Negative Review Response Examples

Updated: April 16, 2024

Customer reviews have become an integral part of the digital landscape, shaping the reputation and success of businesses across the globe. Negative reviews, while inevitable, can be a cause for concern as they have the potential to sway public perception and impact the bottom line.

To help businesses navigate this delicate territory, this article provides actionable examples to effectively address negative customer reviews.

By employing a thoughtful, proactive approach, organizations can turn these unfavorable evaluations into opportunities for growth, learning, and fostering stronger customer relationships. From empathetic communication to rectifying issues, we present examples that can transform negative feedback into a powerful tool for success.

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5 Examples for a Brick & Mortar Business

As brick and mortar businesses strive to maintain a competitive edge in the age of Ecommerce, effectively managing their online reputation becomes increasingly crucial. Here are five real-life examples of how brick and mortar businesses can successfully tackle unfavorable feedback, transforming potential setbacks into opportunities for growth and customer retention.

From crafting empathetic responses to implementing changes based on constructive criticism, we will explore the diverse approaches that can empower businesses to navigate the world of customer reviews with confidence and poise.

Apology for Slow Service Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We apologize for the slow service you encountered during your visit. We understand that your time is valuable, and we strive to provide prompt and efficient service to all our customers.

We have addressed this issue with our staff to ensure that it does not happen again in the future. We hope you’ll give us another chance to provide you with the exceptional dining experience you deserve.

Please feel free to reach out to our management team with any further concerns or suggestions.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Restaurant Name] Management

Problem with Purchase & Refund Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

We’re truly sorry to hear about the problem you experienced with your recent purchase at our store. Our goal is to offer high-quality products and an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers.

We’d like the opportunity to make this right. Please visit our store with the product and receipt, and our staff will be happy to assist you with a refund or exchange.

Your feedback is important to us, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our customer experience.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Store Name] Customer Service

Negative Salon Experience & Complimentary Service Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

We appreciate your honest feedback and apologize for the negative experience you had at our salon. We take your concerns very seriously and have spoken with the staff member involved to address the issue.

We’re committed to providing exceptional customer service and want to ensure that every client feels welcome and respected. We would love to have the opportunity to make this right.

Please contact our salon directly to schedule a complimentary service with one of our experienced stylists.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Salon Name] Owner

Gym Cleanliness & Return Invite Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We apologize for the cleanliness issues you encountered during your visit to our gym. Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is one of our top priorities, and we are disappointed to learn that we did not meet your expectations.

We have addressed your concerns with our cleaning staff and implemented additional measures to ensure that our facility remains up to the highest standards. We invite you to return and experience the improvements we’ve made.

If you have any further concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our management team.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Gym Name] Manager

Long Dentist Wait Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

We apologize for the inconvenience you experienced due to the long wait times at our dental clinic. We understand that your time is important and appreciate your patience.

We are currently working on streamlining our scheduling process to minimize wait times and provide a more efficient experience for our valued patients. We hope you will give us another opportunity to serve you better in the future.

If you have any additional feedback or concerns, please feel free to contact our office directly.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Dental Clinic Name] Office Manager

5 Examples for a Software Business

Software businesses face the challenge of standing out amidst a sea of competitors. Addresing negative customer reviews is one approach to maintaining a strong online presence and credibility.

Next up we present examples of how a software business can successfully engage with dissatisfied customers, transforming criticism into opportunities for improvement and long-term success.

Technical Issues & Resolving Bugs Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding our software. We sincerely apologize for the technical issues you have experienced. Our team is committed to providing a seamless user experience, and we understand how frustrating these issues can be.

Please rest assured that we are actively working on resolving the reported bugs. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to our support team at [support email/phone number] for assistance with any immediate concerns.

Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Software Company Name] Customer Support

Software Pricing Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

We appreciate your feedback regarding the pricing of our software. We understand that cost is an important factor when choosing a software solution.

Please note that our pricing is designed to reflect the value and features we offer, as well as the continuous updates and improvements we make to our product. We also offer a range of pricing plans to accommodate different budgets and requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns about our pricing structure, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our sales team at [sales email/phone number], and we would be happy to help you find the plan that best suits your needs.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Software Company Name] Sales Team

Steep Learning Curve Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about our software. We apologize if you’ve found the learning curve to be steep, and we understand how important it is for users to quickly become proficient with the tools they use.

