| Service ratings are one of the most potent ways | | | | Whether or not you are inconvenienced by a |
| in which a consumer is empowered. You know | | | | tardy delivery, take this opportunity to warn |
| the provider you're looking for cares if they are | | | | other more time-strained consumers about the |
| willing to let themselves be scrutinized by their | | | | services. You may even give the provider a boot |
| clients, and you can also be sure that they are | | | | in the behind to get their act together. |
| dedicated to improving their own services. | | | | Were there any problems? |
| When you sign up with an online directory, you | | | | Complications usually come up in many |
| are automatically given the power to determine a | | | | transactions, and how these problems are handled |
| provider's ranking in that directory. This means | | | | is a sign of a provider's professionalism. If they |
| that even something as simple line or two of | | | | can overcome these complications and still provide |
| feedback will either enhance their image or | | | | quality services, then it will be to their merit. |
| expose them for the sham that they really are. | | | | Provide some feedback if they are unable to deal |
| You are their most potent marketing tool, as | | | | with the problem appropriately, and others will be |
| your satisfaction or dissatisfaction will dictate their | | | | warned of any potential headaches with the |
| success in an online directory. | | | | process. |
| This then puts a little pressure on you, the | | | | Are you satisfied? |
| consumer, to think objectively. You can't just toss | | | | This is the more subjective part of feedback, but |
| around feedback willy-nilly, and irresponsibly | | | | is still an important part of the process. Personal |
| posting a few lines 'just to get things over with' | | | | satisfaction for the local services provided is |
| will not help in informing future consumers about | | | | driven by many factors, and even this subjective |
| their decisions. | | | | part can become objective if given enough |
| So before you click that 5-star rating or post a | | | | thought. If you 'like' or 'dislike' the company, try to |
| line or two of feedback, keep these guidelines for | | | | explain why you feel that way. You will find that it |
| making objective service ratings: | | | | makes for some useful basis for finalizing your |
| Did they deliver? | | | | own service ratings. |
| This is the first and most important factor you | | | | A relevant but off-topic pointer must be noted |
| have to keep in mind. A contract is a contract, | | | | here. All the feedback in the world will not save |
| and delivering the goods is the most basic | | | | you from a fraudulent transaction. |
| responsibility of a services provider. If your | | | | Online directories often hold payments in escrow, |
| provider runs away from his or her responsibility, | | | | and this provides a measure of payment |
| the first thing you should do is post a warning on | | | | protection for the consumer. Transact with a |
| the directory, while contacting the directory about | | | | directory that holds money in escrow, and you'll |
| the fraudulent scam. | | | | protect yourself against any potential 'runners' |
| Were they on time? | | | | that take off with your money. |
| Punctuality is another important factor to consider. | | | | |