Steve J. Bernas (president and CEO, Better Business Bureau) advises that sometimes being the first isn’t always the best idea. Bernas advises smart shoppers to refer to the huge collection of online reviewsThis includes everything, from car dealerships to hotel rooms.
“No one should make a purchase before doing their homework,” says Bernas. “Knowing what others think before you buy — and even knowing what others think of the place you’re buying from — can save you from making mistakes, and more importantly can save you money.”
Bernas acknowledges that not all reviews are trustworthy. “It’s possible for restaurants or online merchants to write their own glowing reviews, or for competitors to pan the competition. I always advise shoppers to read online reviews to get a feeling of what people think. If the majority of reviews are pretty good, you’re usually safe.”
Bernas has a variety of sites that will help shoppers shop smartly.
Amazon.com: You can find almost any product on this site, many of which are reviewed. It’s worth checking out the reviews of other customers about the item you are considering.
BBB.org – Based on user reviews, the Business Reviews on this website are professionally compiled. They provide an easy to understand letter grade for each business.
Cars.com: Cars.com is well-known for its automotive expert-reviews. Recently, Cars.com asked car owners to submit their own reviews of both their cars and their dealerships. It is important to know how much you can afford to purchase a car, as well as where to buy it.
CNET.com is for technology lovers. CNET.com has reviewed almost every technology piece. So if you want to own a new mobile phone, be sure to get opinions from others before you sign any contracts.
TripAdvisor.com – No hotel room should be booked without consulting this website. Do you agree? “Ocean View”Really? “Ocean View?”Ask past guests for their opinions.
Yelp.com is your guide to all things local. Yelp offers user reviews of restaurants, shops, and other local businesses.
