Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ReviewSimple - the most affordable review automation software for small businesses.
Getting Started
How does the 14-day free trial work?
Sign up, add your Google Business link, and start sending review requests immediately. No credit card required to start. After 14 days, you'll need to add a payment method to continue. You can cancel anytime during or after the trial.
How long does setup take?
About 5 minutes. You'll add your Google Business Profile link, customize your email template, and you're ready to send your first review request. Most people send their first request within 10 minutes of signing up.
Do my customers need to create an account?
No. When customers click your review request link, they see a simple star rating interface. One tap, done. No sign-up, no login, no friction.
How It Works
What is the 'smart rating filter'?
It's our core feature. When a customer rates you: 5 stars sends them directly to Google to post a public review. 1-4 stars sends their feedback privately to you instead. This protects your public reputation while still capturing all feedback.
How do I send review requests?
Two ways: (1) Email — add a customer's email and send a personalized request with one click. (2) QR Code — print and display at checkout. Customers scan, rate, done. Both use the same smart rating filter.
What happens to the private feedback?
It goes straight to your dashboard inbox. You can see what the customer said, their star rating, and respond to fix the issue privately — before it ever becomes a public complaint.
Can customers bypass the filter and post directly to Google?
They could go to Google directly, yes. But most people take the path of least resistance. If your link sends them to private feedback, that's where they'll share their thoughts. The filter works because it's convenient.
Pricing & Billing
How much does ReviewSimple cost?
ReviewSimple costs $19.99/month. That's it. One plan, all features included. No per-email charges, no setup fees, no hidden costs. This makes ReviewSimple the most affordable review automation software on the market - 93% cheaper than Birdeye ($299/month) and 92% cheaper than Podium ($249/month).
What's included in the $19.99/month?
150 email review requests per month, unlimited QR code scans, smart rating filter, Google Reviews integration, dashboard & analytics, customer management, private feedback inbox, and email support.
What if I need more than 150 emails per month?
Contact us. We can customize a plan for high-volume businesses. But honestly, 150 requests/month is enough for most single-location businesses — that's 1,800 requests per year.
Is there a contract or annual commitment?
No. Month-to-month. Cancel anytime with one click. No cancellation fees, no questions asked. Unlike Birdeye and Podium which require annual contracts, ReviewSimple has no long-term commitment.
What's the 'Founder's Rate'?
Our early adopter discount. The first 200 customers lock in $19.99/month forever — even if we raise prices later.
Compliance & Guidelines
Is this compliant with Google's review guidelines?
Yes. Google prohibits incentivizing reviews (offering discounts or rewards) and review gating (only asking happy customers). We don't do either. We ask all customers for feedback — we just route it smartly based on their response.
What's the difference between review gating and smart routing?
Review gating = only asking people you think will leave 5 stars. That's against the rules. Smart routing = asking everyone, then directing their response appropriately. The customer chooses their rating first, then gets routed. That's compliant.
Is this TCPA compliant for SMS?
We currently only offer email requests, not SMS. Email review requests don't fall under TCPA regulations the same way text messages do.
Comparisons
How is ReviewSimple different from Birdeye or Podium?
Price, mainly. Birdeye costs $299-499/month. Podium is $249+/month. Both require annual contracts. ReviewSimple is $19.99/month, month-to-month - making it the cheapest and most affordable alternative. They're built for enterprise. We're built for single-location small businesses.
What features do enterprise tools have that ReviewSimple doesn't?
Multi-location management, deep CRM integrations, AI response generation, review monitoring across 50+ sites, and enterprise support. If you're a 20-location franchise, you probably need that. If you're a single barbershop, salon, or dental practice, you don't.
Why is ReviewSimple so much cheaper than competitors?
No sales team. No enterprise overhead. No VC pressure to charge maximum prices. Just a focused product for small businesses, sold directly online. We pass those savings to you.
Is ReviewSimple the cheapest review management software?
Yes. At $19.99/month with no contracts, ReviewSimple is the most affordable review automation software for small businesses. Competitors like Birdeye ($299/month), Podium ($249/month), and NiceJob ($75/month) all cost significantly more.
Support
How do I get help if I'm stuck?
Email hello@getreviewsimple.com directly. I'm the founder, and I read every email personally. Most questions get answered within a few hours.
Is there phone support?
Not a call center, but you can schedule a call with me if you need hands-on help. Book at calendly.com/bshap18/30min.
ReviewSimple Pricing Summary
$19.99
per month
93%
cheaper than Birdeye
$0
setup fees
The most affordable review management software for small businesses. No contracts, cancel anytime.