How to Get More Google Reviews for Auto Dealerships

Turn the excitement of delivery day into 5-star reviews with strategic asks that capitalize on the emotional high of driving off the lot in a new car.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.

Best Moment to Ask

Delivery day, right when the customer is about to drive off the lot in their new car. They're excited, happy, and feeling great about their purchase decision. This emotional peak is your golden window to ask for a review.

Worst Moment to Ask

During price negotiations when there's tension, at the first test drive before they've committed, or if there were delays, issues with financing, or problems with the vehicle. Also avoid asking during service visits for repairs.

"New Car Photo" Moment at Delivery + Same-Day Text

Create a mini-ceremony at delivery: take a photo of the customer with their new car (keys in hand, big smile) in front of the dealership. Text them that photo within 1-2 hours with a personalized message: "Congrats again on your new [Make/Model]! If you loved working with us, we'd be so grateful for a quick Google review. [Link]" The photo creates a keepsake moment and makes the ask feel celebratory.

Buying a car is a major life event-exciting, nerve-wracking, and emotional. When customers drive off your lot happy, they're on cloud nine. But that feeling fades fast as reality sets in (payments, buyer's remorse, etc.). You have a narrow window to capture their enthusiasm. Ask immediately, while they're still in "I love my new car!" mode.

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Copy-Paste Scripts to Ask for Reviews

Use these word-for-word scripts to ask happy customers for reviews. Customize the [bracketed] details for your business.

In-Person Script

Congratulations on your new [Make/Model], [Customer Name]! I'm so glad we could get you into the perfect vehicle today. If you had a great experience working with me and the team, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a quick Google review. It helps other buyers in [City] find a dealership they can trust. Here's a card with the link-takes just a minute!

Email Script

Subject: Congrats on your new [Make/Model], [Customer Name]! 🚗

Hi [Customer Name], Congratulations on your new [Year Make Model]! It was a pleasure working with you, and I'm so glad we could get you into the perfect vehicle. I hope you're loving the drive so far. If you had a great experience at [Business Name] and feel like we took good care of you, I'd be incredibly grateful if you could share that in a quick Google review: [Google Review Link] Your feedback helps other car buyers in [City] find a dealership that treats them right. Thanks again, and enjoy your new ride! I'm here anytime you need anything. [Your Name] [Business Name]

SMS / Text Script

Hi [Customer Name], congrats again on your new [Make/Model]! 🚗🎉 [Photo attached]. If you loved working with us, we'd be so grateful for a quick Google review: [Google Review Link]. Thanks for choosing [Business Name]!

Who Should Ask

Sales Representative or Delivery Coordinator

Training Tip

Train sales reps to make the delivery photo a standard part of the handoff process. Coach them to ask for reviews naturally during the final walk-around: "I'm so excited for you! If you'd share your experience on Google, it would really help us out." Make it feel celebratory, not transactional. Incentivize reps with bonuses for reviews generated.

Follow-Up Timing

Same day, 1-3 hours after delivery, via text with the delivery photo. If no response, send a follow-up email the next day. After that, send one more gentle nudge 5-7 days later.

Where to Place Review Reminders

Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.

Physical Placements

Review cards with QR code

Professional cards placed inside the new car (on driver's seat or in glove box) during delivery prep. Include congratulatory message and QR code.

Delivery packet/folder

Include a review request page in the delivery packet you hand customers with their keys, manuals, and warranty info.

Showroom signage

Prominent sign in the showroom or waiting area: "Love your new car? Share your experience!" with QR code linking to Google reviews.

Key holder or keychain

Give customers a branded keychain or key holder with a small tag: "Love your purchase? Review us! [QR code]"

Digital Placements

Post-delivery text with photo

Text message sent 1-3 hours after delivery with the "new car photo" and personalized congratulations plus review link.

Post-purchase email sequence

Automated email sent the day after delivery thanking them and requesting a review, followed by another 7 days later if no response.

Email signature

All sales and service team members include a "Happy with your experience? Leave a review!" link in their email signatures.

Customer portal or app

If you have a customer app or online portal, add a "Rate your experience" prompt on the dashboard after purchase or service.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your auto dealerships business.

Delivery day, right when they're about to drive off in their new car. They're at peak excitement and gratitude. Ask in person as you hand over the keys, then follow up with a text (including the delivery photo) within 1-3 hours. This same-day double-touch maximizes response rates.
Both, but use different timing. For buyers, ask at delivery. For service customers, ask after exceptional service experiences (quick turnaround, problem solved under warranty, friendly tech). Don't ask service customers who had major repairs or warranty issues unless you went above and beyond to fix it.
Use your judgment. If they left happy despite negotiations, you can still ask: "I know we had to work through some details, but I'm glad we got you into the right car. If you're happy with the outcome, I'd appreciate your feedback." If they're clearly frustrated, skip it.
Make it part of the delivery checklist-they can't mark a deal complete without handing the customer a review card. Incentivize it with bonuses or recognition for reps who generate the most reviews each month. Track it like any other sales metric.
No. Google prohibits incentivizing reviews, and it can damage your credibility. Instead, focus on creating a great buying experience. Customers who feel you treated them fairly and got them a good deal will happily review you without bribes.
Respond quickly, professionally, and without defensiveness. Acknowledge their concerns, apologize if appropriate, and invite them to contact you directly to discuss it. Never argue publicly. A graceful response shows future customers you take feedback seriously and care about their experience.
Send a follow-up email the next day, then one more gentle nudge 5-7 days later: "Hope you're enjoying your new [Make/Model]! If you have a spare minute, we'd still really appreciate your feedback on Google." After that, let it go. Over-asking feels pushy and harms the relationship.
Absolutely, with customer permission. Share delivery photos on Instagram/Facebook with captions like, "Congrats to [Name] on their new [Make/Model]! If we've helped you find your perfect car, we'd love your Google review-link in bio!" Social proof encourages others to review you too.