To assist our customers, we offer a variety of resources, including tutorial videos, user guides, and webinars, which can be found on our website. Additionally, our support team is always available to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

Please feel free to reach out to us at [support email/phone number], and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Software Company Name] Customer Success Team

Missing Features Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for providing your feedback on our software. We apologize if the product does not currently include the specific features you require. Our development team is always working to enhance and expand our software capabilities based on user feedback.

We encourage you to submit your feature request to our support team at [support email/phone number]. Your input is valuable, and we will take your suggestions into consideration for future updates.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to improving our software to better meet your needs.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Software Company Name] Product Development Team

Unsatisfactory Support Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

We’re truly sorry to hear about your unsatisfactory experience with our customer support team. Providing exceptional customer service is of utmost importance to us, and we apologize for not meeting your expectations.

We would like the opportunity to address your concerns and provide the assistance you need. Please reach out to us directly at [support email/phone number] or provide us with your contact information, and a member of our support team will promptly get in touch with you.

Your feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to making the necessary improvements to enhance your experience with our software and support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Software Company Name] Customer Support Manager

5 Examples for an Ecommerce Business

Ecommerce businesses should adopt a multi-pronged approach, when responding to negative reviews, that demonstrates genuine concern and commitment to resolving issues. This might include offering refunds, replacements, or discounts as appropriate, or even implementing changes in business processes to prevent similar problems in the future. Here are five examples to draw from:

Damaged Product With Replacement or Refund Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention, and we sincerely apologize for the damaged product you received. We understand how disappointing this can be and are committed to making things right.

Please contact our customer service team at [customer service email/phone number] with your order details, and we will promptly arrange for a replacement or refund, whichever you prefer.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to resolving this matter to your satisfaction.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Ecommerce Business Name] Customer Service

Shipping Delay Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

We apologize for the delay in shipping your order and understand how frustrating this can be. We strive to provide timely delivery for all our customers, but occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may cause delays.

Please reach out to our customer support team at [customer support email/phone number] with your order number, and we will investigate the issue and provide you with an updated delivery estimate.

We value your business and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Ecommerce Business Name] Shipping Team

Incorrect Item Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

We’re truly sorry to hear that you received the incorrect item in your order. We understand the inconvenience this has caused, and we want to make it right.

Please contact our customer service team at [customer service email/phone number] with your order details, and we will arrange for the correct item to be sent to you as quickly as possible, along with a prepaid return label for the incorrect item.

Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Ecommerce Business Name] Customer Service

Poor Customer Service Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

We apologize for the unsatisfactory customer service experience you had with our team. We take your feedback seriously and are committed to providing exceptional support to all our customers.

We would like the opportunity to address your concerns and find a resolution. Please reach out to us directly at [customer service email/phone number] or provide us with your contact information, and a member of our team will get in touch with you promptly.

We value your feedback and are dedicated to improving our service based on your experience.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Ecommerce Business Name] Customer Support Manager

Product Quality & Refund or Exchange Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

We’re sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with the quality of the product you purchased from our online store. We strive to offer high-quality items and are disappointed to learn that we did not meet your expectations in this instance.

We’d like to make things right for you. Please contact our customer service team at [customer service email/phone number] with your order details, and we will assist you with a refund or exchange, as per our return policy.

Your feedback is important to us, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our product offerings and customer experience.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Ecommerce Business Name] Quality Assurance Team

5 Examples for a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Business

CPG businesses should use negative reviews as an opportunity to identify areas for improvement within their supply chain, manufacturing processes, or product formulations. By actively incorporating customer feedback and showcasing tangible improvements, CPG businesses can demonstrate their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, turning negative reviews into powerful catalysts for positive change.

Here are five examples to acknowledge customer concerns, express empathy and work towards a resolution.

Product Packaging & Consideration in Updates Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about our product packaging. We apologize for any inconvenience or difficulties you experienced. We are constantly working to improve our packaging to ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining the quality of our products.

Your feedback is essential in helping us make these improvements. We will forward your concerns to our packaging development team for review and consideration in future updates.

