I try to read reviews as often as possible, whether it is for a hotel stay, an oil change, or some sort of new product that I am not 100% sure it’s going to turn out like you would expect it to in a perfect world. One trend that I have noticed lately is there are multiple items it is useless to read reviews due to either manipulation of reviews or the people actually giving the reviews aren’t analyzing what they paid for and what they received with the same expectations as one would think.

Auto Repairs

I find the best way to get a “review” of one of these is to get a referral from someone local, because most people only seem to post a review if they received poor service or feel they were ripped off. To make these reviews even worse, many of these shops (chain or individual shop) have a tendency to go in and post fake reviews that seem almost to good to be true. Even if these are real people they don’t seem believable.

Specialty Items

This topic mostly concerns items like computer brands, vacuum cleaners, blenders and tons of other items that people seem to devote themselves to. I find that these are very difficult to trust simply because many people like to think whatever it is that they had purchased is the best item.

Whether it’s an Apple or a PC doesn’t it really just matter which one works best for the tasks at hand? Another factor that seems to come into play is when price doesn’t seem to be a factor to the reviewer and assumes that a $400 vacuum cleaner does an 8 times better job than a $50 dollar one purchased on the spot.

Off the Beaten Path

Some of the most crooked reviews that I have found are for restaurants for a variety of reasons. Many smaller restaurants can change hands in a matter of days or weeks and go from a grade A restaurant to someplace I wouldn’t go back to quickly. Another problem, as above many people seem to have different tastes or expectations for something should taste like and do not take pricing or service into account.

Summary

Whether you like something or not, it is quite helpful to other and to companies when you actually review their products. It’s probably much better when you don’t do it on their websites but do it on independent 3rd party websites to avoid moderators with an agenda.

Do you frequently read reviews before you buy something/go somewhere? What has been your biggest letdown you have had from taking other person’s opinion (whether in person or online)? Also, if you are looking for a review on a product where are you most likely to turn?