Review Gating Examples

Non-Compliant Example: The Star Filter Flow

A customer scans a QR code on a product insert.

The landing page asks: 'How would you rate your experience? (1–5 stars)'

If the customer selects 4 or 5 stars: they are shown a link to leave an Amazon review.

If the customer selects 1, 2, or 3 stars: they are shown a contact form — but no review link.

This is review gating. The public review option is shown or hidden based on the customer's rating.

Non-Compliant Example: Positive Review Routing

A post-purchase email reads: 'Enjoying your product? We'd love a review!'

The email includes a review link only — with no support option.

A separate email is sent only to customers who complained, redirecting them to support without mentioning reviews.

While less obvious, this selective routing strategy is still review gating. Customers who signal unhappiness are not given the same review invitation as happy customers.

Non-Compliant Example: The Insert Card Gate

An insert card reads: 'Are you satisfied with your purchase?'

Customers who select 'Yes' see an Amazon review button.

Customers who select 'No' see a contact form — but the review button never appears.

This is textbook review gating — access to the public review option depends on the customer's stated satisfaction.

Compliant Flow: Equal Access for All Customers

A customer scans a QR code on a product insert.

They land on a branded page that shows the same experience to every customer:

• a brief feedback form (available to all)
• a customer support contact option (available to all)
• an invitation to leave an honest Amazon review (available to all)

All customers — regardless of rating or sentiment — see both support options and a link to leave an honest review. This is the compliant structure.

Compliant Flow: Support-First with Equal Review Access

A customer submits a 2-star rating in a post-purchase survey.

The brand's support team is automatically notified and reaches out to resolve the issue.

After resolution, the customer receives a follow-up that includes both a thank-you for their feedback and an invitation to share an honest review.

Providing support is fine. Hiding the review option from unhappy customers is not.

See customer support vs review suppression for more on this distinction.

Frequently Asked Questions