Latest news with #customerreviews
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Negative Customer Reviews: How To Turn Challenges Into Opportunities
Resolving poor customer reviews Customer reviews and ratings play a key role in the customer journey, with as many as 98% relying on them to inform their purchasing decisions. When you know that your products and services are of exceptional quality, you would expect the majority of customer reviews to be positive. And it can be disheartening and frustrating when they aren't. However, negative reviews shouldn't be something to fear. Instead, see them as valuable opportunities to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and to improve your services. Dealing with poor customer reviews is a challenge that all entrepreneurs face at some point and something that Matt Little, founder and managing director of lighting company Festoon House, has done many times. The key, he says, is to approach them with a calm, constructive mindset and always be proactive in finding a resolution. 'A customer once posted a review claiming that the outdoor lighting solutions we'd provided weren't as bright as they had hoped, which we knew was something that could be impacted by different installation setups,' he says. 'Instead of taking it personally, I contacted them directly, listened to their concerns, and offered to send a technician out to reassess their setup and offer a solution that better met their needs.' It's important not to shy away from negative reviews but to address them promptly, offering a clear explanation or an alternative solution. Not all negative reviews are fair, but it is important to be professional and factual in any response. 'Keeping a respectful tone is essential,' adds Little. 'Acknowledge their frustration, offer to make it right, and use it as an opportunity to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction. I've found that handling negative reviews in this manner often turns dissatisfied customers into loyal ones, and the public sees your professionalism too.' The key to dealing with bad reviews is not to see them as an attack, but as feedback that wasn't given during the job. Adrian Iorga, founder and president of Boston-based Stairhopper Movers has overseen countless moves and has had some tough reviews. 'One customer said that we 'rushed through' a small apartment move and didn't explain the charges,' he says. 'I called her and asked how she felt about the situation. She opened up right away. We clarified everything, apologized, and followed up with a note and a small gesture. She edited the review and has since referred three friends.' Iorga also tracks the reviews that have been turned around and shares the data with new employees during training to enable them to understand that following up after a job is equally important as lifting boxes. 'Since we began doing this, our review score has increased by 12% in 18 months,' he adds. 'A poor review doesn't hurt your business but ignoring it does. People want to see how you react when things go wrong. That's when trust starts.' A growing problem in the online review space is false or fake reviews that misrepresent genuine customer experiences and mislead potential customers. Dealing with disingenuous reviews is a challenge for business owners. Some take the path of least resistance and apologize with offers of freebies in exchange for the removal of the offending review. Challenging false reviews Tim Roberts, owner of No. Twenty9, a bar and restaurant in Burnham Market, Norfolk, takes a different approach with his response to false negative reviews. He challenges them. Opened in 2018, the venue has enjoyed growing popularity among locals and tourists alike, reflected in its predominantly five-star Trip Advisor reviews. Roberts estimates that bad reviews make up less than 1% of the total. He says: 'We have as many as 1,000 people drinking, eating, or staying with us every week, and the vast majority are delighted with their experience. But when someone leaves a bad review, making claims that aren't true and badmouthing your business, you have to deal with it.' What unscrupulous reviewers are unaware of is that Roberts' internal CCTV security system allows him to see everything that takes place on the premises. He says: 'Someone might give us a terrible review, saying they didn't like their meal, but I can see that they cleared their plate, and I will point that out in my response. Others have complained about the service, claiming they had to wait 40 minutes between courses. But I know they didn't. I can tell them exactly how long they waited, to the second.' When someone does have a genuine complaint, Roberts asks the customer to message him privately to resolve it. 'If we've done something wrong, I'll be the first to admit it and sort it out,' he says. 