Since this is a family blog, I’ll tell you my wife’s version of what opinions are like: “Opinions are like noses, everybody has one.” There are a great many things about the Internet. If you need to know how to do anything, chances are you can find an explanation on the Internet. Whenever I come across a computer problem I’ve never faced before, I don’t panic, I Google it! Last week’s Finish Line Blog post, “Be Your Own Travel Agent” explained how you too can be a travel agent with the help of your device. In it, we introduced TripAdvisor and its concept of reviews on everything from hotels to restaurants. Today, we’ll expand upon the idea of review websites, and show you Yelp!, HomeAdvisor, and Angie’s List. How often do you ask your friends and co-workers for a good plumber? There’s no need to wait with your computer, tablet, or phone by your side!
If you’re looking for reviews (or to review yourself) any type of business, and to do it all for free, check out Yelp!. Businesses can set up listings for free, and reviewers can set up profiles to review businesses at no charge. You can, however, view the reviews without signing up. Reviews are based on a 5-star scale, with one being the worst, and five the best. Consumers can insert comments to provide insight into their own experiences, and businesses can respond to any of these comments. These responses can be interesting since the “true colors” of a business can come out, especially in regard to negative reviews. As is the case with any type of review, some users may have an axe to grind with a business or employee, so take that into consideration as you view the site. With a decent sample size though, it’s easy to see whether or not to patronize the business in question. Yelp! has been called to the carpet recently for trading advertisements for better ratings, i.e. if a business advertises with them they will bury negative reactions, but it’s still a worthwhile site to visit before deciding where to take your money. Simply type in what you’d like to see public opinion on in the left box at the top, put your location in the right box, click the magnifying glass, and you’re on your way! Visit www.yelp.com and see for yourself.
Are you considering renovating your house? Tired of mowing the lawn and would rather pay someone to do it for you? For all things home, check out HomeAdvisor. HomeAdvisor is different than Yelp! because you have two options: 1) provide specifics on what you’re looking for, and HomeAdvisor will link you to a professional contractor that can meet your needs or 2) choose a category for the job you’d like completed and view reviews of contractors who specialize in that field. HomeAdvisor is also free, and boasts over two million pros reviews. Another service offered by HomeAdvisor is their “True Cost Guide”. Simply choose the desired category, and go from there. If you’re a homeowner, it’s worth adding this site to your Favorites. Visit www.homeadvisor.com to get started.
Last, but certainly not least, is Angie’s List. There’s no doubt you’ve seen commercials on television for Angie’s List, but you may not be aware of the service it provides. Angie’s List caters to businesses that are “service based”. It’s the only one we’ve mentioned today that isn’t free. A subscription is required to enter the site, but because of this, it’s the most accurate review site available. If you see a review on this site, you can take it at face value because there is nothing anonymous at Angie’s List just because it isn’t a free site. If you own a business and wish to appear on the site, you can add your business for free to allow others to review you. Reviews are given in the form of a letter grade. The subscription fee gives access to the site, assurance that businesses can’t review themselves or negatively review the competition, and their “Complain Resolution Team” that will intercede if a service provided by the site goes wrong. If you think this sounds good to you, head to www.angieslist.com and check it out.
Sometimes, it’s important to get a second opinion before making a decision. Fortunately there are services out there that will give you the full story before trusting yourself and your family to a place of business. It never hurts to review just one more time before parting with your money. I do it, and you should too!