5 Steps to 5-Star Reviews

5-star reviews from customers are crucial for a thriving Food Prepped shop. Discover insights from a seasoned seller on how to earn outstanding reviews.

When I launched my first business venture, a meal prep company, my knowledge about managing a business was minimal, but my goal was crystal clear: I wanted every customer to be overwhelmingly delighted with their experience. Fast-forward a year, and with countless meal plans delivered, I beamed with pride at all our 5-star reviews, resulting in 100 per cent positive feedback.

The journey to that point wasn’t easy. My previous company specialised in bespoke meal plans, catering to a diverse clientele with unique dietary needs and preferences. On average, a custom meal plan could involve detailed nutritional consultations, multiple tailored menu iterations, coordinating with nutritionists, and accommodating last-minute changes from clients – all while ensuring the highest quality and freshness of meals. My dedication wasn’t just to the clients but also to their personal trainers, dietitians, family members, and anyone else invested in their health journey. A single oversight could disrupt someone’s diet plan or health goals, so attentiveness and precision were paramount.

Through every meal plan crafted and every consultation conducted, I was sewing the seeds for a reputation built on trust and quality service. The fundamental customer service principle at the heart of my business is straightforward: customer satisfaction is paramount, irrespective of the order’s size. Here are some core principles that were instrumental in garnering positive customer feedback for my old meal prep business

1. Value each customer as if they were your first

My online shop was always busy, but I made sure to treat each customer as important as my very first one. I’d go out of my way to say thank you to each person after they buy something. This means I do more than just send a normal email. I’d write a special message myself. It’s a real way to show I cared. This makes our connection stronger. It’s like a real talk, not just business. They feel this, and it gives them a chance to ask any last things they’re wondering about. I get to answer and help. This makes sure we get their order just right.

2. Don’t Spare The Details

As you put effort into taking great photos of your products and crafting catchy descriptions for your listings, don’t forget to ask yourself: Can buyers clearly understand what they’re getting from the pictures and words you use? Make sure your photos and descriptions give a real sense of what’s for sale. They should show the size of the items and what comes with them. And your descriptions ought to clear up any questions someone shopping might think of. It’s also a good idea to link to your shop’s policies right there in the descriptions, to make everything clear from the start.

3. Correct Mistakes ASAP

No matter how careful we are, mistakes are bound to occur. When they do, tackling customer service issues promptly is crucial. Instead of figuring out who’s right, think about the outcome you’d hope for if you were the customer. I’ve found that in managing my online shop, addressing the problem directly and satisfying the customer’s needs is usually clear-cut. It’s about finding what the customer wants and making sure it doesn’t happen again. It’s not always simple, but I’ve learned that fixing a problem right away, even if it seems like a setback at first, often leads to better results in the long run, and in some cases to 5-star reviews.

4. Going the Extra Mile for Your Customer

Creating an experience that exceeds expectations is what I remember as a customer, and it’s what I aim for with those who shop from me. Knowing my customers’ desires and preferences helps me cater to them effectively. So, always consider what more you can offer.

In my approach, it’s the little things that count, like the way I package their purchases. Maybe it’s a small print added as a surprise or a personal good-luck note for an upcoming event. It’s about those special extras that make an order not just a transaction, but a gift. After all, everyone appreciates a little extra thoughtfulness with their purchase, don’t they?

5. The Importance of Following-up

It’s essential to check in with your customers after they’ve made a purchase. This step is beneficial for several reasons. It gives the customer a chance to point out any issues, allowing you to address them before they might feel compelled to leave a negative review. It’s also an opportunity to ask for their input on how you can improve your service, which can lead to proactive updates to your shop’s policies and practices to avoid repeating the same problems. Additionally, a final message is the perfect moment to invite your customers to provide feedback on their shopping experience.

When you send this follow-up message, be mindful of your tone and timing. The goal is to be helpful, not bothersome, or pushy. I tend to contact customers around the expected delivery date to confirm they’ve received their order and that it meets their expectations. In this message, I also offer clear instructions for leaving feedback, making it as straightforward as possible for them.

Remember, we all want 5-star reviews, but any customer feedback is invaluable. It’s a tool that can significantly enhance your business if you’re open to it. What strategies do you employ to ensure your customers feel valued and heard? Feel free to share your ideas below.