Is it unproffesional to....?

[Mr Klean]

I am almost ready to release my website, and wanted to know what you guys would do get testimonials from your customers. Is it morally wrong to come out and say "I’m looking for some testimonials for my site, can you help me out" or what are other ways to go about it, I have the usual "excellent job" etc, but nothing out of this world, and I know my customers are extremely happy with my services and company.

[Gene]

I certainly don't think that it's morally wrong to outright ask them. I'd give it a try if I were you and see what happens.

[Jay Brass]

Yeah, it's not the best idea to come out and just ask them that. I don't think testimonials are very professional anyway, so I don't use them. What services do you offer?

[The Stealthy One]

Mr Klean, there is nothing wrong with asking for testimonials from your users. That is a great way to get started.

[TheBigIdea]

offer to let them use the product, and you'll get the testimonials

[mthomas]

As long as the request is professionally worded, I don't think asking for testimonials is a problem at all.

Like TheBigIdea said, offer the product/service for free, offer a refund or a discount (depending on the price, etc...) for a testimonial, say 2 or 3 sentences long.

[Lars Grenstedt]

If not asking how would one then get testimonials? It would be more unethical to just post something once clients have said.

[Mr Klean]

If not asking how would one then get testimonials? It would be more unethical to just post something once clients have said.

Sorry guys I shoudl have described what I do a little bit more. All of my cleaning contracts I have had for 6 months minimum and was reading that testimonials where a good thing to have on your site. But I agree with one of the above posters and think that they are un proffesional.

Thanks for the suggestions

[TylerBakerllc]

There is no problem at all with asking for testimonials. Most people don't ask due to fear of rejection, or someone saying no. If the customer purchased, chances are they will be willing to give you a testimonial (provided that the process is quick and easy).... Good or bad.

Word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing in my opinion... And a testimonial is an endorsement... It doesn't get any better than someone giving you a free endorsement.
-Tyler

[TylerBakerllc]

How in the world can a testimonial be unprofessional? Are you familiar with internet business and the buying habits that are associated with ecommerce?

[brandon123]

A closed mouth doesn't get fed. I think it is perfectly ok to ask your customers for testimonials.

[rejoice]

But I agree with one of the above posters and think that they (testimonials) are un proffesional.

have you COMPLETELY lost your mind ??? go do some research on testimonials and you'll be retracting that comment quick fast and disowning the person who made that comment in the first place... NEVER take business advice from an uninformed opinion... it's like taking investment advice from your senile grandmother

the best way to get testimonials for your cleaning company is to explain the situation to your clients... let them know it is for your website and the rest of the rhubarb (probably best if you decide how to explain it to them)

[anuragsharma]

Asking for a testimonial is perfectly alright in my opinion. Let the client know that you need a testimonial about 10-20 words, good enough for a website. You can even format a testimonial depending upon the client's working experience with you and ask the client for its approval in case the client is too busy. I would anyways recommend refraining yourself from the this way. If a client doesn't have the time for you probably you haven't impressed him/her enough (j/king).

[The Phantom Ghost]

Nah its fine go for it m8!

[Mr Klean]

I think that its okay to ask after all, thanks everyone for your helpfull insight and input