Asking Customers for a Reference: A Complete Guide

Asking customers for a reference can make or break a deal, and help you build a strong reputation in the industrial sector. But how do you go about asking customers for a reference without coming off as pushy or desperate? In this article, we will discuss the dos and don'ts of requesting customer references, as well as some best practices to follow.

Why Customer References Matter

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of asking customers for a reference, let's first understand why they are so important. Customer references serve as social proof of your product or service's quality and reliability. When potential customers see that others have had a positive experience with your business, they are more likely to trust you and make a purchase.

Dos and Don'ts of Asking for a Customer Reference

Dos:

1. Build a Strong Relationship: Before asking for a reference, make sure you have a strong relationship with the customer. They should be satisfied with your product or service and willing to vouch for you.
2. Be Genuine: When reaching out to customers for a reference, be sincere and genuine. Let them know why their feedback is important to you and how it can benefit others.
3. Offer Incentives: Consider offering incentives to customers who provide references, such as discounts on future purchases or exclusive access to new features.
4. Follow Up: After receiving a reference, make sure to follow up with the customer and thank them for their support. This will show that you value their feedback and appreciate their help.

Don'ts:

1. Don't Be Pushy: Avoid pressuring customers into providing a reference. If they are not comfortable doing so, respect their decision and move on.
2. Don't Use Generic Templates: Personalize your request for a reference and tailor it to each customer. Avoid using generic templates that can come off as impersonal.
3. Don't Overwhelm Customers: Limit the number of reference requests you send out to customers. Bombarding them with multiple requests can be off-putting and lead to negative feedback.

Practices for Asking for a Customer Reference

1. Timing is Key:

When asking customers for a reference, make sure to do so at the right time. Reach out to customers when they have had a positive experience with your business and are likely to provide glowing feedback. Ensure that all customer doubts have been cleared before asking for a reference. 

2. Be Specific:

In your request for a reference, be clear about what you are asking for. Provide customers with guidance on the type of information you are looking for and how they can best show their experience with your product or service.

3. Showcase Testimonials:

Before asking for a reference, showcase existing testimonials on your website or marketing materials. This can encourage other customers to follow suit and provide their own feedback. You might even want to provide an incentive, for example, a promo code or a 10% off coupon.

4. Provide Easy Ways to Leave a Reference:

Make it as easy as possible for customers to leave a reference. Provide them with multiple ways to provide feedback, such as through email, social media, or your website.

We Practice What We Preach

Industrial SalesLeads values our customers and we appreciate when they give us a wonderful, glowing reference. We offer case studies and voice to voice testimonials on all of our services. Learn more about our Industrial Project Reports and Prospecting Services.