Reading reviews before hiring a tradesperson?

Customer reviews can be one of the best ways to find a reliable plumber, builder, electrician or cleaner—but not every review you read is genuine.

So, how can you spot fake reviews?

Fake reviews often share common warning signs, such as vague language, repeated wording, unrealistic praise or a sudden flood of five-star ratings posted within a short period.

Here are the biggest red flags to look out for before hiring anyone.

1. Every review is five stars

No business is perfect.

While lots of positive reviews are a good sign, hundreds of perfect ratings with no criticism at all can sometimes look suspicious.

Genuine businesses usually receive a mix of feedback over time.

2. Reviews sound generic

Be cautious if reviews simply say things like:

• “Excellent service.”
• “Highly recommend.”
• “Amazing company.”

Real customers often include details about:

• The job completed
• Communication
• Timescales
• Price
• Overall experience

Specific reviews are usually more trustworthy.

3. Lots of reviews appear at once

If dozens of five-star reviews were posted within a few days, it could indicate that they’re not genuine.

Natural reviews usually appear steadily over weeks and months.

4. The wording is very similar

If several reviews use almost identical phrases or repeat the same wording, they may have been written by the same person.

Look for reviews written in different styles by different customers.

5. Every review sounds overly enthusiastic

Phrases such as:

• “Best company in the world!”
• “Absolutely perfect in every way!”
• “Changed my life!”

can sometimes feel exaggerated.

Most genuine customers write in a more balanced and natural way.

6. There’s no detail about the work

A trustworthy review often explains:

• What work was carried out
• When it happened
• Whether the job was completed on time
• If the customer would hire the business again

The more detail, the more useful the review usually is.

7. The business never responds

Professional businesses often reply to both positive and negative reviews.

Polite, helpful responses show they care about customer service.

8. Every reviewer has only one review

While not always suspicious, profiles that have only ever left one review can sometimes be less reliable than reviewers with a longer history.

9. Negative reviews all mention the same issue

Don’t ignore bad reviews completely.

Instead, look for patterns.

If several customers mention:

• Poor communication
• Missed appointments
• Hidden charges
• Poor workmanship

it’s worth paying attention.

10. Reviews don’t match the business

If the reviews mention services the company doesn’t even offer, or the wording seems unrelated, something may not be right.

Always make sure the reviews match the type of work you’re hiring them for.

What makes a trustworthy review?

The most reliable reviews usually include:

✔ Photos of completed work

✔ Details of the project

✔ Balanced feedback

✔ Dates

✔ Responses from the business

✔ Comments about communication and reliability

Looking at the overall pattern of reviews is usually more helpful than focusing on just one or two.

Don’t rely on reviews alone

Reviews are useful, but they shouldn’t be your only deciding factor.

Also check:

• Written quotes
• Insurance
• Qualifications
• Previous work
• Recommendations from friends or family

The best decision comes from looking at the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can five-star reviews be fake?

Yes.

While many five-star reviews are genuine, fake reviews are often overwhelmingly positive and lack specific details.

Should I ignore businesses with bad reviews?

Not necessarily.

Even excellent businesses occasionally receive negative feedback. Look at how they respond and whether the same issues appear repeatedly.

Are photo reviews more trustworthy?

Often, yes.

Photos can provide additional evidence that the reviewer genuinely used the service.

What’s the best way to choose a tradesperson?

Compare several businesses, read a wide range of reviews, request written quotes and check previous work before making your decision.

Final thoughts

Reviews can be incredibly helpful—but only if you know how to spot the genuine ones.

Rather than focusing on star ratings alone, look for detailed feedback, consistent customer experiences and businesses that communicate professionally. Taking a few extra minutes to research could save you from hiring the wrong tradesperson.

Find trusted local tradespeople

Looking for a reliable professional?

Use The Right Guy to compare trusted local businesses, read genuine customer reviews and request quotes with confidence before hiring.

Own a local business? Create your free business listing on The Right Guy and build trust with real customer reviews.

Author: manager

Company test