At Tractleads, we understand how important reviews are for a local businsses presence. It’s one of the main things we focus on in our auto salvage yard seo programs. Below, we’ll give you some strategies and ideas to gain more for your business.
Summary: Reviews drive calls, trust, and Google Maps visibility. Ask at payment, follow with text or email, post QR codes on site and trucks, reward your team for asking, and make reviews part of your process. Use the ideas below to build a simple review engine that runs every day.
Why reviews matter for auto salvage yards
More reviews mean more calls and better rankings for terms like sell my junk car, cash for cars, and scrap my vehicle. Reviews build trust before the first phone call. A yard with steady, recent 5-star ratings beats a yard with a few old ratings. Reviews are a growth lever we can control.
12 Ways to Get More Reviews
1. Hand customers a review card at payment
Ask at the moment of payout. We hand every seller a small card with a QR code and short link to our Google review page. The request is clear, the timing is right, and the action is easy. A physical card near cash pickup works better than a promise to ask later.
- Print a short URL and a QR code
- Add “Happy with today’s service? Leave a quick review.”
- Keep cards in every truck and at the window
2. Ask after every transaction
We ask out loud and keep it simple: “I hope you liked your service today. As a small business, it would help a lot if you left us a review.” Direct requests work. Train drivers and counter staff to ask once, politely, every time.
- Use the same script so it is easy to remember
- Pair the ask with the review card or QR
3. Run a driver review contest
Drivers meet the seller on the driveway. We track reviews that mention a driver by name and post a monthly leaderboard. The top driver gets a bonus or gift card. Names in reviews raise trust and give staff a reason to ask.
- Count only reviews that mention the driver
- Reset the contest each month to keep it fresh
4. Send text and email from your CRM
Automation wins. We send a thank-you text with a direct review link right after pickup, then a reminder 24 hours later. Texts get strong response. Email works well for customers who do not click the text.
| Timing | Channel | Message |
|---|---|---|
| 0 hours | SMS | Thanks for choosing us today. Would you share a quick review? [link] |
| 24 hours | SMS or Email | Did we take good care of you? A short review helps a lot. [link] |
| 7 days | Your feedback helps neighbors pick a buyer with confidence. Add your review here. [link] |
5. Post QR signage at your yard
We add a poster at the counter and the payment window with a large QR code and one-line ask. People scan while they wait, then post the review on the spot. Keep the message short and the code big.
- Place signs at eye level near payment
- Use high contrast for the QR code
6. Mail quick thank-you postcards
Postcards stand out and get saved. We mail a small thank-you note with the same short review link. It is simple and it works, especially for older sellers who like mail. One more touch raises completion rates.
- Include short link and QR
- Mail within 3 days of pickup
7. Reward staff for consistent asks
We never bribe customers for reviews. We do reward staff who ask every time. Track asks, share weekly numbers, and call out good work. Small bonuses or time-off drawings keep the habit strong.
- Measure asks, not just reviews gained
- Coach low ask rates in one-on-ones
8. Add review links to receipts and invoices
Every receipt is a chance to earn a review. We add one line and a direct link in email and SMS receipts: Tell us how we did today. A link the customer can tap is key. Do not make them search.
- Add link in email footer and SMS template
- Use your Google review short link
10. Create a review wall of fame
We add a section on our website and a small wall at the office with recent reviews. People like to be seen. A visible wall signals quality and nudges new sellers to add their own rating.
- Rotate fresh reviews monthly
- Include star rating and city
11. Work with partner shops to prompt reviews
Local mechanics and body shops refer vehicles. We give partners a small card that says sold your car with us, review your experience. Referrals stick better when online proof backs them up.
- Track partner source in your CRM
- Share a quarterly shout-out to top partners
12. Make reviews part of the process
We treat reviews like a step on the checklist. Ask, hand the card, send the text, follow up once. Simple beats perfect. Over a month, these small steps stack into steady review growth.
- Document the steps in your SOPs
- Audit a few jobs each week for compliance
FAQs about getting reviews
How do I get more Google reviews for my salvage yard?
Ask every customer, send a direct link by text, add a QR sign at payment, and follow up once by email. Keep the path short. One click to the review box gets more completions.
Should I pay customers for reviews?
No. Pay your team for asking, not customers for posting. Keep reviews honest and voluntary. Add clear asks and simple links. That builds durable trust and avoids policy issues.
Do reviews really increase calls?
Yes. More and better reviews raise local ranking and click-through. Sellers pick the buyer with more recent 5-star ratings and clear responses. Reviews reduce doubt and speed up calls.
How should I respond to bad reviews?
State the issue, own what is fair, and offer a fix or call. Keep it short and calm. A useful reply shows future customers how we handle problems.
9. Share reviews on social media
We post new reviews on Facebook and Google Posts. Seeing real feedback prompts more reviews and more calls. Tag the city and add a photo of the tow or yard for context.