# Is it still possible to be an informed consumer? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 10, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599 "2023-02-10T22:24:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2023, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599/21 "2023-02-13T14:47:50Z")
I remember when we replaced our windows. Researching Anderson/Pella/Marvin - for each one, you could find numerous reviews saying they were the best windows ever, and just about as many saying they were the worst imaginable. Of course, some element of that reflected the installer - but they were generally manufacturer certified. Same whenever I book a hotel. Best stay ever? Or vermin-infested rathole? I tend to search reviews for bedbugs and noise and cross my fingers, choosing largely on location and mid-range price. ---
**Author:** ![jjakucyk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3d9bf3/32.png) [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2023, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599/22 "2023-02-13T20:47:53Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Consumers Reports reviews the same few products again and again. They have to, because those products change on such a frequent basis. The guts of model 65408-1A are totally different from 65408-1B. I think that’s one place where it’s much harder to be well informed, even beyond all the Amazon comingled inventory, fake reviews, and AliExpress nonsense. You can have the “same” product, except there’s a separate Wal-Mart or Best Buy or Home Depot SKU with lower quality control and different internal parts and features. ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2023, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599/23 "2023-02-13T20:54:52Z")
> [@Jay\_Z](#): > > > [@Al128](#): > > > > normally I only read the 1-4 \* reviews, but not the 5\* … that gives you about 80% of the info for 20% of the time invested. > > > > I also only read reviews that are longer than 1-2 sentences and provide actual information. I think it’s actually pretty easy to detect fake and PR-dpt reviews. > > > > Also, the comment section below YT vids are often quite relevant and seem to attract also dissident voices > > > > but, yeah “it must be true - I read it on the internet” is not the way to go > > There are lots of 1 star detailed reviews that are clearly complete BS. quite possible - but I don’t read most of those, b/c 90+% of those don’t make the “_needs to have more than 2 complete sentences and construct a reasonably argument_” threshold. of course there are others that give a 1\* review because mr postman left the package out in the pouring rain, etc… > [@JRDelirious](#): > > Must agree inofar as these were very useful in expanding one of the classic means of product evaluation, namely “word-of-mouth”. People who actually were interested in the product and/or the use for the product, had purchased it or a competing brand, and were interesting in discussing pros and cons, comparing experiences, posting extensive point-by points. [Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php) to the rescue!!! ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599/24 "2023-02-17T13:21:42Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Same whenever I book a hotel. Best stay ever? Or vermin-infested rathole? I tend to search reviews for bedbugs and noise and cross my fingers, choosing largely on location and mid-range price. I usually try to find out when the property was built and when it was last renovated. Most hotel chains keep that info close to the vest, but there are travel-related websites that have these stats for many hotels. If they say a property was built/last renovated in 2002, that’s a solid “no”. If they say “being renovated this year” that’s a no–that means you sleep in the broken down nasty old part while listening to construction noise. “Freshly renovated in 2021” is a welcome sight. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-possible-to-be-an-informed-consumer/979599.md?page=1)