For many food business owners in Nigeria, asking customers for reviews can feel like walking on eggshells. You know your food is good because you see your customers clear their plates, compliment the pepper soup, or take pictures of their Jollof rice. That is a proud moment, and the confirmation that you did something right. But then, you let it end there. No social media shout-out, no Google review, no feedback others can see. Just another great experience that you sweep under the carpet. 

Whenever it is time to say, “Please, leave us a review,” something just feels… off. You don’t want to come across as desperate, and you’re not sure if it’s even the right time to ask. You don’t even know whether it is proper to ask for reviews at all.

In the present, word-of-mouth/referrals have moved online. Before someone orders edibles, they check for reviews. What are people saying? Is the food fresh? Is the service fast? 

One or two convincing reviews can make a first-time buyer feel confident enough to order. On the flip side, a lack of reviews can make your business look untested, even if you’ve been operating for years.

Unfortunately, many Foodpreneurs assume customers will leave reviews on their own. But the reality is most people won’t. Well, unless they had a terrible experience. 

Happy customers are a blessing indeed. But the silent, happy ones don’t help your visibility. That’s why intentionally asking for feedback is no longer optional; it’s a necessary part of your growth strategy.

Now, asking doesn’t have to feel like begging or a desperate move. With the right approach, you can collect honest, glowing reviews without sounding needy or making customers uncomfortable. In this post, you’ll learn how to ask confidently, and see practical, ready-to-use scripts, and platforms that can help you collect reviews efficiently. Let’s get right into it.

The Right (and Wrong) Way to Ask for a Review

Asking for a review isn’t even about what you say. It is more about when you say it, how you say it, and where you say it. Many food business owners get this part wrong, not because they don’t care, but because no one ever taught them the difference between a warm request and a desperate plea. So, when do you ask?

1. Ask When the Customer Is Happiest

Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a review is right after your customer has had a great experience. Not hours later. Not when they’re already distracted with something else. You want to catch them in that post-meal satisfaction moment.

If you own a physical space, you can ask in-person. Ask after they’ve eaten, while they’re smiling or giving compliments. For delivery or takeout orders? Send a message about 30–45 minutes after delivery. That’s enough time for them to have enjoyed the meal.

A simple text like this is a great template: “Hi, Chinedu! We hope you enjoyed the jollof and grilled turkey. If it made your day, we’d really appreciate a quick review here [insert the link]. Your feedback helps us grow!”

People are more likely to respond positively when the good feeling is still fresh. So, don’t wait until it fades.

2. Don’t spam customers or corner them

Sending five follow-up messages over three days? That’s spam. Asking them for a review while they’re still chewing? That’s pressure.

Avoid bombarding customers with review requests. Also, in a physical space, don’t make it awkward by standing over them while they try to type something out. That creates discomfort, and they might leave a forced or dishonest review just to make it stop. Keep it friendly and casual. Respect their space and time.

3. Make it feel like a favour, not a demand

The most effective review requests feel personal, not automated. They sound like you’re inviting the customer to support a local business they already like, not like you’re demanding a favour.

A simple text like this is a great template: 

“We’re a small business and every kind word goes a long way. If you enjoyed your meal, please, help us spread the word.” 

Don’t leave them a text like:  “Leave us a review now or we won’t grow.” 

It sounds like you’re manipulating them to review your business and that’s a turn off. People like to feel helpful, not manipulated.

4. Don’t guilt-trip or sound transactional

Never make a review sound like a condition for service or an emotional obligation. Statements like “Please, now. We’ve not gotten a review all week,” or “If you don’t give us a review, we won’t survive,” put unnecessary pressure on your customers and can damage your brand image.

Also, avoid making it sound like a transaction: “If you give us 5 stars, we’ll give you a free drink.” That can get flagged on platforms like Google or Instagram and can come off as dishonest. 

Instead, focus on genuine appreciation. A simple text like, “We’re grateful for your support, and hearing your feedback keeps us going!” can make a big difference. 

 Tone, Timing, and Platform Matter

• Tone: Be polite, cheerful, and grateful. Keep it conversational. You shouldn’t sound like a robot or a marketer.
• Timing: Catch them when the experience is still fresh. Too soon feels pushy; too late feels irrelevant.
• Platform: Use the channel that feels most natural to your customer. WhatsApp works well for direct communication, especially for regulars. Instagram DMs are good for younger, social media-savvy customers. SMS or email can work if that’s how they ordered or booked.

Additionally, match your approach to your brand. If your business is playful and youthful (e.g., a shawarma stand or smoothie bar), your request can have emojis and humour. If you run a fine dining spot or a catering service, go for a more formal and professional tone.

When you get this right, asking for reviews won’t feel like a chore. It will simply be a part of your customer service flow. And when done consistently, it will gradually build your reputation.

Simple scripts you can copy and use today

Sometimes, all you need is the right words. If you’ve ever struggled with what to say when asking for a review, especially because you don’t want to sound awkward or desperate, this section is your cheat sheet. Below are real-life scripts you can use across multiple customer touch points: in-person, on WhatsApp, on receipts, and even after deliveries.

In-Person Script (for dine-in, pick-up, and walk-ins)

When to use: After a customer compliments the food or shows signs of satisfaction (e.g., smiling, saying “this food sweet die!”).

Say something like: “We’re so glad you enjoyed your meal! If you don’t mind, a quick review would really help other people discover us. You can scan this QR code or visit [link]. It won’t take more than a minute!”

Or: “Your smile just made our day! If you can, please help us leave a short review online. It helps small businesses like ours grow.”

To make things move faster, you could print a small review card with a QR code that leads directly to your Google or Instagram page. Hand it to the customer along with their bill.

WhatsApp Follow-Up Script (for deliveries, pre-orders, or repeat customers)

When to use: After the meal has been delivered and you’re sure they’ve had time to enjoy it which is usually 30 to 60 minutes after.

Use something like: “Hi [Name]. Thank you for ordering from [your business name]! We hope you enjoyed your [name of meal]. If you did, we’d really appreciate a quick review here [Link]. It helps more people find us. Thanks again for your support!”

Or, if you want something more casual: “Hi [Name], just checking in to see if the food hit the spot. If you loved it, please drop a quick review for us here [Link]. E go help us small biz people grow oo!”

Receipt/Footer Script (for printed receipts, takeaway bags, and food packs)

When to use: Add this as a permanent line to every receipt or package insert.

Print this on your receipts or take away stickers: “Loved your meal? Tell others! Leave a review [shortened link or QR code].”

Or: “Your review = our smile. Help us grow by dropping your feedback here [Link].”

If you deliver through dispatch riders, slip a small “Thank you” note with a review request into each pack.

Instagram DM Script (for online orders or customers who tag you)

When to use: After a customer tags your business in a story or post.

Reply with:
“Thank you so much for sharing this! If you don’t mind, could you also leave a quick review here? [Link] It really helps people discover our meals!”

Encourage Honesty, Not Perfection

Never ask for a “5-star” review directly. It puts pressure on the customer and feels inauthentic. Instead, ask them to “share their honest experience.” You’re not just trying to collect stars; you’re trying to build trust.

Say this: “We’d love to hear your honest feedback; it helps us improve and lets others know what to expect.”

When customers feel like their voice matters, they’ll be more willing to share it. In the end, a simple, well-timed request can turn a happy customer into your biggest promoter. Make it easy. Make it personal. Make it sincere.

How to seamlessly collect reviews with Parrot

Running a food business is already a full-time hustle. Between sourcing ingredients, supervising your staff, handling orders, managing deliveries, and keeping customers happy, the last thing you want to do is manually follow up with every single customer asking for a review. That’s where reviews collection comes in, and Parrot is your best bet.

With Parrot, your reviews do the talking—even when you’re offline. It’s social proof that keeps working while you’re in the kitchen doing what you love.

Get More Reviews with Parrot!

If you’re interested in using Parrot for your food business, it’s easy to get started. All you have to do is sign up as a business owner. By letting Parrot handle your review requests, you free up your energy to focus on what you do best—making delicious food. 

You don’t have to feel awkward, desperate, or pushy when asking for reviews. With the right timing, warm scripts, and a smart tool like Parrot doing the follow-up for you, you can build a strong online reputation without lifting a finger.

Customers already love your food. Now it’s time to let their voices help you grow.

• Start asking for reviews the right way.
• Set up automated review messages with Parrot.
• Watch your 5-star ratings roll in.

Ready to grow your food business with ease?
Get started with Parrot today → [Click here to join Parrot now for free.]