When shopping online, you'll often see product ratings that seem to tell you everything you need to know. The FTC (FTC) advises checking the reviewer's history and whether they received a free product for their review.
Quick Answer
To read product ratings with more context, check the reviewer's history, see if they got a free product, and look for labels indicating incentives.
Identify Reviewer Incentives and History
The FTC emphasizes that reviewers might receive free products or other incentives in exchange for writing reviews. Always check if a review mentions receiving a product for free or if a label like 'paid review' appears next to it.
When reviewing a product, look for labels or badges that indicate whether the reviewer got a free product. The FTC states that some websites place these labels to show transparency. This step prevents you from misinterpreting a review as unbiased when it might have been influenced by incentives like free products or discounts.
Also, it's not always clear if a reviewer got something, like a free product, in exchange for writing a review.
- Check if the review mentions receiving a free product or discount.
- Look for labels like 'paid review' or 'incentive' next to the review.
- Review the reviewer's history to see if they've written similar reviews before.
- How to comparison shop Learn the total cost of the product, including shipping, handling, delivery, taxes, or other fees.
Search for Complaints and Scams
The FTC suggests searching online for the product name plus the words 'complaint' or 'scam' to find real user experiences.
When you find complaints or scam reports, compare them with the product rating to see if there's a mismatch.
Some – but not all – websites will place a label or badge next to the review when they know that the reviewer got an incentive.
- Search for the product name plus 'complaint' or 'scam' on major search engines.
- Online Shopping: Check several sources and consider where a review is posted, who wrote the review, and the reviewer's history.
- Guides Against Deceptive Pricing: Background and more details are available in the Search & Navigation guide.
Compare Product Costs and Details
To compare products accurately, note the manufacturer or model number, size, color, and shipping fees. This step ensures you understand the full cost of the product, including taxes and shipping, which might affect the final price.
Calculate the total cost of the product, including shipping, handling, delivery, taxes, and other fees. The FTC highlights that comparing the total cost, not just the base price, gives a clearer picture of what you're paying. This helps you avoid being misled by discounts or hidden fees that might not be reflected in the product rating.
Find out other people's experiences Search online for the product or company name, plus the words "complaint" or "scam." See what other people are saying about their experience.
- Record the manufacturer or model number and product details.
- Add shipping, taxes, and fees to the base price for total cost.
Read Product Descriptions Thoroughly
The FTC recommends reading the entire product description, including the fine print, to understand what the product includes and any limitations. For example, if the fine print mentions a warranty or exclusions, it might affect your decision.
Check for any hidden terms or conditions in the product description. The FTC states that skipping the fine print can lead to issues later, such as unexpected fees or product limitations.
Comparison Shopping To comparison shop for a product, make notes of the item's manufacturer or model number, plus details like size, color, or shipping fees.
- Read the entire product description, including the fine print.
- Verify warranty details and exclusions in the product description.
FAQ
How do I know if a review was paid?
Check for labels like 'paid review' or 'incentive' next to the review. If no label exists, the review might have been paid, so verify the reviewer's history to understand potential bias.
What should I do if a product has a high rating but complaints?
Search for the product name plus 'complaint' or 'scam' to find real user experiences.
How do I compare product costs accurately?
Record the manufacturer or model number, size, color, and shipping fees. The FTC advises calculating the total cost, including taxes and shipping, to avoid hidden fees.
