Car washes and valeters get the most Google reviews by asking while the customer walks round the finished car, and by having a review sticker or stand right by the card machine so they can tap their phone as they pay. Mobile valeters can do the same with a review card kept in the van, then send a text with the review link the same day. Reviews matter in this trade, because customers trusting someone with their car want to know others have been happy with the finish and that nothing got scratched.
When to ask
The best moment is when the customer inspects the car. At a hand car wash, that's usually when the final dry is done and they come over to have a look before getting in. For a mobile valeter, it's the walk-round at the end, when you open the doors and show them the interior. If they're pleased, they'll often say so, and that's the time to ask.
Don't leave it until they're back in the driver's seat with the engine running. Once they're in the car, most people just want to drive off. If the queue is long and there's no time, the review sticker at the payment point catches them instead.
What to say
- "All done, she's come up really well. If you've got a minute, a Google review would really help us. You can just tap your phone on the sticker by the card machine."
- "Glad you're happy with it. I'm a one-man band, so reviews make a big difference. Tap your phone on this card and it'll open my Google page."
Keep it to one line, as a busy forecourt isn't the place for a long conversation.
Stickers, stands and cards for car washes
- A sticker by the payment point. A Google review NFC sticker (£25) on the kiosk counter or next to the card machine is the one thing every customer passes. Stick it on plastic, wood or glass rather than metal, as metal stops NFC working.
- A stand in the waiting area. If customers wait inside while the car is done, a Google review stand (£35) on the counter works well.
- A card for the person who does the final check. A Google review card (£30) in the pocket of whoever hands the car back, or in the van for a mobile valeter, means you can ask during the walk-round.
Each arrives programmed with your own Google review link, so the customer's phone opens your review page straight away, and there's no monthly fee. For customers whose phones don't read NFC, Google's free review QR code on a small sign by the kiosk is a good backup. Our guide on where to put review stands and stickers has more placement ideas.
Follow up after mobile valets
Mobile valeters often work while the customer is at their desk or indoors, so not everyone comes out for the walk-round. Send a short text when you finish, with a photo of the car if you like and your review link. Something like: "Hi Mark, all finished, the car's ready. Hope you're happy with it. If you've got a minute, a Google review would really help me: [review link]. Thanks, Josh."
Before-and-after photos also make good additions to your Google profile, as long as number plates aren't readable.
Things to avoid
- Offering a free wax, an interior upgrade or money off the next wash in return for a review. Google doesn't allow incentives, and paying for reviews is illegal in the UK.
- Only asking regulars or the customers who seem happiest. Ask everyone.
- Asking staff, or their friends and family, to post reviews.
Our article on Google's review rules covers what's allowed.
When a customer isn't happy
Complaints at car washes are often about missed spots, water left on the car, or a scratch the customer believes was caused during the wash. Reply calmly, say you're sorry, and invite them to come back so you can look at it together, or to call you. Don't accuse the customer of having the damage already, even if you think that's what happened. A fair, polite reply reassures the next customer reading it that problems get dealt with properly.
Common questions
Where should a car wash put its review sticker?
Next to the card machine or on the kiosk counter, where every customer stops to pay. Avoid metal surfaces.
Does an NFC sticker work through a kiosk window?
Phones need to be very close to an NFC chip, so a sticker behind thick glass may not work reliably. It's better to fix it where customers can hold their phone right next to it.
How should a mobile valeter ask for reviews?
In person during the walk-round, with a review card from the van, and by text with your review link if the customer isn't there when you finish.