With advancements in technology and the convenience of the internet, a high percentage of consumer decisions are based on online customer reviews.
\n\nKnowing that, there are a variety of motives behind leaving a false review for a product or service.
\n\n\n\n\nAn average of 39% of all online reviews are fake.
\n
An employee may be incentivized by their boss, or a proud aunt may be driven by love, to leave a gleaming, 5-star review for a company on Google.
\n\nConversely, a local competitor or scorned ex could easily leave a totally false online review for a service they never actually received, all with the intent of deterring business away from that particular company.
\n\nThe younger generation that grew up with the internet (18-34 year-olds) have reportied spotting false online reviews at a much higher rate than older generations, likely due to the fact that they have more exposure to different types of dialect used across the web.
\n\nUnfortunately, there is such a high volume of false reviews online that, even for people are who are good at spotting them, there's still a great chance that they could be fooled by online campaigns created to influence their purchasing decisions.
\n\nThe following are signs to look for when spotting fake online reviews, but these are not blanket statements.
\n\nThere will always be exceptions to the general rule, and while it is much more likely that a review that says, 'My Tommy boy is the best repairman in the biz!!!' was created by a friend or family member, there is always the possibility that this particular customer was just having an excellent day.
\n\nCommon signs that an online review you're reading may be fake:
\n\nAs mentioned above, a passionate review can go one of two ways: positive or negative.
\n\nStudies have shown that reviews that use multiple exclamation points are more likely to be fake and written with an agenda.
\n\nIt's not by accident, either.
\n\nFor whatever reason, people taking the time to leave real reviews on goods and services they've actually received are less likely to format their text in this way, even if they type this way on other websites.
\n\nSocial media platforms are full of overly enthusiastic comments with an emphasis on emotion via multiple exclamation points for all our friends and family to see.
\n\nWe tend to take on a more professional tone, however, when leaving a review online that we know other consumers we do not personally know will see.
\n\nBecause it is so common to see people type this way!!! in our everyday feed while scrolling, people leaving false reviews intentionally include this in their text to, ironically, make their review seem more authentic.
\n\nWith this in mind, here are a few examples of what we're talking about:
\n\nYou get the picture.
\n\nWhile it isn't always the case, reviews that are very short in length can oftentimes be a fake review.
\n\nAs most companies will tell you, getting customers to leave reviews can sometimes be difficult.
\n\nSo, when a customer takes special time out of their day to go through the trouble of leaving any kind of review, it's likely that they will also take the time to mention what they did or didn't like about said good or service.
\n\nThere are off-shore companies that businesses can hire to create a marketing campaign targeted to build online exposure via a false 'customer base.'
\n\nThese companies will create dozens of burner email accounts that allow them to leave not one, but multiple fake reviews intended to boost the confidence consumers have in the company in question.
\n\nSince these people are writing multiple reviews, they tend to keep it short and sweet for time efficiency.
\n\nNot to mention the fact that they likely couldn't mention specific details even if they tried due to the fact that they've never actually encountered the product or service they are reviewing.
\n\nOn the contrary, a long-winded review that goes into all details and specs related to a service or product could also be a fake review intended to market their service or product to the public.
\n\nWhile a happy customer may mention a few features that they particularly love about a product or service, it's not likely that they will write out every last one in detail.
\n\n'Reviewers' from overseas usually speak English as a second language, which can sometimes make grammar, spelling, and punctuation stand out.
\n\nThere are tons of real, authentic reviews online written by real customers who do not speak English as their first language; these aren't the reviews we're talking about.
\n\nIt's when we pair the obvious second-language grammar with the signs mentioned above (several exclamation points and little to no details), that these reviews jump out as fake.
\n\nInternet plug-ins and bots are helping to fix a lot of these errors, but they aren't yet foolproof.
\n\n'Wonderful service from professional gentle men's!!' is a phrase that passes the English spelling/grammar check on this site and is a great example of an obvious grammatical error that could only be detected by real-life humans that fluently speak English.
\n\nThe uphill battle to eliminate fake online reviews has driven many companies to hire their own team to verify that the reviews being left are authentic.
\n\nIt's extra money out of their pocket to employ people to do so, but it is an important step in maintaining a website's integrity.
\n\nMega companies, like Amazon, receive such a high volume of customer reviews that they cannot possibly verify every single review published, but they do employ a staff whose job it is to verify at least some.
