How to write reviews your neighbor can use

Got an opinion about a local business? Help your neighbors out and let them know what you think! Here's how to write a review that can truly make a difference:
  1. Make it local.
  2. Make it detailed.
  3. Make it kind (even if you don't recommend the company!)
  4. Make it count!
Make it local! Keep in mind that folks come to Kudzu.com for ratings and reviews about local service companies — talking about national chain stores isn't really going to be helpful since these stores are so similar from city to city. But that local dog groomer who has a way with your cockapoo? Spread the Word!

Make it detailed! A vague "Loved them" is like when you ask your kids how school was and they say, "Good." Not very informative. Instead, tell how long you have been using the service pro, what your experience has been, what you particularly like or how things have been handled when things haven't gone just right. Why not mention if the wait is long but the service is worth it? Or how nice the support staff is every time you call to make an appointment? These are the kinds of details that enable your neighbors to differentiate among service options.

Make it kind! Have service pros you would not recommend? Let's not skewer them folks. Just let your neighbors know how your experience did not meet your expectations. And let the buyer beware!

Make it count! Plumbers, roofers, doctors, party planners, hair dressers — they're all on Kudzu.com. Think about all the businesses you use every day, in every part of your life. Review them on Kudzu.com and help your neighbors choose which service pro is right for them. Let's face it, here's the stuff with which we need the help: anything relating to car care or repairs, beauty, carpet care, caterers, computers, counseling, house repairs and remodeling (inside and out!), doctors and dentists, pet care, website design, and movers (so I can start all over again in the next home!)

Five stars to these reviewers!

Here are examples of reviews that give neighbors valuable info they can use to make informed decisions about the service pros they hire:

Exceptional Dentist
I hadn't been to the dentist in a while so, when I went I realized that I needed a few things done. I couldn't afford to get it done all at once so he sat down with me explained all the procedures and which ones were more urgent. He even showed me the estimates before and after insurance of all the work that needed to be done. What really impressed me was the cavity I just had filled (which was very close to the nerve). I was very nervous because that needle always hurts at every other dentist — but, not with these guys. The procedure was completely painless. I didn't even feel the needle used to numb your mouth! He talked me through it and really put me at ease. I highly recommend this dentist.

Truly the last call you need to make
Traci, Sarah and the crew are the hardest working people I have ever seen! They are fair, honest, up-front, and willing to patiently answer endless landscaping and plant care questions. My job entailed converting a flood irrigated lawn into desert landscaping. In an amazingly short 2 1/2 days the job was complete. I felt completely comfortable with the 6-7 man crew working diligently to transform my yard; they were complete gentlemen. They fixed an outside water line that I hadn't realized was cracked. They cleaned up the job site every evening. They returned calls and e-mails. Traci even gave me a quote on extremely short notice. I could go on and on. I have only good things to say about everyone associated with this company. Save yourself time and heartache. Call this company today!

Eh...
I didn't have a lot of time to look into other brake repair shops. It wasn't until after I dropped off my car and got a quote of $350 then I realized there were five other brake places right next door. It seemed like a lot of money, as they only had the high-end parts for my car. I mean my breaks are fixed, and seem to be working fine, but I would suggest getting some quotes from a few other places before committing to BeeLine, as they might not be the best priced. But I will say, they did do their job.

Money problems, but kitchen and baths look great!
I had an apartment that needed to be cleaned in a hurry. This company sent 3 maids to my apartment who were all very nice and did a great job. A couple of the last rooms didn't get as cleaned as the rest of the house did, but I think that is because I was worried about keeping the time down to 4 hours so that it wouldn't cost more than 300 bucks. unfortunately they had some trouble with their credit card machine and there was money held on my card ($417) that was supposed to be canceled, but Ruth in the office was willing to fax a letter to my bank to have it released so it all worked out :) Ruth was very nice, and team 4 did a good job and was willing to work with me :)

Exceptional Service
This company has been wonderful to work with because they are able to create beautiful and unique flower arrangements for every special occasion. They have been very proactive in helping me select the appropriate arrangement to fit my specific event. I highly recommend them because they have very reasonable prices and are a real pleasure to work with.