Online reviews, do they matter?

If you are anything like me, before you buy a new product—supplement, fitness equipment, or even clothes—you tend to look at the reviews for that product—be it on Amazon, Google, or your favorite shopping app/website? Why do we do that and what does the review actually tell us?

I look at reviews mostly to determine if the shipping takes time or does it deliver fast, as well as to see if something fits true to size. Other reasons that I might look at the review is to see the quality of the items and how long will it hold up or maybe I’m looking at it to see the pics of how it arrives or how someone else views it since it isn’t what the seller wants you to see. So are there reasons you shouldn’t use a review?

I wouldn’t use a review to determine if a supplement or food item will work for yourself individually because everyone’s body chemistry is different as what works for one person may not work for the other. Same with fits true to size—unless, you know that brand from previous purchases, you should know that sizing varies and can vary within the same brand too. Another reason not to use the review is if the review states “in exchange for this review, I received a free product” as this leads me to skeptically view the recommended product.

Finally, reviews are exactly that—a recommendation or not for an item at certain point in time. Sometimes products improve and other times, they get worse so check back often on a product of interest. Manufacturers often find ways to make their products more appealing as time goes on so though you may not like the taste of something when it was launched, there could be formulation improvements 6 months later. Furthermore, reviews often boost (or negate) the rating of the product as more people do them so if you like a product don’t be deterred from purchasing it.

Remember, a review is a person’s opinion (positive or negative bias could be present) and no guarantee that the product is not right for you.