I was reading “The Long Tail” by Chris Anderson. For all those intent on starting an internet business, I strongly recommend it as a worthwhile read. In a particular portion of the book, the author expounded on the importance of recommendations:

We are leaving the Information Age and entering the Recommendation Age….. Recommendations serve as shortcuts through the thicket of information, just as my wine shop owner shorcuts me to obscure French wines to enjoy with pasta.

Chris Anderson

I reflected on my own shopping experience and was overwhelmed by the truth of the system. Indeed, my book purchase is strongly modelled after Amazon’s review ratings. Generally, I will not consider any books by Amazon.

However, one of the biggest problems about is in getting the relevant reviews. On our side, I suggest the using incentives to quickly build up your reviews. It is really logical. Going back to your website to do a review after they have bought the product takes time. It is only right that we as store owners actually “pay back” with a small token of appreciation.

For it to be convenient, the incentive should be able to fit nicely into an envelope. Possible incentives are:

• book vouchers
• cinema tickets
• dining vouchers
• key chains (with logo)
• .. you get the idea…