topic Re: The power of reviews in Community Chat

The power of reviews

millieshops — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:24:11 GMT

Sometimes the power areviews has for me comes from something negative to the writer.

that is exactly what happened a few weeks back when I ordered a Susan Graver top because reading the negative comments right here, I realized that top could solve an issue I was having. Ordered. Received. I was right.

I was reminded of that experience just now when I went to Amazon to read review for 2 novels recommended by 2 different friends. There were thousands of reviews, but I just needed a few to get the gist. I'll read bothbooks - the negatives almost every writer mentioned pointed out an aspect of each story I expect to enjoy. Can't explain without getting political.

Re: The power of reviews

cjm61 — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:20:41 GMT

Oh I totally agree. When there is a one star review due to fabric too thin, or a dress too short, or sleeves too short, these are what draw me to an item and will push me towards the purchase. I'm short and like dresses above my knee, about 35-36". I also live in a warm climate, southern Cal, and appreciate lighter fabric.

I must say it is a little frustrating though when complaints are "too short", or "long", when the description clearly states the length. Or, complaining about short sleeves and they wanted 3/4, the models show the sleeves yet people complain they're too short. And, when an item states "fitted" it will hug the body more, order a size up if you don't like a fitted item. Same goes for "relaxed fit" and "generously cut", order a size down if you want it to fit more closely. Sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine when items receive negative comments on apparel that are meant to be snug, or loose fitting. Sorry again for the rant.

Re: The power of reviews

chrystaltree — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:15:23 GMT

I don't read reviews. Sometimes I look at the stars but stars are meaningless to me unless a significant number of people have reviewed the item. Three stars when only 17 people posted doesn't say much to me.

Re: The power of reviews

bonnielu — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:20:56 GMT

I read reviews. I cannot touch or wear and use the products before I buy. Any infomation helps me make a decision. And yes everyone has an opinion but in my case better that than nothing to go on.

Re: The power of reviews

SilleeMee — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:42:00 GMT

For me the reviews are valuable but when there are Q&As included on an item webpage, that's even more helpful for me to find what I need.

Re: The power of reviews

cotton4me — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 06:41:02 GMT

I read reviews. I always start with the negative comments to see if it’s something that would or wouldn’t bother me. For instance, I like looser fitting clothing so if someone says it fits like a tent then I might like it. I also like to know if something is high or low waisted. I have a high waist, so I look for comments about that too. It’s helpful when people post details as to why they like or dislike something. The more information the better.

Re: The power of reviews

IMW — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 11:39:00 GMT

@cotton4me great minds think alike. I also read the poor reviews first often I get useful info.

Re: The power of reviews

Nataliesgramma — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 11:39:36 GMT

I still read reviews...but take them with a grain of salt...

Re: The power of reviews

Jordan2 — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:32:21 GMT

I definitely let reviews decide if I purchase something or not. On Amazon I always checkout reviews, I won't consider buying anything below a 70% approval rate. If there is a bad review mixed in with raves, I'll disregard it as you can't please everyone or they have an axe to grind with the company. Sometimes I overthink a purchase and should just buy it.

Re: The power of reviews

cindyNC — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 16:59:37 GMT

no matter what review I'm reading, I sort from the lowest to highest review. Nothing irritates me more than websites that don't allow you to do that. LOL

Re: The power of reviews

haddon9 — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:03:11 GMT

I alwys read reviews and for the most part I find them very helpful. Sometimes what the reviewier likes or doesn't like is the opposite of what you might like or not like.

Re: The power of reviews

Trailrun23 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 22:01:38 GMT

I always like to see reviews. I sometimes don't order based on lots of bad reviews. I often wonder when there is a repeated negative info about a specific flaw or problem in sizing for the same item why they continue to offer it for sale.

Re: The power of reviews

Jacie — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:43:02 GMT

I read them. However, I always keep in mind there are some people who don't like anything. Ever.

I am usually wantting to determine if the item fell apart or wasn't as presented. Those reviews get my attention first.

I think I am a careful on-line shopper, I do not return alot and I think sometimes that is because I know exactly what I want and I do the "homework" first. I don't consider myself and impluse buyer.

Re: The power of reviews

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:50:08 GMT

I skim over reviews both bad and good.

If there are many reviews that say the item shrinks after washing then I dont buy. If there are only a couple that say its shrinks I tend to think they washed it in hot water and dried it on high. I also taken into consideration the material.

I dont buy many things on Amazon with reviews that say the garment runs small considering its made in an Asian country where their sizing is much smaller than here in the US.

Re: The power of reviews

Spurt — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:52:13 GMT

I read reviews but go beyond the retailer's website for them. For example on appliances I like to go to independent consumer reports for things like vacuum cleaners, blenders, microwaves, coffee makers etc etc

And on QVC you have "fans" of certain brands that give reviews like, "although I havent received the item yet, I love all the clothes from this brand, and I know I will enjoy my newest addition to my collection too" (and they arent even supposed to submit a review unless they receive the product)..🙄...And every review that has something negative they will give a NO vote for that the review was not helpful.

There are also people that dont give many details on why the liked it or disliked the product.

And on book reviews maybe some people dont mind if mysteries include graphic descriptions of violence, while some HATE it, which will "flavor" whether a review is positive or negative.....

And dont forget on some websites people are paid and/or rewarded for writing reviews, which will always lead to a positive review....