Do you read consumer reviews before you make up your mind?

[Happyflowerlady]

I read the reviews, both the good ones and the bad ones. Some people will complain about something, or just not know how to use it properly and write a bad review, and then someone else will explain what those people were doing wrong; so by reading all of the reviews, I can usually get a pretty good idea of how much people like it and how easy it is to use.

If I am looking at getting something more than just a few dollars, I will also watch some youtube videos about the product, as well as the comparisons to similar products. With the videos, you can actually see people using the item, and how large or small it actually is, and how easy to use, which is sometimes hard to tell from a written review.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I read the reviews but someone will always complain as nothing is perfect. If I read something that really sounds bad or I would want in the product that sounds bad, I do not buy.

This is true about services as well as products. I was thinking of changing my home and auto insurance, and no matter which company I researched, I found horrible complaints. We have to sort through it and check other sources as well.

 

[Jeni]

i had to buy something recently that forgot to pack for a trip
I asked sales person if they knew if a specific brand ran true to size..... they had no idea
I was glad i was able to read reviews on my phone that said buy larger runs small or i would have not been happy to have to do a return etc.. got the larger size fit well.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Like everybody, I read the bad reviews to see if there's a trend. People, who write glowing reviews usually had the thing for only 2 days.

 

[Jackie23]

Yes...I always read reviews, not only for the quality of a product but as others have said, it is research for how things work...also many times reviewers will list locations to buy the same product cheaper.

 

[dilettante]

Read some about a product that you know very well.

Set aside the shills and whiners. You are left with a lot of clueless people saying all kinds of random stuff, much of it not even true or completely inapplicable.

Now imagine something you don't know much about. The reviews could easily lead you to waste your money.

Lately I read them for specifics, but really only look at aggregate overall ratings: how many "stars."

For anything pricy or complex I try to find several hands-on review videos so I can see the product put through its paces. Sometimes you can find side-by-side comparisons of competing products tested and measured against the same criteria. Then I download the manuals for my top selections to verify features and specs to make up my mind.

 

[Twostep]

I am always worried about making the wrong choice. Yes, I do research any big purchase to death. I then go into the store and get a good feel for what the sales people have to say. It the product had nothing but bad reviews and the sales person is pushing it, I am in the wrong place and the wrong product. I will spend the extra time to be at least 50% sure I am making a good purchase.

I have been dealing with buying a new counter stove top. My old one, 30 years old has finally died. We all know appliances these days are not made to last. Mine was a glass top but I know I will need to buy one with the so-called old-fashioned type with coil burners. My hands and wrists are not as strong and I am concerned about dropping a heavy pan.

The second issue, I have gas into the house, fireplace and water heater. Would it be better to have gas run into the kitchen and getting a gas cooktop. To be truthful I prefer gas cooking, I learned to cook on gas from my Mom but I have never had it as an adult in my own home. I also think having gas in the kitchen would be a great selling point when and if I have to sell.

Can you all share your advice on this? What do you think, is gas the best option, if not, I will go with the coil electric.
Thanks in advance!!

I love gas! It will be an adjustment.

 

[Blessed]

I love gas! It will be an adjustment.

For me it will be familiar territory but I just wonder if it would be wise to spend the money to have it done.

 

[Jules]

@Blessed, have you investigated Induction stoves? As fast as gas and safer. You’d need to do a lot research first.

 

[Blessed]

@Blessed, have you investigated Induction stoves? As fast as gas and safer. You’d need to do a lot research first.

Thanks for that info, I have not even considered induction stoves. This is something I need to research before I make a decision. I thought they were only good for quick heat and cooking. Being a southern cook, there a lot of things cooked low and slow. Nor only on the cooktop but also in the oven.
I had to replace my double ovens not too long after my husband died. i just did not have the energy or mental capability to do the proper research, My son was still at home and felt like he was starving because he could not order what ever he wanted. I was not happy with purchase I have worked around the temperature problems, adjusted times and temperature issues. The most important thing is the appliance has held up for 13 1/2 years. Everything is so expensive now.

 

[Twostep]

Thanks for that info, I have not even considered induction stoves. This is something I need to research before I make a decision. I thought they were only good for quick heat and cooking. Being a southern cook, there a lot of things cooked low and slow. Nor only on the cooktop but also in the oven.
I had to replace my double ovens not too long after my husband died. i just did not have the energy or mental capability to do the proper research, My son was still at home and felt like he was starving because he could not order what ever he wanted. I was not happy with purchase I have worked around the temperature problems, adjusted times and temperature issues. The most important thing is the appliance has held up for 13 1/2 years. Everything is so expensive now.

You can still find something reasonable. Take the time to determine what suits your needs. Then watch like a hawk for discounts, dent/scratch, packages.

 

[carouselsilver]

I always read the reviews first. I don't bother with the good reviews. I want to know what people don't like about it so I start with the lowest negatives and work my way up.

Same here! Sometimes the reviews are not about the product, but about items damaged in shipping, or other delivery issues. Which is annoying because those complaints belong elsewhere.

 

[Twostep]

BBB is an outdated dino. Everywhere you go you get showered with review requests and not only in retail. No, I dig around or return if it does not do the job.