More and more over the past year and a half, I have found myself utilizing Yelp.com in researching various local businesses (restaurants, bars, barbers, etc). Think of it as a community user based Zagat’s. Or if you are familiar with IMDB.COM (you should be), a similar website but instead of ratings and reviews on movies, the same for any local business.
IMDB worked because it became the best resource to learn more about a movie or show. Rather than relying on one or two reviews or recommendations, you could have the ratings and reviews ten’s of thousands enthusiastic movie watchers. One of the byproducts of something like IMDB, is that little films and shows that are awesome yet fly under the radar can receive the recognition they deserve and . IMDB also allows you to cross off films that have great marketing and recognition yet are deemed to be absolutely horrible.
I have a friend who is applying for a job at Yelp, and I was trying to explain how similarly Yelp empowers community members to voice their feedback of local businesses, thus educating other users of great unknown businesses and companies to avoid.
Below is a perfect example.
I am moving a week from today. I can’t take that much work off and I don’t know if I can enlist enough man power to do this. Plus I have some nice stuff and would rather leave it to professionals. So I decided to go with a mover. Do I know movers? How does one find the best movers?
Yeah Google is ok, but lets show you some of the top results when googling bay area movers, or San Jose movers.
All of them say the same stuff and the websites are very similar. All claim the same level of service and the quotes are about the same. Since Google likes them, its obvious they are probably doing something right. The reality is that Google doesn’t necessarily find good businesses, but rather sites with good SEO.
I wasn’t feeling confident about picking one of these companies (I looked at another 10 that were in consideration as well). Then it dawned on me that maybe I should use yelp as up until now I have only utilized it for bars and restaurants.
A quick look at the 4 companies painted a much clearer picture.
A Better Way To Move Yelps Page– 8 reviews Average 1 .5 stars out of 5.
Selected Quotes that seemed to be consensus opinion of all review:
“THIS COMPANY IS A DISGRACE. DO NOT USE THESE GUYS…. This is obviously a well rehearsed scam…….To top it off … they drove over the mail box as they left”
“STAY AWAY, AVOID AT ALL COST- AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE.”
“I don’t even know where to start with this company. By far the most AWFUL experience ever. I can’t stress enough to not use this company.”
Aaron’s Moving– 22 Reviews Average 4.5 stars
Selected Quotes that seemed to be consensus opinion of all review:
“They were perfect. They did their work fast and smoothly.”
“These guys are amazing! I highly recommend them. They arrived on time and ready to work. I’ve never seen movers be so careful with belongings.”
Puma Moving– 11 Reviews Average 5 stars
Selected Quotes that seemed to be concensus opinion of all review:
“These guys were awesome. They showed up on time, they were efficient and quick and moved everything without any problems.”
“I would strongly recommend Puma Moving Company and will consider using them in the future if necessary.”
Remington Moving– 4 Reviews Average 2 Stars
Selected Quotes that seemed to be consensus opinion of all review:
“Is there a way to give negative 5 stars? I know 2 people who have had personal belongings stolen during the move, and then they made it VERY difficult to get their remaining belongings out of the storage unit. It’s very suspicious. Buyer Beware!”
“Remington Moving sole more than $7000.00 dollars worth of my belongings. Their drivers shown up, asked me questions about some of my things as they loaded them into the truck, and stole all of my camping supplies, my guitar, my stereo, my art supplies, my art, scratched eight chairs to my dining room table, broke off the foot to my antique chest and stole many other things as well.”
