAQ says you cannot condition an incentive on a positive review and warns against asking only customers likely to be happy. Google also prohibits incentives for any review on its platform. For the full breakdown, including the FTC’s 16 CFR Part 465 rule, read our guide on how to ask customers for reviews. Rules change, so check current guidance.
How Review Paradise Fits In
Review Paradise is a directory and review platform for big purchases like saunas, hot tubs, outdoor living, furniture and fitness equipment. Reviews cover advice before the sale, delivery, installation, use and support. Submissions are moderated under our review guidelines, and purchase verification is not available yet.
Businesses can learn how listings work on our for businesses page. Shoppers can research sellers in the business directory, and a listing is not an endorsement.
Questions People Ask
What should a review request email say?
Thank the customer by name, mention the product and the moment, ask for an honest review, include 1 direct link, and give a way to reach you if something is wrong. Keep it under 120 words.
When is the best time to send a review request email?
For shipped high-ticket products, 1 to 3 days after confirmed delivery. For installed products, the same day or next day. Send a product-focused request around 30 days later, once the customer has used it.
Is SMS or email better for review requests?
Email is safer and gives you more room, so start there. SMS can get faster responses for install-day or support asks, but only text customers who agreed to receive texts and include opt-out instructions.
How many review reminders should I send?
Just 1. A single gentle reminder 5 to 7 days after the first request catches people who missed it. More than that tends to annoy customers.
Can I use the same template for Google and my website?
Yes, just swap the link and adjust the line about Google accounts. Ask for 1 platform per request so customers don’t have to choose.
Your Next Step
Pick templates 1, 3 and 6, paste them into your email platform or review app, and set them to trigger on confirmed delivery. Add the SMS templates only for customers who opted in to texts. When the bad reviews come in, use our guide on how to respond to negative reviews.
If you sell high-ticket products, see our page for businesses to learn how Review Paradise works. Shoppers can research sellers in the business directory.
Related Articles
- How to Ask Customers for Reviews
- How to Get More Google Reviews
- How to Respond to Negative Reviews
- Best Review Management Software
- How to Collect Customer Feedback
Trevor Fenner is the founder of Review Paradise and Ecommerce Paradise. He writes about high-ticket brands and retailers, customer experiences, and building ecommerce businesses.
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