In 1981, Nintendo debuted Mario as the hero pitted against Donkey Kong. What was Mario’s name in his first game appearance? Was it … A.) Jumpman, B.) Plumber Pete, C.) Mr. Mustache or D.) Super Joe?
The online review problem is getting worse
If you’re like me, you scan online reviews before adding that big “something” to a shopping cart … choosing a new plumber or finding a place to get sushi — OK, you get the idea. And you probably are like me: Up to 99% of buyers look up online reviews before purchasing, well, anything.
But here’s the fly in the ratings soup: Reviews have never been less trustworthy. We’re surrounded by brigading (engineering lots of positive posts) and review bombing (engineering lots of negative posts).
No wonder people who trust digital reviews as much as personal referrals have fallen from 79% in the past couple of years to only 49% this year.
“Kim, I know. It’s a problem.” Then let’s talk about what to do. Keep this list as a handy lil reference when shopping for gifts, big ticket items and destinations … or just figuring out what the heck to trust.
Pics, or it didn’t happen
Snaps of the product, place or results are more challenging to fake than just words on a screen. Scan those photos for time stamps or, better yet, for EXIF data. You might uncover when and where the photo was taken, making sure it’s legit. Apps like Exif Pilot can help you dissect the image info. That’s a pro move!
Unfriend social media reviews
You know social media reviews can be sketchy. So, let’s pivot. Sure, Google Business Profile is solid, but how about crowd-sourced map reviews like those on Waze? Yep, you can get some real insider info on local businesses from customers and road warriors. The BBB is an excellent place to get a review, too.
Negative Nellies need not apply
Don’t get lured into the negativity spiral. Instead, apply the 24-hour rule. Check out a company’s response to recent negative reviews. They’re likely more reliable if they’ve addressed issues in a day. Also, make it a habit to skim through a company’s replies to customer reviews; they can be revealing.
Bypassing big-box bewilderment
Amazon’s a juggernaut, but let’s sidestep it. Did you know smaller online forums like Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife offer stellar recommendations from people who’ve had products for ages? Of course, you can’t beat Consumer Reports. I use this site for every major purchase.
This TikTok cleaning trend will ruin your pipes - Don't do it
A plumber visit can cost anywhere from $175 to $450. If you don’t have that money lying around, you should have a chat with your TikTok-loving grandkids before they come to visit. A viral TikTok pipe cleaning trend could destroy your home’s sewage disposal system.
$500 in ‘guilt-induced’ tips per year for the average American
Over 30% of folks have been asked to tip for a service they wouldn’t normally consider “tip-worthy” — like when my plumber asked me for a tip, which I’d never heard of in my life.