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Rainmaker
564,720
Women of Westchester Working Together
Women of Westchester Working Together - West Harrison, NY
Women helping Women get ahead

Yes, we have been getting more and more leads from them due to the great reviews we have.  Note: we have not paid a dime.

Jan 09, 2016 07:14 AM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I got a review and they refuse to make it valid.  It was actually a buyer and they flat out refused to make it valid and show.  I hate them

Jan 09, 2016 05:02 AM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Oh heck NO.

NEVER.  I won't use a site I have not control over.

Carla Muss-Jacobs, Principal Broker/Owner refers to YELP the sound a dog makes ...

Jan 09, 2016 02:20 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have not used it.

Jan 08, 2016 08:50 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

I've left reviews a few times

Jan 08, 2016 08:49 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

I use them as a restaurant guide

Jan 08, 2016 07:07 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Michael. I do not use it, other than leaving reviews for restaurants and lodging.

Jan 08, 2016 06:28 PM
Rainer
5,140
Jonathan Silva
Keller Williams - Palmdale, CA

I have claimed my business account. I have 5 good reviews showing up... thankfully! In my market, the most anybody has is less than 20, so I am thinking that it might be good to stand out as a top guy in the area. A competetor is paying for ad space and comes up all the time when I search for myself. Even though you cant control what someone writes... you can answer or comment on the post.

Feb 27, 2018 04:13 PM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Michael - I have put my info on Yelp for free. Not sure it is doing anything for me, but at least it is there if anyone searches.

Jan 10, 2016 03:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

I HATE that site. And small business owners better be careful when they "claim" their business.  I wish I had 20/20 hindsight when I did back in 2011.  I didn't show a house to an UNKNOWN male caller.  I had just toured over 12 properties with my client and got a call when I was headed back to the office.  The caller wanted me to show him a home and not only did I have no clue what property he was calling about, he wasn't pre-approved, hadn't been to a lender, wasn't paying cash.  I offered to set up a consult with him to go over the home buying process and he refused that offer.  Then insulted me when he realized I wasn't going to accommodate his request, and show him the property that afternoon.   I had NO OBLIGATION to show him anything.  He was an unknown person to me.   He got really nasty, hung up and then wrote me up on his Yelp! -- the sounds the dog makes when you step on it -- review.  I tried to DELETE my account  . . . and then my enlightenment began.   They commandered my business account and said that it's THEIR "business account" and they would not remove my business.

Once they have a small business owner claim their business, the small busines owner can NEVER UNCLAIM IT.

I'm sure if they "allowed" small business owners to remove their accounts, they would show hundreds of businesses leaving on a daily basis . . . that's no good if you want to appease your stock holders/share holders with inflatted numbers.

AND Yelp -- the sound the dog makes when you step on it -- runs COMPETITOR ADS throughout the business page of my company!!

They LOVE companies that have BAD REVIEWS -- because the general public loves to READ BAD NEWS!!  They thrive on it.   This is a screen cap of my site, that YELP -- the sound the dogs makes when you step on it -- refuses to delete.  They run ads through it . . . and they are on a rotating basis.  I have over 25 screen caps of area businesses who are paying Yelp -- the sounds the dog makes when you step on it -- to run "ADS" -- through my site.

Talk about your UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES . . . but no one cares.  

I have complained to the Attorney General in Oregon, to PMAR (Portland Metropolitan Area Realtors -- NAR's local board), etc. etc.  They do nothing.  So let's all bow down to YELP! -- the sound the dog makes when you step on it -- and lose business from their tactics.  I know I have!

Of course, if I PAID for advertising they would make it all go away.  That's what their sells rep told me when he called me on Dec. 9, 2015 from (415) 266-3438.  I took notes!  Jeremy (who refused to give me his last name) said that if I was a paying member, then I could stop them from adversting other businesses on my site, and I would be able to make bad reviews go away.

I do NOT deal with extortionists.   I lose business from this, I'm sure, but I will not pay one penny to a company that RUNS COMPETITORS' AD through my business page -- that they refuse to delete. 

The reason I don't post about this is because I would prefer NOT having people click on Yelp -- the sounds the dogs make when you step on them -- and run over to their site and click on it . . . so go ahead and BOOST their numbers on the business they have stolen from me, and are making money off of the NEGATIVE!  READ ALL ABOUT IT!!  Two idiots weren't shown properties in 2011 . . . and pounded out their spews.

It's HARD ENOUGH to make it as a real estate agent -- as an Exclusive Buyers Agent -- when I don't take listings.  But Yelp -- the sound the dog makes when you step on it -- has really hurt my small business.

And that's the United States of America business model for you . . . I suppose.  Screw the other guy/gal and make money off them in the process. 

