If you’re reading this then it’s likely that you have left feedback for a tradie or business on NoCowboys before. You may have done it because you were asked or you may have done it unsolicited because you were delighted with the work done, or perhaps unhappy. Either way you were motivated to give praise, or criticism where due and you wanted to share your experiences with other Kiwi consumers.

That feedback provides the most valuable tool and, like the other 90% of online users who use online reviews to make their decisions, it gives us all a sense of safety and assurance before considering buying a product or commissioning a tradie or business.

More than that, feedback is of huge benefit to New Zealand businesses, in a few ways. Firstly, it helps great businesses attract new customers and goes a long way to keep local businesses profitable and viable. Negative feedback is also valuable because it is a barometer of customer opinion and if utilised properly, allows business owners to change their practices, and educate their staff on what is expected in terms of customer satisfaction.

We have received so many many grateful responses from business owners who were informed of dissatisfactory staff, poor work, or unsuitable practices, from customer feedback. Your feedback holds them to account and if they are worth their salt, will take it onboard and exercise change. Sure, some won’t be they will just continue to attract negative feedback, which then lets people know they’re to be avoided.

We find that occasionally posting negative feedback after all other attempts to reconcile with a business owner and to have a job concluded to satisfaction, also has surprising results. They often see that feedback and realise its implications and go back to the customer to sort the issues out, in a way that previous unanswered phone calls, texts, and emails haven’t.

Therefore remember – while your reviews take up a small amount of your time – they have far reaching consequences that help both Kiwi businesses and consumers alike. Thank you!