We’ve probably all done it — bought something online or paid for a service that has ended up simply not being what we were expecting. Perhaps it was an impulse buy or maybe you just didn’t do your research.
Personally, I’ve done this a lot! Clothes are one of the main items that I was always forgetting to look at reviews for. When they arrive, they may not be the best quality or look great but don’t fit well. I’ve learned that you need to read the reviews to find the golden tips. Some sites even have extra review functions for their product pages which provide information like average sizing so people can report how it fits, if it runs small and more.
We’re not just talking about the reviews on actual commerce platforms either, there are independent reviewers in a wide range of industries.
Clothes are just one example, but we’re looking at a lot of others in this guide. The same principles and ideas can apply to many different goods and services.
Compare what each company is offering
Every company is slightly different and may offer something unique to customers. Online casinos are a perfect example, they have lots of different variables and every site seems to have its own take and set of functionality.
People value different features and may want to prioritize certain aspects of play. The iGaming market is projected to have a market volume of $39.81bn by 2029. This growth is generating a lot of new platforms, flooding the market with variety, and each site has its own unique promotions.
Finding the best site for a user can become tedious and confusing, the best practice would be to use a review site. It’s best to a choose a site with a public review process and an easy-to-read format. A prime example would be the latest review of Conquestador Casino on GambleOntario. The information the user is most interested in is front loaded into the beginning of the review, culminating in an easy to understand pros and cons list. The site has a whole section dedicated to how its rating and review process works in the about us tab, so the user can decide for themselves if they are comfortable with the information presented to them. This is a good practice to keep an eye out for when looking for a review site.
Check the trustworthiness of a company
Whenever parting with your money, it is a very good idea to try to ensure that you’ve checked out whether they’re trustworthy, and the experience that others have had.
Review platforms are gold here, they help you to find out what people have thought about their experiences honestly. Google has an impressive review system for businesses, but if we’re specifically talking about things like trust then Trustpilot is another option. This site has a focus on warning people of the companies that may not be as trusted as others and sharing user experiences with a focus on customer service and site security.
Avoid the mistakes others made
Reviewers are often happy to share all the aspects of their purchase and it can be helpful for picking up little tips. In our clothing example, if somebody says “I normally wear medium, but I needed a large in this shirt” that might be really helpful information.
With regards to casinos, people might also share specifics about the way they interacted with a casino. Someone might recommend a payment method as it is faster or cheaper. When buying items online, knowledge is power.
Once you’ve deposited money into an account or hit the buy button then the decision has been made. Before making this step, there’s a chance to learn more about the products and services and the nuanced experiences others have had.
Understand conditions that may apply to promotions
Many companies provide bonuses and promotions to new customers. Reviews can be a way for people to ensure that they understand these bonuses and their criteria. A reviewer may give you a top tip about an offer code, for instance.
In some cases, reviewers even partner with brands to provide specific promotions they can share with their readers.
Get products that suit your needs
When you make a big purchase, you’re likely to spend a fair bit of time reading through the reviews. This is because you’ll be very keen to make sure that you know the exact features and functions that are available. If you spend a lot of money, it is even more crucial to get things right, and to get something that suits your needs.
An extreme example might be a car. It is such a big investment for a lot of people that it requires a lot of thought, and people will read reviews to understand factors such as whether it is a good car for families and if is good on fuel economy. People want to hear first-hand opinions and experiences of those who have already made the plunge, ideally from those who are in the same situation. Is the car good for a work commute or for space in the back? Reviews help you to make an informed decision.
Follow a specific reviewer
Do you have one of those friends who always seems to have good tips or a good take on things? Perhaps it is somebody who is always recommending amazing restaurants. In my local area, there’s a reviewer who focuses mainly on breakfasts and shares where he has eaten with his followers.
People get to know what he likes, and how it compares to what they like. His recommendations are almost always good and people know this, so he’s a sort of self-appointed local breakfast critic. The point is that you might find someone who reviews something and has similar tastes to you, and their recommendations can be helpful in making sure you find things you like.
Some reviewers are also very good at sharing industry information and things like sales and offers, including upcoming Prime Day or Black Friday promotions.
Conclusion
Any time you need to part with your hard-earned money, you should probably give it some thought. In some cases, a lot of research may be needed to make sure that you’ve got the right product for your specific needs before buying. Fortunately, there are plenty of online platforms to find reviews and see exactly what existing customers have thought of a product before deciding whether to buy it or leave it.