'However, the customer isn't always right, and I refuse to let people get away with making false allegations in public. I can never understand restaurants that respond to false negative reviews with 'We are so sorry, please reach out to us.' My advice to them is to grow a pair and tell them what they really think.' As COO of Bates Electric, Andrew Bates has overseen hundreds of projects across the U.S. and experienced every type of review imaginable. He treats every negative review as a field report, providing free information from the ground. ' When a customer complains about something we technically did correctly, I do not dismiss it," he says. "I ask myself, what expectations did we fail to establish? That one mindset shift allowed us to cut follow-up calls on completed jobs in half because the issue was clarity, not quality.' Staff are also trained to identify patterns in honest complaints. 'When we discovered several reviews mentioning delays, all from jobs scheduled after 2 p.m. we restructured scheduling to prioritize high-touch appointments in the morning," says Bates. "No one tells you this on Yelp, but it's buried in the tone of the reviews if you read them as a builder rather than a marketer. Most of what you need to improve is already written in a frustrated customer's paragraph.' Every entrepreneur will face a bad review at some point. If you have dropped the ball and the review is genuine, the advice from serial entrepreneur Nigel Botterill is to act fast and over-deliver in your fix. He says: 'People love grand gestures, so correct whatever is wrong, and then have fun with it. A bouquet with a card, a box of chocolates delivered with a note; that will be what they tell their friends about, not the mistake that started it all.' Where a review isn't real or is riddled with errors, Botterill says it's important to remember that your reply isn't for the person leaving the review; it's for the countless people who are going to see that review and judge you on your response. 'Reply to those customer reviews swiftly, making it absolutely without doubt that what they're talking about is nonsense,' he says. 'A bad customer review isn't a disaster. It's a test. Pass it, and you emerge stronger, smarter, and more trusted. That's how entrepreneurs win, not by avoiding criticism, but by responding better than anyone else.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Walmart Selling 'Perfect' Slip-On Sneakers for $11: 'Best Shoes I've Bought in Years'
The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair of slip-on sneakers that will keep your feet supported and comfortable all day long, you'll want to give these sneakers a try. And don't let the low price fool you: reviewers rave that these are the best sneakers they've bought. The Time and Tru Women's Scrunch Back Slip-On Sneakers are just $11 at Walmart. These highly-rated shoes have a 4.5 out of 5 star rating with more than 7,700 reviews. One customer writes on that these are "cute, comfy, and budget friendly." Another calls them "perfect" and the "best shoes I've bought in years." They come in women's sizes 6 through 11 and in widths medium and wide. The shoes are also available in a variety of colors, including Black (pictured below), Leopard, Navy, White, Red, and more. Size availability varies by color. The shoes have a soft memory foam sock for comfort, a non-marking outsole, a breathable upper, and a "scrunchy" back design that makes them easy to slip on and off. Walmart writes about the shoes: "Put a pep in your step with Time and Tru's Scrunch Back Sneakers featuring a scrunched back for a secure fit and memory foam insoles for a comfortable all-day wear. Available in an assortment of colors to complement your casual days." One customer shares, "Love these shoes and in fact have purchased more than one color because they are SO comfortable... For a lower-priced shoe they have a surprising just-right amount of arch support. No pinching, no rubbing, just lightweight comfort. I'll be living in these this summer." Another person writes, "I'm on my feet 68 hours a day on concrete and they are amazing. I can't believe how comfortable they are especially for the price. It's bright black. It hasn't faded nothing." A third reviewer shares, "Great minimalist sneakers!" another person shares. "...They're lightweight, easy to slip into, and non-binding across the top of my foot. Super fast shipping and easy ordering process. 👍👍" Walmart offers free 90-day Selling 'Perfect' Slip-On Sneakers for $11: 'Best Shoes I've Bought in Years' first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 21, 2025
Entrepreneur
22-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Real Stories, Real Change: What Freedom Debt Relief Reviews Reveal About Debt
