When we arrived, our most recent Airbnb host wrote, “A 5-star rating is VERY important to us and goes a long way to helping our family business.” After we checked out, he begged, “Hey Mr. Bill would truly appreciate a 5 star ⭐️ review from you as that helps our family business out tremendously!”
I get it. People read reviews. Five out of five stars? Good product, good seller, good experience. But if you have to beg for a good rating, does it mean anything?
A couple of months ago I bought a new car. I bought other cars from this salesman and always had a good experience. But as we got ready to drive off, he said, “When you get the survey, be sure to give me a ten. I am almost in the top three.”
Reviews don’t mean anything if we simply give excellent feedback every time. I told my last Airbnb host, “I’ve stayed in many five star places. If you want a five star review…” and I listed out my suggestions. I decided I’m not going to give an excellent review unless you merit it.
The real deal? Most products and people don’t really deserve more than three out of five, or a 6 out of 10. Few products are worth the money. Few people go above and beyond. The world is average. Maybe. To be honest, most of the world is below average. Not even three (out of five) stars.
You want a five-star review? Four star? Earn it. Convince me. Persuade me. Don;’t command me. Or beg me. Give me a reason.
Waite for it... 