![]() ![]() (Consumer Reports gave CSS $25,000 in matching funds to get started in the mid-1970s and has allowed Checkbook to survey its subscribers in the seven metro areas it covers.)ĬSS' own research includes conducting undercover price shopping and gathering complaint data from regulators (such as the state attorney general's office) and the Better Business Bureau. How it works: Local companies are involuntarily rated by the Center for the Study of Services, based on surveys of Consumers' Checkbook's own subscribers, Consumer Reports subscribers, and CSS' own research.But company investment disclosures say that "we cannot guarantee the accuracy of our reviews." Angie's List tells consumers that it provides "reviews you can trust," and takes steps to detect and remove fraudulent positive and negative reviews. But almost 70 percent of the company's revenues come from advertising purchased by the service providers being rated. But experts who study survey techniques say that can create a bias for positive reviews.Īngie's List misleads consumers by prominently promising that "businesses don't pay" and that it's a consumer-driven service supported by membership fees. But Angie's List marketing materials intended for businesses say that companies that advertise get "an advantage of increased exposure" that "can propel you ahead of your competition." They get 12 times more profile views than companies that don't buy ads.Īngie's List encourages businesses to solicit reviews by giving customers free, postage-paid forms, stickers on thank you notes, and Web links embedded in e-mail invoices. Cheryl Reed, a spokeswoman for the company, disagrees. Caveats: We think that the ability of A- and B-rated companies to buy their way to the top of the default search results skews the results.They also have to affirm that the information they provide is true and accurate and that they're not an employee, competitor, or in any way related to the service provider. After they hire a business, they're asked to rate it based on nine measures. ![]() ![]() When they get two reviews and a B average or better, and there are no alerts about them, they can pay to advertise and must offer discount coupons that "position your business to rotate on page 1 of search results," Angie's List says.Ĭonsumers subscribe to gain access to highly rated service providers. How it works: Companies set up free online profiles or involuntarily get one when a member rates them.Cost for consumers: Varies $46 a year in San Francisco.These guides are available in book form and online. In addition, the Center is busy in the health care arena, publishing national guides, including Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, Guide to Top Doctors, and Consumers' Guide to Hospitals. Another of our publications, CarDeals, is a bi-weekly newsletter detailing auto rebates and incentives offered by car manufacturers. Check out our CarBargains and LeaseWise services which help consumers get great deals from new car dealers by making them bid competitively for your business. The Center provides various kinds of help to consumers who want to buy or lease a new car. CHECKBOOK has won the National Press Club's prestigious First Place Award for Excellence in Consumer Journalism. CHECKBOOK evaluates the quality and prices of local service firms and stores, such as auto repair shops, plumbers, dentists, banks, and insurance companies. We publish Consumers' CHECKBOOK magazine in seven local versions: in the Boston, Chicago, Delaware Valley, Puget Sound, San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, Twin Cities, and Washington, DC, areas. We do not accept donations from businesses and our publications carry no advertising. We are supported entirely by subscription payments and donations from individual consumers who subscribe to our magazines, and by fees for our survey and information services and books. Our purpose is to provide consumers information to help them get high quality services and products at the best possible prices. Consumers' Checkbook/The Center for the Study of Services is an independent, nonprofit consumer organization founded in 1974 with the help of funding from the U.S.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |