Short answer: you can ask every customer for a Google review, and you should reply to every review. You can’t pay or reward people for reviews, you can’t ask only the customers you think are happy, and you can’t write or buy reviews. Breaking these rules can get reviews removed or your profile restricted.
Can I ask customers for a Google review?
Yes. Asking is allowed and normal. The rule is that you ask everyone, the same way. A QR code at the counter, a message after a visit, or asking in person are all fine, as long as every customer gets the same invitation.
Can I ask only customers who had a good experience?
No. Google’s policy says businesses must not selectively ask for positive reviews or discourage negative ones. This is called review gating. Common examples that break the rule:
- Asking “Did you like it?” and only sending the Google link to people who say yes.
- A form where 4–5 stars go to Google and 1–3 stars go to a private complaint box.
- Staff asking only regulars or friendly customers.
It’s fine to also offer a private feedback option, as long as everyone still gets the same Google link.
Can I give a discount or gift for a review?
No. Google does not allow incentives such as payment, discounts or free items in exchange for a review, before or after the review. A “5% off for a review” offer, or a surprise coupon sent after a good review, both break the rule. You can run a loyalty offer for visits or purchases, as long as it has nothing to do with reviews.
Can I write reviews for my own business, or ask staff and family to?
No. Reviews must come from real customers about their real experience. Reviews from owners, employees, or people paid to post, are fake engagement under Google’s policy, and so are negative reviews posted about a competitor.
Should I reply to reviews?
Yes, to every review, good and bad. A reply shows future customers that you listen. Keep replies polite, specific and short. Never share a customer’s private details in a public reply.
How Reveaxa follows these rules
Reveaxa’s review QR page gives every customer the same Google button, whatever rating they have in mind. It doesn’t write reviews for customers, and our coupons are only for visits and purchases, never for reviews. Replies are drafted for you to approve; nothing is posted without your say-so.
Reveaxa guide reference: RVX-B-google-review-rules-india-2026