\n\nOther companies, like Hometown, service a more manageable amount of clientele that allows them to only publish verified customer reviews.
\n\nBig or small, websites that verify customer reviews do not filter through positive or negative reviews; they publish real reviews whether they are good or bad.
\n\nWhat they filter through are reviews submitted, that they can confirm through a paper trail, to make sure they were written by real customers who paid real money for the product or service they are leaving a review on.
\n\nAt Hometown, we personally verify every review submitted to our site before we publish it so that customers in need of a dumpster rental or junk removal service can feel confident in making a decision.
\n\nWe believe in not only supporting locally-owned companies but making sure that clients have an honest experience when inviting these services into their home or business.
\n\nRead more:
\n\nKnowing that an average 39% of all online reviews are fake, it's important to earn what to look for when reading online reviews to make sure your purchasing decisions aren't being influenced by a less than honest source less than honest source.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"6e771073-df3f-570b-b1c9-b393c5c0b6d8","title":"How to Rent a Dumpster","url":"/blog/how-to-rent-a-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/3e130f08ca0469937b979b893479ca54/roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":""},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"79f88323-9203-564c-a126-747925fc2bca","name":"Roll Off Dumpster","slug":"Roll-Off-Dumpster"}],"content":"If this is your first time renting a dumpster, Hometown can help with a short overview on how to rent a dumpster. Learning a few of the basics can greatly simplify your dumpster rental experience.
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster varies widely based on your location. The national average cost of renting a 10 yard dumpster is $300, while the national average cost of renting a 40 cubic yard container is nearly $500 for one-weekek rental. What you pay depends primarily on landfill fees in your area, the size of the container you need, and the dumpster company you select. To get the best price on a dumpster, get quotes from multiple rental companies.
\r\n\r\nMost companies quote one flat rate fee for delivery, pickup, and disposal (though some add delivery charges separately). The rental rate is usually for a standard period of time (for example... up to 7 days) and includes a certain amount of weight (for example... up to 3 tons). If you exceed this weight allowance, you will be subject to overage fees typically ranging from $50 to $100 per ton that you go over.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing dumpster rental prices between two companies:
\r\n\r\nExtra charges may apply if you need the roll off dumpster for longer than a provider's standard rental period. This is typically a per day fee (ie $5 or $10 per day), but some dumpster services will negotiate with you up front if you need it for slightly longer than their standard period.
\r\n\r\nPay particular attention to the amount of weight included in your price if you are disposing of heavy construction debris like bricks, cement, roofing shingles, or demolition debris. If you're renting a trash dumpster for cleaning out your home of miscellaneous household debris, you will typically not have to worry about 'over weight' fees because the debris is lighter.
\r\n\r\nLearn how to rent a dumpster and be free of your debris. Get information about costs to rent a dumpster, choosing container sizes, and expert tips. Save on your dumpster rental wtih Hometown!
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:31:11+00:00"},{"id":"e4330393-eacd-54f6-ba04-8ffcbda8728b","title":"Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental","url":"/blog/comparing-the-cost-of-junk-removal-to-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/63661a10d8a316fe97c44935ca6333db/dumpster-rental-and-junk-removal-cost-comparison.png","alt":"dumpster rental and junk removal cost comparison"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"When it comes to any sort of bulk waste or debris removal, your two best options are hiring a junk removal company or renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nBut how do you know which is the most cost-effective option for you?
\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nCosts can vary greatly when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk hauler and are based on multiple factors.
\r\n
We'll go over:
\r\n\r\nA dumpster costs $250-$450 on average to rent, but as we've mentioned, prices can vary.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are typically the most cost-effective option for medium to large projects or when you need to manage debris during an ongoing project.
\r\n\r\nA kitchen or bathroom renovation, house addition, demolition project, or large deck removal job are projects where a dumpster may be the more economical solution.
\r\n\r\nHaving a dumpster on-site for bigger projects allows you to fill it up at your convenience while keeping a clean, safe site.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of dumpster rental costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tMarietta, GA | \r\n\t\t\t$275 | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tYonkers, NY | \r\n\t\t\t$300 | \r\n\t\t
| 15 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tWorcester, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$350 | \r\n\t\t
| 30 yard debris box | \r\n\t\t\tLos Angeles, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$400 | \r\n\t\t
| 40 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tSpringfield, IL | \r\n\t\t\t$550 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more about pricing:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge a minimum amount for any junk removal, with the average around $75 to $100.