What bothers me the most is that there are people working for them who don't see a problem with this at all.  The Jeremy guy who called me didn't have any problem with his company (All HAIL) running COMPETITORS ads through my business page . . . which they stole from me!  His solution:  PAY FOR AN ACCOUNT . . . and I'll make it all go away!

LOVELY!  

 

Thanks Kathleen Daniels for bringing this quesion to my attention.

 

 

Jan 10, 2016 05:31 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have a profile on Yelp, and have used them for references for restaurants and/or services. 

Jan 10, 2016 04:55 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

TeamChi - Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Yelp is something where we cannot invite anyone for testimonials (to best of my knowledge) and that's the difference between Yelp and other platforms.

Jan 09, 2016 03:08 PM
Ambassador
6,392,929
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I think I looked up a restaurant on it once or twice but that is all.

Jan 09, 2016 01:23 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,898
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I have a yelp profile.  Within a day of creating it, I had a yelp person calling to sell me advertising.  "Tell me Mr. Yelp guy, if I have zero reviews, what is the point of advertising?"  You'd be surprised how quickly they go "Darn, he CAN THINK!  Move on to someone else!!!"

 

On the use side, yes I use it.  I used it to pick my lasik doctor and build up my courage to even consider the procedure.  Best surgery I've ever had!!

Jan 09, 2016 11:22 AM
Ambassador
5,828,522
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

I use it as a consumer all of the time and love it.  It's good for restaurants and hotels when we're traveling. I have also left reviews. 

Jan 09, 2016 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't use them since they tried to give me the hard sell for sponsored advertising.  They then removed a couple of my endorsements as "suspicious".

Jan 09, 2016 05:02 AM
Rainer
223,831
LUXURYSOCALREALTY COMPASS La Jolla
Compass - La Jolla, CA
San Diego Partner - The Private Client Network

I would think for an inspector it would be excellent.  I use for drain line, pool, sprinkler, window cleaners ect.  That way when the client asks for a referral I forward them the link and the client can read the reviews and decide for themselves.

Jan 09, 2016 04:40 AM
Rainmaker
763,783
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Yes, I have a Yelp presence.  It's another avenue to be found online.  So far no problems.

Jan 09, 2016 03:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I've not used it.....there are only so many hours in a day....

Jan 09, 2016 02:46 AM
Rainmaker
432,957
Shanna Hall
Real Estate Solutions - Kirkwood, MO
I love selling houses!!!St. Louis, MO 314-703-1311

Yes- I do review on Yelp.  And I read review on Yelp!

Jan 09, 2016 02:21 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Not a fan of Yelp.  A dog yelps when you accidently step on its tail.  Here, at least, the reviews are mostly negative, especially when it comes to restaurants, the main thing people tend to use it for. 

Jan 09, 2016 12:17 AM
Ambassador
2,178,533
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I have used it to read reviews for companies I am considering.  I read try to read several reviews, though, and not put too much stock into one or two bad reviews.  

Jan 09, 2016 12:14 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Michael,

Personally, I don't like them, and Noah Seidenberg wrote about his experience on Yelp.  You may want to ask him.  A

Jan 09, 2016 12:06 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,123
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes & when someone needs input or feedback to make a decision..Yelp helps!

Jan 09, 2016 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Only for food reviews.

Jan 08, 2016 11:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

It's not for me.  

Jan 08, 2016 11:40 PM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Michael,
Like others I will give it a glance for a place to eat, etc. but I won’t spend money to advertise there.

Jan 08, 2016 11:07 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

TeamChi - Complete Home Inspections, Inc. I've never intentionally used Yelp other than coming across it when searching for a business location or telephone number. I don't think you have to take the comments with a grain of salt. People have a tendency to gripe about anything.

Jan 08, 2016 10:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

For RE I avoid of using it. It is either posted yourself or frieds or someone mad at some agent: "DO not hire Jane Doe, she is an As* Can".

Even restaurants hire professional blogger to exaggate their service according to an investigation.

Jan 08, 2016 10:43 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,574
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Only thing I use Yelp for is  a restaurant guide.

Jan 08, 2016 10:17 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We have a Yelp account, but do not utilize it due to some poor reports from others here in the Rain.

Jan 08, 2016 10:09 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I havent and not sure i want to. Not sure i believe what i read on the web always and afraid it may hurt more than help

Jan 08, 2016 09:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

That is like going to "Angie's List to find someone to fix something; not a fan!

Testimonials would be what I want.

Jan 08, 2016 09:40 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,353
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Michael, have not used social media to attract business.

Jan 08, 2016 09:10 PM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

I avoid sites where they hold you hostage for fake reviews.

Jan 08, 2016 09:07 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I have a profile on Yelp, but that's about it. I have used it to critique other businesses.

Jan 08, 2016 09:04 PM