One of the best ways to gauge a company's impact is through customer reviews, where people share unfiltered experiences of how debt relief changed their lives. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The first step toward relief is often the hardest for anyone struggling with debt. In a world field with big, bold promises, it's natural to be skeptical. That's why honest customer stories matter—people want to hear from others who've been in their shoes. One of the best ways to gauge a company's impact is through customer reviews, where people share unfiltered experiences of how debt relief changed their lives. In the case of Freedom Debt Relief, those reviews speak volumes. Why Reviews Matter in the Debt Relief Journey Debt is personal. It affects mental health, relationships, and daily life. That's why transparency is crucial when selecting a debt relief partner. Verified testimonials offer more than just five-star ratings: they provide insight into a company's process, values, and actual results. Freedom Debt Relief clients consistently describe the same things: respect, empathy, simplicity, and real progress. This type of social proof builds trust, especially for those who are ashamed of their financial situation. What Freedom Debt Relief Clients Are Saying A Common thread in Freedom Debt Relief reviews is the kindness and professionalism of the support team. "Everyone from start to my finish line—the counseling, the customer care—was so amazing," shared Mary Stephens. "You never feel like a number. Everyone is terrific. Anyone who needs help, you need to contact them. They will help you in every way you need." For many, the emotional relief was as powerful as the financial gains. "They didn't just help me with my debt," confirmed Jane M. from Arizona. "They helped me get my life back." Others highlight how simple the process was. "They make it nice and easy by doing all the work for you," wrote David Innings. "The only thing you need to do is put the money into your account. Very satisfied with my experience so far." Charlie Lopez raved, "This program helped me gain my financial independence. I didn't have to take a loan or anything. It just helped me budget and maintain to get a piece of my life back. I just recently did it. It took me only 18 months to get rid of $20,000 in debt. That's really good." How to Spot Real Reviews If you're reading reviews to make a decision, there are certain things to look for to tell they're genuine: Look for details that describe the whole journey. Pay attention to tone—genuine reviews often express emotion and gratitude. Check for consistency across platforms like Trustpilot, BBB, and ConsumerAffairs. Volume matters: a company with thousands of detailed reviews usually has a strong track record. Authentic reviews help reduce the noise and build confidence when taking that all-important first step. What Makes Freedom Debt Relief Different Freedom Debt Relief has helped over 850,000 people tackle more than $15 billion in debt. With over 20 years of experience, they've become one of the most established names in debt relief. But it's not just about the numbers. It's about how those numbers change lives. By providing easy-to-understand plans and ongoing support, Freedom Debt Relief stands out as a company that listens, adapts, and delivers. Their model doesn't involve pushing loans or quick fixes but instead helping people create real change through negotiation, structure, and empowerment. Your Story Starts With a Step Everyone's financial journey is different. But the path to peace of mind often begins similarly—with a simple decision to explore options. Reading a few reviews might be the first step toward your success story. If you've been carrying the weight of debt alone, there's help available—thousands of people just like you have found it. Maybe your very own five-star review is right around the corner.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Dunelm is selling a cheap garden essential at just 31p each – it's perfect for jazzing up your outdoor dining table
SAVVY shoppers have been making the most of outdoor entertaining with the help of one penny-pinching dining product. Fans of al fresco eating have been singing the praises of a handy accessory that looks great - and is as cheap as chips. Dunelm 's Foil Charger Plate comes in two shades - charcoal and gold - and has been reduced to 31p from £1.25. The superstore explained about the product: "Ideal to place under your dining plates, this round foil charger plate is perfect for occasional dining to decorate your dining table setting and is available in a range of colours." Customers have described the plates as 'great quality' and a 'fantastic price'. The hand wash only items are a staple for any outdoor brunch or dinner occasion and measure 33cm (13"). One happy shopper wrote online: "A nice way to dress a table. Keeps the heat away from the wooden table." A second agreed: "Fab charger plates, have them in different colours, great way to dress a table." "Good inexpensive way to add a touch of class to your table," commended a third. Garden lovers have been rushing to the homeware and furniture retailer to pick up another stunning accessory. An arched window wall mirror, costing £30, has gained rave 5 star reviews. The sale piece comes in four colours including Ashley Blue and sage and can be hung up inside as well. Dunelm garden furniture deals Shoppers can click and collect the item for free from their nearest store stocking it, or home delivery costs from £3.95. It's not the first time in recent months shoppers have rushed to buy a product at Dunelm. One managed to pick up a Bromley Lamp Table for £6.90 marked down from £69. Another bagged a stylish bar stool marked down to £19.90 from £200. 2 How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. .
