How important are customer reviews to shoppers? Very important, as it turns out. The fact is, 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. And 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (Source: Local Consumer Review 2016).

Key ‘Takeaways’ From Online Review Survey Research in 2016 (Source: Local Consumer Review 2016):

• 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation

• 7 out of 10 consumers will leave a review for a business if they’re asked to

• 90% of consumers read less than 10 reviews before forming an opinion about a business

• 54% of people will visit the website after reading positive reviews

• 73% of consumers think that reviews older than 3 months are no longer relevant

• 74% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more

• 58% of consumers say that the star rating of a business is most important

We guess it speaks for itself. So, we shall not ramble too much. That said, our BIG tip! Pay attention for the fakes and the phonies. And, the downright just bored and sour people. Read through the majority and not just the top 3 – who knows, they could have been cranky that day. Do your research and see what the majority says! And, not just the nit-picking, although sometimes it can be one gooood laugh attack. Some people just don’t get it! Don’t let one bad apple ruin finding the treasure AKA the best online shopping deals.

Until next time. Sound off below with the funniest reviews you’ve seen!

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Topic: Next Week’s Online Shopping Tip: Seller’s Ratings