Skip to main content

What I really think about review sites

In case you're just checking out our blog for the first time, Mondays we feature #MandaMondays. These post come from our owner Amanda and we are starting a series about things we wish our brides knew. This week Amanda is talking about what she REALLY thinks about review sites.

What I Really Think About Review Sites
I, like most business owners, have a love/hate relationship with review sites. These sites, (YELP!, WeddingWire, The Knot, etc.) are a great way for a bride to find fantastic, reputable vendors in her area. That’s a good thing. They are also a forum for brides to warn future brides about negligent vendors and bad service. This is also a good thing. There is, however, a grey area that nobody likes to talk about- the “I just want to complain about something” review.

This third category is especially frustrating for business owners for a few reasons:
First, most of the “gripes” in these reviews could have been easily fixed if I had been aware of them. I once got a poor review because a promotion discount wasn’t applied to an order. It was an honest oversight that could have been easily remedied, but instead of allowing me to correct this, the client chose to leave a poor review and insinuate that we overcharged her on purpose. Trust me, I’m not going to jeopardize my business reputation for an extra $25. I can’t fix it if I don’t know there’s an issue. Be fair to your vendors, and speak up if we’ve forgotten something! We’re only human.

The second reason these grey area reviews are so frustrating is because sometimes people are simply unreasonable. We got a one-star review once because we couldn’t accommodate a bride who walked in without an appointment. My sister (Amy) was very polite in explaining that we were completely booked at that moment and offered to book an appointment for a return visit. We always do our best to accommodate walk-in brides, and usually we can. However, I can’t be prepared to help you if I don’t know you’re coming!

The final reason these reviews are so frustrating is because they are often completely unfair. We once received a poor review because we were located “too far” away from the reviewer. We also received a one-star review once because we didn’t post the photo of a bride who DID NOT buy her dress with us. Really??

It’s hard being in a business where every single thing you do is subject to an online review. Just imagine for a moment that your job worked like that. However, this also keeps us super motivated to always provide the best service we are able to provide. Like I said…love/hate relationship.

When writing your vendor reviews, just be fair. Talk to them personally about any issues so they can be resolved beforehand. Remember, somebody’s livelihood is affected by your words.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

12 Things Brides Forget Before Their Wedding Day

BRING EXTRA SHOES! Those gorgeous heels you bought? Yeah, by the time the reception rolls around your feet will be killing you! Bring an extra pair of flats so you can keep dancing and socializing the night away. You’ll thank me later. Decide what to do with the gifts. This is often forgotten during the wedding planning process, but still pretty important thing to remember! Make sure you assign someone to pack up the gifts and tell them where to take them. Especially if you are leaving on your honeymoon that night! You don’t want to decide what to do with them after you have had a few glasses of champagne. ;) Assign someone responsible to take care of the marriage license! Your officiant will take two copies and one is your souvenir. (Yes, you will sign three of them.) Make sure you don’t ask your cousin who has had 4 possibly 6 drinks that night already. A pretty hanger for your wedding dress. Since your dress will be photographed you want to make s...
1 comment
Read more

Bombshell Secrets!

First Bombshell was "All about that bass", now we don't if the world knows what our secrets are!! We would like to introduce you to our new music video! "Secrets" by Mary Lambert. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO! The Bombshell team had BLAST making this video, it even featured some of our brides! This song hit us all a different way but what they lyrics say are so true to who we are as a team. We have all struggled at one time or another with our body image, how people see us, and our "secrets". This was our way spreading the message that EVERY body is beautiful and not to hide who you are. We worked with some talented people to create this video! Complete Video Solutions shot the footage and used some pretty amazing techniques to create a really cool look! Hair and make up services were provided to Team Bombshell by the bridal team and Bell Amore Salon . The ladies here have worked with us at bridal shows as well! We love them...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Cute Gifts Your Bridesmaid Will Actually Want!

5 Cute Gifts Your Bridesmaid Actually Want! Want to be that awesome bride that doesn't want to give mainstream gifts? Check this list out! Everyone knows that weddings are full of tears, so why not lighten the mood and make them laugh? Such a fun and cute way to wipe away those tears of joy! No Ugly Crying Embroidered Hanky Alex and Ani Bracelet. They are a stylish way to show them what you mean to them. They come with a card with three different meanings so you can make it super personal. Bonus tip: Add a note and tell them how that charm reminds you of them. Alex and Ani Bracelets Pearls of Friendship Necklace by Dogeared. This is such a sweet dainty touch to give your girls, and they can even wear it on the wedding day! A very sweet way to tell them how much they mean to you, and because, who doesn’t like pearls? I mean, really. Dogeared Pearls of Friendship Necklace Ring candles are a great way to give your besties a surprise and a good smelling hous...
Post a Comment
Read more