I do a fair amount of online shopping. And just like service in a restaurant, if something really wows me, or really disappoints me, I’ll make an effort to put it in writing. But a vast majority of the time, I don’t feel the burning urge to comment at all. I mean, honestly, what’s there to say about a scrub brush or bottle of shampoo? It’s what I ordered, it works as described, and no, I don’t feel like completing a survey about it.
I’ve noticed lately that e-tailers have gotten more and more aggressive with their “requests” for feedback. It started with a little note on the packing slip inviting me to rate their product online. Soon, they began sending emails asking me to rate a product I’d ordered. Then came second reminders. Amazon not only asks me to rate the product, but now they want my feedback on their packaging as well. Several sites have added pop-up screens that beg me to participate in a survey afterward.
Just today I received this email from Overstock.com with the subject line: “Lisa, You Still Have a Product to Review.” As if it was my OBLIGATION to submit feedback.
Listen up, e-tailers: If you really value my feedback, either offer me something in return (e.g. a coupon for $5 off my next purchase) or leave me alone. Aggressively soliciting my feedback only makes me LESS willing to leave feedback. I’m a consumer, not a paid reviewer.