Frequently Asked Questions

Top Answers for Local Consumers

What is the benefit of using an online cooperative like Eview?

Shopping for services and resources on Eview provides a number of benefits:

• The convenience of one-stop shopping where you can easily locate local options
• The peace of mind of knowing all businesses are committed to the customer
• The added-value of consumer ratings to inform your shopping decisions
• A choice of communication options to speed your contact with businesses
• Empowerment to comparison-shop in the convenience and privacy of your home
• We allow every business to respond to ratings
• WE ARE FREE

Do consumers have to become members to use our site?

No, you do not need to "join" Eview. Our free community site is designed to help consumers connect with businesses that are accountable to their customers. To strengthen community relationships, consumers must also be accountable. So, all consumers who complete Eview surveys must provide an e-mail address and create a user name/password combination before rating local businesses on our site.

When consumers rate local businesses, they become known as Eviewers. All e-mails, user names, and passwords of Eviewers are strictly confidential.

How does the Eview offer a balanced perspective of a business?

We present a balanced approach: ratings and commercial websites. Our goal is for consumers to look at the "big picture" of a provider's record to find vendors who provide the value they seek.

• Consumer ratings give you local opinions (both good and bad).
• Websites allow businesses to communicate their focus and present special offers.

Why does Eview focus on local companies?

We strive to provide a service that elevates the standard of service in our town. We believe the combination of residents and local businesses make up the backbone of our community. Local providers distinguish themselves as different from national chains in that they provide services for their own neighbors and believe in creating a beneficial two-way communication chain. We encourage community-building between both parties and provide an online means to advance local relationships.

Why would businesses want to be rated?

Companies who believe in "disclosure marketing" are happy to share their approach, credentials, and standing with the public. They welcome honest criticism and praise-because feedback from customers is what helps them learn how to continually improve their products and services to meet the needs of our unique community. Even bad reviews are helpful, as they inform local purveyors how they can improve. Eview also allows businesses a mechanism to respond individually to complaints.

Isn't the Eview simply a marketing agency for community businesses?

We are an "independent and objective credentialing and ratings company". Our business model is to charge local businesses in exchange for our help in improving their business for the sake of customer satisfaction. A satisfied customer means all parties get what they value and want. We believe a businesses' service record (good or bad) will speak for itself and help local consumers make more informed decisions.

What exactly is an "independent rating company"?

The Eview is the trend of the future. We help inform consumers about companies' service records and legitimacy. Our culture is filled with marketing and advertising messages that can be completely subjective. Our goal is to offer objective data and give you the facts needed to make your own informed buying decisions.

How do we know Eview ratings are legitimate?

We do not sway or block any ratings information. We may ask a rater to tone down their language or verify a rating, but we believe all opinions are valid.

What do Eview ratings tell me?

Because a business subscribes to our service does not necessarily mean their service is always fast, quality is always high, or price is always low. Our businesses disclose who they are so consumers can find the values they desire. Our ratings will let you know how the community judges a business on six variables:

1. Quality
2. Value
3. Timeliness
4. Professionalism
5. Responsiveness
6. Overall Experience

If a business is slow because they are busy or their prices are high because of quality, this is simply a characteristic of the business. As long as they disclose this upfront, they are honoring what we endorse.

How is my privacy protected?

At Eview, we are all about "permission marketing". This means consumers should be able to seek the services you want without being solicited. Unless you choose to share your personal information with a business so they can contact you via e-mail or the telephone, it is safe with us. We will not give your personal information to anybody, sell it to anybody, or share it with anybody. Click here to read our Privacy Policy

How does dispute resolution work?

The goal is for Eview businesses to be accountable for what they promise a customer and for consumers to make informed decisions to patronize only the businesses they feel best meet their criteria. However, things don't always work out perfectly-so we provide a dispute resolution service when needed. Here is how it works:

1. After all attempts to resolve a dispute between you and an Eview business have failed, you can request our assistance: Either online using our dispute resolution request form, via e-mail, by phone, fax, or by conventional mail.
2. We will acknowledge your request within three business days of receiving it.
3. Then we will contact the business and ask for their view of the issue.
4. Eview will make a recommendation to resolve the issue and should either party reject the recommendation, we will attempt to mediate an agreement.
5. Should that fail, we will refer both parties to an independent arbitrator. The expense of arbitration will be the responsibility of the two parties agreeing to arbitration.
6. The transaction in dispute must be between a current Eview business subscriber and consumer registered with Eview prior to the date of service.
7. The provided service must have occurred within the last 90 days and be equal to or more than $200 worth of services or products.

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