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Boody Underwear Review: Organic bamboo undies Aussie women are ‘obsessed' with
Undies. We all wear them every single day but the struggle to find ones that are actually comfortable seems never ending. Is it really that hard to make ones that a) don't ride up, b) sit nicely on our butts and c) look half OK? Apparently, yes. But, not for my favourite Aussie brand, Boody. I've been wearing Boody undies for over two years now and I'll never go back. The no-fuss underwear brand first launched in 2012 and in the following 12 years has grown to become one of Australia's most popular fashion brands. Their secret? Their products are made from organically-grown bamboo viscose which is not only more gentle on the planet but simply incredibly comfy too. And people love it. Their current bestseller is the Full Briefs ($16.95), with over 6000 five-star reviews. THE BESTSELLING FULL BRIEFS I must admit when I opened up my full briefs for the first time, I was a little bit scared. They just looked so big and like the stereotypical grandma undies. I thought I'd aged myself 50 years in the space of a second. But, that all went away as soon as I pulled them on for the first time. $16.95 at Boody I couldn't believe how soft they felt on my skin. And not only that but they felt supportive as well. How can something be lightweight yet hug my body in all the right places at the same time? Five-star reviewers on the Boody website agree with me. 'These are the most comfortable briefs I have ever worn,' wrote one happy customer. Others also love how they 'stay in place' and don't ride up at all. The Seamfree Padded Crop Bra ($27.95) is another of the brand's bestsellers. Seamfree Padded Crop Bra, $27.95 at Boody Picture: Boody. The wire-free design means that it's comfortable enough to wear all day without any unwanted digging in. While it's of course not as supportive as a regular bra, as someone with a larger cup size I still felt comfortable enough to wear this up to my local Woolies with no dramas. It also has almost 5000 five-star reviews with shoppers saying they were 'considerably impressed' with the bra. 'This bra is one of the most comfortable I've ever owned. And it is perfect for summer (or any time) due to the breathability of the natural bamboo fabric. Love it, a wear every day type of bra,' wrote one five-star review. Before trying the Full Briefs only recently, the Midi Briefs ($15.95) have been my ride-or-die. Picture: Boody. $15.95 at Boody These are the undies that first got me hooked on Boody and I haven't looked back since. They're the perfect mid-full coverage fit and like the Full Brief, they're just as supportive. The difference would be that they don't come up quite as high on the hips and slightly less coverage on the butt too. I also love the flat-ribbed, wide waistband for extra comfort. Yet again, these undies also have thousands of five-star reviews. One happy customer wrote, 'Very comfortable and soft. Right amount of elasticity. Best midis I've worn in a long time.' I'm also a fan of the Women's Ribbed Racerback Tank ($49.95). Picture: Boody. $49.95 at Boody Made from a blend of organically grown bamboo and recycled polyester, just like the undies, this tank is super soft. Features include a soft, ribbed fabric as well as a flattering racerback design. The singlet is a little bit on the thinner side so I would recommend wearing a skin colour bra underneath but apart from that, you can't fault it. It seems like others agree with me if the 4.9 star rating is anything to go by. Five-star reviewers write that it is 'so flattering' and 'so soft and comfortable'. SUSTAINABILITY Since inception, Boody has been headstrong in creating products not only good for the consumer but also good for the environment. Since inception, Boody has continued to grow as a business while remaining true to their ethical ideals. The brand was B Corp Certified in 2021 for their transparency and commitment to sustainable practices. In March 2022, Boody introduced their Recycling Program. Partnering with UPPAREL, Australia's most trusted textile recycling organisation, shoppers can purchase a shipping label for $35 and in return Boody will gift you $35 back to redeem sitewide. Then simply pack up your unwanted clothes and ship them off. Since the partnership began, over 23 tonnes of used clothing from landfill has been diverted. Interested in more fashion content? Find out how to build a capsule wardrobe, and discover why wearing these jeans all week was a cost of living and style revelation. After a cheeky deal? Head to the Coupons page for discounts on your favourite brands like THE ICONIC and Sephora. Lastly, sign up to our shopping newsletter for free to stay up to date on all the latest products and sales news.
