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Step 1
Read more than one. Actually, read several. Let's say you're in the market for a new mini-van. Considering the money you will be spending, you wouldn't test-drive just one, would you? The same goes for consumer reviews; whether you're researching mini-vans or mechanics, read several reviews. When you read just a handful, you run the risk of being influenced by a single distorted assessment from a biased reviewer.
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Step 2
There are several websites and forums designed solely for consumer reviews; utilize these to engage with other consumers, ask questions, and learn more about the particular product or service you are researching.
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Step 3
Assess the website a review is posted on to determine how trustworthy and accurate the review is. A website that appears professional, has several users and subsequent reviews (hundreds if not thousands), and prohibits questionable content are more reputable than those who don't.
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Step 4
Skip over reviews that provide strictly emotion-based advice and language. The review should provide fact-based information; the review shouldn't simply say the product was defective, it should clearly state and explain why it was defective. A good reviewer will always back up any claims they make.