\r\n\r\nIf you have one or two items you’re getting rid of—like a TV, sofa, or mattress—you’ll probably be charged the minimum amount.
\r\n\r\nFor small cleanups, junk removal is typically the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company may remove a small garage-worth of items for $200 when it may cost you $250 to rent a 10 yard bin to do the loading yourself.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, junk removal is the cheaper (and less back-breaking) option.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of junk removal costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Junk Removal Description | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| Refrigerator removal | \r\n\t\t\tManhattan Beach, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$165 | \r\n\t\t
| Removal of 2 TVs | \r\n\t\t\tOmaha, NE | \r\n\t\t\t$45 | \r\n\t\t
| Living room set removal (sectional couch, two china cabinets) | \r\n\t\t\tToms River, NJ | \r\n\t\t\t$169 | \r\n\t\t
| Storage unit cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tSandy, UT | \r\n\t\t\t$375 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding home cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tFranklin, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Remember: Every project is different, so calling at least two dumpster rental and two junk removal companies to compare pricing is the best way to determine the most economical debris removal solution.
\r\nDumpster rental and junk removal costs vary based on a number of factors, including the type and amount of debris, where you're located, the accessibility of your property, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nYour exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your rental or project is to reach out to multiple service providers in your area for a quote.
\r\n\r\nThis not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best company for the job, not just the cheapest.
\r\n\r\nDo you live out in the country or far off the beaten path?
\r\n\r\nIf so, you can expect your dumpster rental or junk removal service to cost more due to the cost of travel incurred by the company.
\r\n\r\nCost of living and local disposal fees also play a large role in cost.
\r\n\r\nFor example, you’ll pay significantly more in New York City to rent a dumpster than you would in Memphis, TN based on the difference in cost of living.
\r\n\r\nYou'll also likely pay more for an apartment cleanout that requires hauling items up and down flights of stairs compared to the same size cleanout in the same zip code that is conveniently located on the first floor.
\r\n\r\nSome service providers—dumpster and junk removal—charge differently for household wastes vs. construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
\r\n\r\nC&D debris is often heavier, so it may end up costing more to haul away than general household trash.
\r\n\r\nThe heavier the load, the more you’ll pay.
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal, costs rise as the volume of junk increases.
\r\n\r\nA full truckload of junk, for example, costs more than a load taking up just half of the truck’s total capacity.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you exceed the weight limit of your dumpster rental you'll likely be hit with overage fees.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe two best ways to remove bulk waste are to either rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company, but which option is the most cost-effective? Learn about the average costs associated with each service to determine which is the best option for your project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:33:18+00:00"},{"id":"cbdb3b53-9a28-5eae-8001-460da17f460c","title":"What Does the World's Most Sustainable City Look Like?","url":"/blog/the-worlds-most-sustainable-city","image":{"path":"/static/a0673f3f31324e7e8af0cf34ee0b47d3/masdar-city-master-plan-640x466.jpg","alt":"Masdar City sustainable design"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"}],"content":"An artist's rendering of Masdar City
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n\r\nThe Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Masdar City addresses every sustainability issue you could ever think of:
\r\n\r\nSince the focus of Trash Talk is waste/trash/garbage, that’s the part of the city’s master plan we were most intrigued by. Phase 1 of Masdar City’s waste management plan will divert 50 percent of all waste away from landfills, or the equivalent of about 11,000 metric tons. The plan is to sort waste into three main streams: dry recyclables (i.e., cans and cardboard), wet recyclables (i.e., food scraps) and residuals (i.e., empty food containers). Dry recyclables will be shipped to the recycling center while wet recyclables will be composted and used for landscaping purposes. Other residual waste, including toxic waste, will be handled outside the city.
\r\n\r\nIs Masdar City the city of the future? It very well could be. However, it’s tough to say for sure until the city is fully developed and operational. This won’t happen until 2025 assuming everything stays on schedule. On paper, the city looks incredible and is amazingly eco-friendly. That said, there’s no way of knowing how accurate this will translate in real life. My best guess is that Masdar City succeeds in developing the most sustainable city in the world. However, it comes with a steep price – estimates put the price tag at around $18 to $19 billion.
\r\n\r\n
\r\nImages via: Masdar City Official Website
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
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