Do you ask for testemonials?

Like the title says- Do you ask for testemonials after you have given the B+G the album or do you wait to see if they do it themselves? It seems to me a little rude or "upyourself" to expect that! I know it looks good on the website but is it really something that will make much difference in the end?
Any thoughts?

I dont ask. If they are truly pleased with their pics then they tell me on their own with really heartfelt words. I wouldnt take anything that didnt come from their heart.

i agree with Jenni. if you have to ask, then its solicited -- its not as good as to when you suddenly get an email saying how great you were during the wedding. my .02.

I kinda thought as much- just thought I`d ask though.

I don't think it's wrong to ask for a testimonial, but usually people will e-mail thanking me and telling me how good of a job I did so I just use that. If you know they liked the pics, but didn't say a whole lot, then I'd say ask them, or just wait for another couple to say something good.

I sometimes ask, and I think i'm going to ask a few customers so I can put some on my website.

I don't think all customers think to write a testimonial even if they do love the work. They might right "thank you, you did a great job" but in a testimonial it seems that you would want more so I don't think it really hurts to ask.

islandphoto wrote in post #2345318
I don't think all customers think to write a testimonial even if they do love the work. They might right "thank you, you did a great job" but in a testimonial it seems that you would want more so I don't think it really hurts to ask.

This is sooo true. I've had tears of joy, hugs, some tips and even thankyou cards, which is all I need, but a testimonial will answer some of the questions that a future client may have. This is important especially as a newer business, less well-known in the area.

Last year and this year I waited until the end of the season and sent a feedback email to clients inviting them to answer a few questions. These are aimed at constantly improving my customer service. I then add a space for "other comments" and that is where the real feeling comes through and I get some good stuff for the website.

Sometimes people have the best of intentions, but they have busy lives....I see nothing wrong with providing an opportunity.

if you are going to a bridal fair do you where are you putting the print outs that you have received? also i have gotten some but they look beat up =)

thanks

I did ask for testimonials from my clients when a prospective client asked for them (by e-mail). I forwarded those I received and got a booking

I think a feedback form, be it email or paper form, is the most polite way to go. To ask for feedback off the cuff can be a little hard to ask for. But to ask for feedback on ways to improve your service, what they think are your weaknesses and strengths and then an overall comment will give you the opportunity to use this final comment as a testimonial.

Just my thoughts,

Nathan

MrTED wrote in post #2354463
I think a feedback form, be it email or paper form, is the most polite way to go. To ask for feedback off the cuff can be a little hard to ask for. But to ask for feedback on ways to improve your service, what they think are your weaknesses and strengths and then an overall comment will give you the opportunity to use this final comment as a testimonial.

I built exactly this for my website. A php script puts the results in a database, and also emails me the results. My contact form also writes to the database, because I don't trust email, and also lets me gather referrer stats.