Test Mode is your safety net when setting up or modifying your review requests system. It allows you to send review requests only to approved email addresses, ensuring you can test every aspect of your setup without bothering real customers or sending mistakes. This feature is essential for new installations and absolutely critical when migrating from another review platform.
What is Test Mode?
Test Mode is a protective environment that restricts review request sending to a pre-approved list of email addresses. When enabled, the system will only send emails to addresses you've specifically authorized for testing, while showing all other requests as "test mode" in your dashboard without actually sending them.
How Test Mode Works
When Test Mode is active:
Only approved emails receive requests - Your whitelist controls who gets emails
All requests are logged - See what would be sent without actually sending
Visual indicators show status - "Test" badges clearly mark restricted requests
Send buttons are disabled - Can't accidentally email non-approved addresses
Complete functionality testing - Everything works normally for approved emails
Why Test Mode is Critical
For New Installations
Starting fresh with Reviewsion? Test Mode lets you:
Perfect email templates before customers see them
Verify timing settings work as expected
Test discount codes generation and redemption
Check mobile responsiveness across devices
Train your team on the system safely
Ensure everything works before going live
When Switching from Another Review App
This is where Test Mode becomes absolutely essential:
Without Test Mode (Disaster Scenario):
Customers receive requests from both apps
Duplicate emails annoy and confuse customers
Brand reputation damaged by unprofessional setup
No way to test without affecting real orders
Risk of sending broken templates
Potential conflicts with existing review systems
With Test Mode (Safe Migration):
Test Reviewsion while old app still runs
Perfect your templates privately
Ensure old app is fully disabled first
Verify no conflicts exist
Launch only when everything is perfect
Seamless transition for customers
For Ongoing Changes
Even after launch, use Test Mode when:
Redesigning email templates
Testing new discount strategies
Training new team members
Debugging issues
Making major configuration changes
Testing seasonal campaigns
Setting Up Test Mode
Step 1: Enable Test Mode
Navigate to Settings → Review Requests
Find the Test Mode section and toggle it ON.
You'll see a confirmation message and the dashboard will show a test mode notification prominently.
Step 2: Add Approved Email Addresses
In the Test Mode settings, add email addresses that should receive test emails:
Recommended test emails:
Your personal email
Team members' emails
A secondary email for different providers (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
Mobile-specific test email
Real customer emails for gradual rollout
Troubleshooting
"Test emails aren't arriving"
Check these items:
Email address is in approved list (exact match)
No typos in email address
Check spam/junk folders
Verify email settings are saved
Ensure request was actually sent
Wait 5-10 minutes for delivery
"Can't send to real customers"
This is by design when Test Mode is ON:
Test Mode prevents all non-approved sends
Must disable Test Mode to reach real customers
Double-check you're ready before disabling
"Test badge not showing"
Verify Test Mode is truly enabled:
Check Settings → Review Requests
Look for orange TEST MODE banner
Refresh your browser"Old app still sending emails"
The Bottom Line
Test Mode is your insurance policy against embarrassing mistakes and poor customer experiences. Whether you're setting up Reviewsion for the first time, migrating from another platform, or making significant changes, Test Mode lets you perfect everything privately before going public.
The few extra days spent in Test Mode can save your reputation and prevent the nightmare of sending broken or duplicate emails to real customers. This is especially critical when switching from another review app – Test Mode ensures a seamless transition that your customers won't even notice.
Remember: It's always better to spend an extra day in Test Mode than to rush and send a mistake to thousands of customers. Your brand's reputation and customer relationships are too valuable to risk.
Pro Tip: Even after going live, you can re-enable Test Mode anytime you need to test major changes. Think of it as your permanent safety net for review request management.