Posted by mwm143 on 3/5/11 9:29am
Msg #375204

Signing Central - star rating can be misleading

I received a call from a company and after a quick search I see they have a 3.5 star rating so I accepted. Later when I had more time I took a closer look at the company by clicking on the comments. Seems they maintained a 5 star rating throughout 07 and 08 but began slipping in 09. By 10 and into 11 they have 1 star and appears they have stopped paying.

I could see how this could also be a reverse situation whereas a company who struggled in the beginning could now be a 5 star company and who's rating is lower due to comments 5 years ago.

It would be a more fair rating system if it is based on the past 18 months. I'm sure there is a way for NR to change that formula in that part of the website.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/5/11 10:17am
Msg #375206

Companies also typically rate themselves in SC, with 5 stars of course!

Reply by James Dawson on 3/5/11 10:26am
Msg #375207

They also instruct notaries to post positive comments about them. I personally think the ratings should reflect the last twelve months or we just look at the last twelve months.

I use SC exclusively as a first line of defense but even that isn't always enough. I consider myself fortunate to have only been stiffed once and that was a four star SS.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/5/11 10:28am
Msg #375208

When I check SC I don't just rely on the "stars"

I read the comments and linked posts then do a search and see...may also search other sites to verify..I agree the stars can be misleading and, as Linda stated, they rate themselves so those ratings are useless - I seriously wish companies could be blocked from using the rating system for just that reason.

Also, I only go back a year or so - anything older may be old news - change of ownership, personnel, etc etc...so I limit the time period to 12 months, maybe 15..no more..

But that's just me..

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/5/11 10:30am
Msg #375210

Me too - I always read the comments and message threads n/m

Reply by Les_CO on 3/5/11 10:33am
Msg #375211

Re: When I check SC I don't just rely on the "stars"

I too look at the comments, and who has made them. On some companies we see poor ratings and bad comments from paying members out of state, then some 5 star anonymous comments from people in the same zip code?