One thing I noticed straight away at google maps was that business owners would ask their friends and relatives to rate their company on google maps. This means that there would be some over valued ratings and nearly all new busnesses have 5 star ratings. That’s when i decided that whenever I go out and review place I want to give “the worlds honest” review. I also would decrease my rating of stars if I see that the other reviews are lies, fake or over valued. I want the others to get clear image of what the place is all about. Then later if i see some other similar reviews to mine I would change review stars to be more precise.
I also want to encourage other local guides to give as honest reviews as possible. If it is not possible and you are forced to put over valued reviews, then don’t review at all.
Hello @matiss ! I think about this a lot too so I understand you deeply.
But I personally decided to come back and give less stars only if the quality became worse and add it as P.S. section, why I reduces stars, so owners could understand what is not well.
Thank you for reminding to everyone on Connect about sharing honest reviews on Google Maps. I also find this very important and when sharing reviews I’m trying to be honest and to add as much information as possible for the place I’m visting.
Please be aware that I’m going to move your post to Local Stories section where usually the Local Guides are sharing their local experience related to Google Maps contributions. In case you have any questions, you are welcome to share them on How-tos board.