Reviewing a Review: Looking beyond the words
When it comes to selecting a roofing company for hire, many people turn to the feedback of others. Word of mouth, testimonials and online reviews can provide valuable information on a company’s credentials, and whether or not they’re the right choice for your needs. But unlike word of mouth, which often comes from a trusted peer, friend or family member, how does one know if the reviews they read about a business are as credible?
How do you review a review?
Background research is always a smart move, but it’s wise to know that what you see isn’t always real. Here are some things to know and look for when reading reviews:
Not all of them are real.
We’re not saying all company review sites post fake reviews, but the fact that many do means it’s best to proceed with caution and not believe everything you read. Chances are, if a business has nothing but really amazing reviews from customers who seem really, really excited, they’re probably not legit, and were more likely paid for by the company. The same goes for a company site that only has really negative reviews.
Some are more personal than professional.
In some instances, review sites will have posts about specific employees instead of the quality of service. These may just be personal opinions more than hard facts, so think about what’s most important to your need, and take these reviews with a grain of salt.
Check for insight.
A credible review will usually sound honest, meaning that it doesn’t go overboard with positivity (or negativity), but rather speaks to the value of the service.
People tend to talk more about the bad than the good.
You know how it is – someone holds the door open for you, you appreciate it, but aren’t likely to tell your spouse. But someone cuts you off in traffic, and you’re on the phone dishing about the amount of bad drivers on the road.
The reality is, people are programmed to notice the negative first. Chances are, when you read reviews, you’ll notice the bad ones first—even if there are a substantial amount more of positive ones. Try to keep this in mind when searching review sites.
Check out the list Yohana Desta from Mashable put together of how to spot fake reviews, which include single-review accounts, very specific language and lots of unexpected enthusiasm.
When it comes to contracting, we recommend these tips in determining your best choice:
Ask for specific references.
Any reputable contractor should be willing and able to provide personal written recommendations from their customers. Request references from current businesses, organizations and individuals. Ask if they can be contacted, and if it’s also possible to see the finished work.
Use many sources.
A combination of resources, such as BBB accreditation, online reviews, personal contact with the company and trade-specific references should be provided to you. Online reviews can definitely help narrow the field, but they aren’t the only or even the best way to vet your choices.
Be skeptical.
A roofing or exterior project is often a large investment, so you have every right to ask as many questions as you need, along with proof and documentation. A credible contractor will be happy to provide you with up-to-date accreditations, certifications and referrals. Any hesitation or reluctance on the part of a contractor to provide these requirements may be cause for concern.
We’re not saying you should disregard company reviews—just read them with the awareness that they’re only one useful tool when deciding a company. And keep the merit of them in mind when making your decision.
Any good company will have policies in place and staff on hand to handle issues and resolve them. Reviews provide a tool to share feedback with others and improve the quality of service of any company, but they are just one tool that can sometimes be misleading. Reliable verification from multiple sources will give you the trust you need to proceed with the right contractor.
Jayson Global Roofing has all these things. But don’t just take our word for it –feel free to challenge us and call us on any of our claims. We’ve been providing quality service and peace of mind to thousands of homeowners, builders, developers, businesses and organizations in the Edmonton area for over 30 years, and we’re proud to have the awards and accreditations to back up our word.
Give us a call or send us an email, and we’ll be happy to share our credentials to you.