Order Data Options & Considerations

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Your order data is part of the engine that drives the PowerReviews solution, enabling us to collect reviews from your customers. You can send us this critical data in two ways: an Order Feed or a JavaScript Checkout Beacon.

This guide will help you understand the benefits of each method so you can choose the right strategy for your business.

Which Method is Best for You?

To find your ideal solution, consider your primary business goals and the resources you have available.

• Choose the Order Feed if:
  • You have data analysts or engineers available to create and send data files.
  • You require 100% order accuracy, especially if you only want to request reviews after a product has been delivered (and not returned or canceled).
• Choose the Checkout Beacon if:
  • You have web developers available to add a script to your website.
  • You prefer a more automated, "hands-off" approach to data collection.
  • Access to advanced reporting on review conversion is a top priority.

At a Glance: Order Feed vs. Checkout Beacon

Feature	Order Feed	Checkout Beacon
Primary Resource	Data Analysts / Engineers	Web Developers
Best For	100% Order Accuracy	Automation & Reporting
In-Store Orders	✅ Yes, can be included	❌ No
Sales Influence Report	❌ Not Available	✅ Available
Data Control	✅ Complete control over data	➖ Data sent automatically

Method 1: The Order Feed

An Order Feed is a data file (like a flat file or spreadsheet) containing your order information that you send to our SFTP server. This method gives you precise control over the data you share.

✅ Pros

• Total Control: You decide exactly what goes into the file. This allows you to include in-store orders or filter out any orders you don't want solicited for reviews.
• 100% Accuracy: This method is fully auditable and enables complete control over which orders enter the PowerReviews system, ensuring maximum accuracy.

⚠️ Considerations

• Resource Coordination: This method requires data or IT resources to automate the creation and delivery of the file.
• Sales Influence Report: This valuable report is unavailable if the Order Feed is your only data source.

Method 2: The Checkout Beacon

The Checkout Beacon is an asynchronous JavaScript code snippet implemented on your order confirmation page. It automatically collects and sends customer order details to PowerReviews right at the point of purchase.

✅ Pros

• Automated & Hands-Off: Once installed by your web developer, it works automatically in the long term.
• Unlock the Sales Influence Report: This is the only way to access the Sales Influence report, which shows conversion rates and the number of orders with and without reviews.
• Real-Time Collection: Order data is collected at the moment of purchase and can be reviewed in the PowerReviews Portal.

⚠️ Considerations

• Platform Compatibility: Some eCommerce platforms can seamlessly send data via the beacon, while others, such as Squarespace, may not have native support. 

⭐ Best Practice Recommendation

As a best practice, PowerReviews recommends that clients who are using an Order Feed but also have our JavaScript on their site should also install the Checkout Beacon.

Here’s why this gives you the best of both worlds:

• You can continue using the Order Feed for 100% control over which customers receive the follow-up email.
• The Checkout Beacon can be configured to run only for reporting purposes, giving you access to the powerful Sales Influence Report without sending a second follow-up email.

This dual approach provides full control over your customer communications while unlocking the deepest insights into how reviews impact your sales.