Make the Best of Online Reviews When Shopping

In order to make smarter spending decisions, it is important to have confidence in the quality of the product or service you are purchasing. Online reviews can be a valuable tool in your smart-spending arsenal. They allow you to verify the quality or legitimacy of an item, better understand if it meets your needs, and reduce the risk of dissatisfaction.

To effectively use online reviews, it is crucial to know where to look and how to interpret the information. There are several places to find reviews, but it is recommended to use a combination of sources to ensure a balance of review types and to weed out fake reviews.

• E-commerce sites like Amazon, eBay, and Target have built-in rating systems that allow you to compare vendors and products. Pay attention to reviews with pictures, as they can be particularly helpful for certain purchases. However, it is important to be aware that not all retailers and reviews are truthful. Some vendors may delete negative reviews or pay for fake ones. Look out for reviews from reviewers with short posting histories, lack of specific detail, and awkward wording – these are likely to be fake.
   
• Review sites such as Epinions, Angie's List, and Yelp provide forums for customer reviews and sometimes responses from companies. These sites are not directly connected to the sale of products, so they can offer more balanced opinions and experiences.
   
• Social media platforms are also a source of company and product reviews. Keep in mind that people are more likely to post complaints and concerns than good experiences on social media. If a company's reviews seem suspiciously positive elsewhere, check what people are saying on Twitter or Facebook.
   
• Blogs can provide in-depth reviews with detailed information and pictures. Bloggers often specialize in specific niches, which means they can offer more informed insights. However, it is important to research a blogger's review policies to ensure they are not biased due to receiving free products or commissions.
   
• When reading reviews, it is crucial to think critically and be aware of fake ones. Fake reviews can come from bots, paid writers, or people influenced by the seller. To spot and ignore fake reviews, remain objective and do not be swayed by the emotional tone of reviews. Look out for red flags such as a high number of reviews, posting dates, patterns in complaints or compliments, and the credibility of the source. Personal attacks or the use of profanity should also raise concerns.

If online reviews become overwhelming or conflicting, contacting the company directly can provide additional clarification. You can inquire about specific situations or concerns to get a better understanding of their policies. Additionally, seeking recommendations from family, friends, and acquaintances can offer valuable insights.