If you have any additional comments or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team at [customer support email/phone number].

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[CPG Business Name] Packaging Development Team

Disappointed in Flavor & Refine Offerings Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

We’re sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the taste or flavor of our product. We understand that taste preferences can vary, and we strive to create products that cater to a wide range of tastes.

We appreciate your feedback and will share it with our product development team as we continue to refine our offerings. In the meantime, we encourage you to try some of our other flavors, as you might find one that better suits your preferences.

If you have any further comments or concerns, please feel free to contact our customer support team at [customer support email/phone number].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[CPG Business Name] Product Development Team

Product Quality & Experience Details Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

We apologize for the issues you experienced with the quality or consistency of our product. We take your concerns seriously and are committed to providing high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations.

We would like to gather more information about the specific product you purchased to investigate the issue further. Please contact our customer support team at [customer support email/phone number] and provide the product name, batch number, and any additional details about your experience.

Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify and address any potential issues in our manufacturing process.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[CPG Business Name] Quality Assurance Team

Allergen Concern & Customer Well-Being Copy Snippet Copied!

Hello [Reviewer’s Name],

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the ingredients or allergens in our product. We apologize for any confusion or distress this may have caused.

We are committed to transparency and providing clear information about our products to ensure the well-being of our customers. We will review our product labeling and communication practices to ensure that all ingredients and allergens are clearly disclosed.

If you have any further questions or concerns about our products, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team at [customer support email/phone number].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[CPG Business Name] Regulatory Affairs Team

Difficulty Finding Product & Improve Distribution Copy Snippet Copied!

Dear [Reviewer’s Name],

We apologize for any difficulties you have experienced in finding our product at your local stores. We understand how frustrating this can be and are committed to ensuring that our products are widely available for our valued customers. We will work closely with our distribution partners to address any gaps in availability and improve our product distribution.

In the meantime, please note that our products can also be purchased through our online store or other online retailers.

If you have any additional concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team at [customer support email/phone number].

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[CPG Business Name] Supply Chain Team

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With TextExpander, you can store and quickly expand full email templates, email addresses, and more anywhere you type. That means you’ll never have to misspell, memorize, or type the same things over and over again.

Dear [Reviewer's Name], <br> <br>Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We apologize for the slow service you encountered during your visit. We understand that your time is valuable, and we strive to provide prompt and efficient service to all our customers. <br> <br>We have addressed this issue with our staff to ensure that it does not happen again in the future. We hope you'll give us another chance to provide you with the exceptional dining experience you deserve. <br> <br>Please feel free to reach out to our management team with any further concerns or suggestions. <br> <br>Warm regards, <br>[Your Name] <br>[Restaurant Name] Management
Dear [Reviewer's Name], <br> <br>Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding our software. We sincerely apologize for the technical issues you have experienced. Our team is committed to providing a seamless user experience, and we understand how frustrating these issues can be. <br> <br>Please rest assured that we are actively working on resolving the reported bugs. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to our support team at [support email/phone number] for assistance with any immediate concerns. <br> <br>Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. <br> <br>Best regards, <br>[Your Name] <br>[Software Company Name] Customer Support
Dear [Reviewer's Name], <br> <br>Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention, and we sincerely apologize for the damaged product you received. We understand how disappointing this can be and are committed to making things right. <br> <br>Please contact our customer service team at [customer service email/phone number] with your order details, and we will promptly arrange for a replacement or refund, whichever you prefer. <br> <br>We appreciate your understanding and look forward to resolving this matter to your satisfaction. <br> <br>Best regards, <br>[Your Name] <br>[Ecommerce Business Name] Customer Service
Dear [Reviewer's Name], <br> <br>We apologize for the issues you experienced with the quality or consistency of our product. We take your concerns seriously and are committed to providing high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations. <br> <br>We would like to gather more information about the specific product you purchased to investigate the issue further. Please contact our customer support team at [customer support email/phone number] and provide the product name, batch number, and any additional details about your experience. <br> <br>Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify and address any potential issues in our manufacturing process. <br> <br>Kind regards, <br>[Your Name] <br>[CPG Business Name] Quality Assurance Team

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