Community Guidelines

Our guidelines help maintain a trustworthy platform where authentic experiences are shared respectfully

Why Guidelines Matter

These guidelines ensure CrowdTrust remains a valuable resource for consumers and businesses alike. By following these standards, you help create a community built on trust, respect, and authenticity.

Core Principles

Be Honest

Share genuine experiences based on real interactions

Be Respectful

Treat others how you'd like to be treated

Be Helpful

Provide constructive feedback that benefits everyone

What Makes a Good Review

Be Specific and Detailed

Provide concrete examples from your experience. Instead of "great service," explain what made it great.

Example: "The staff remembered my dietary restrictions from my previous visit and suggested new menu items that fit my needs."

Focus on Your Experience

Write about what you personally experienced, not hearsay or assumptions.

Example: "During my visit on March 15th, I waited 45 minutes despite having a reservation."

Include Relevant Context

Mention when you visited, what you purchased, or which location you used.

Example: "I ordered the premium package online in December and received it within 3 business days."

Balance Pros and Cons

Most experiences have both positive and negative aspects. Share both for a complete picture.

Example: "While the product quality exceeded expectations, the customer service response time could be improved."

What to Avoid

Fake or Incentivized Reviews

Never write reviews for businesses you haven't genuinely used. Don't accept payment or incentives for positive reviews.

Personal Attacks or Harassment

Focus on the business experience, not personal attacks on staff or other customers. Harassment of any kind is prohibited.

Inappropriate Content

Avoid profanity, discriminatory language, threats, or content that violates laws or regulations.

Competitor Manipulation

Don't write negative reviews about competitors if you work for or have financial interests in a competing business.

Private Information

Never share personal information about others, including full names, addresses, phone numbers, or financial details.

Guidelines for Businesses

Businesses can respond to reviews to address concerns and thank customers. Here's how to do it right:

✓ Respond Professionally

Always maintain a professional tone, even when responding to negative reviews. Thank the reviewer for their feedback.

✓ Address Specific Concerns

Acknowledge the issues raised and explain steps taken to improve. Offer to resolve problems offline when appropriate.

✓ Be Timely

Respond to reviews promptly, ideally within 24-48 hours, to show you value customer feedback.

✗ Never Argue or Attack

Avoid getting defensive or arguing with reviewers. Don't question the validity of their experience publicly.

Reporting Violations

See Something? Say Something

If you encounter content that violates our guidelines, please report it immediately. Our team reviews all reports within 24 hours.

How to Report:

  • Click the "Report" button on any review
  • Select the type of violation
  • Provide additional context if needed
  • Our moderation team will investigate and take appropriate action

Enforcement & Consequences

We take violations seriously to maintain trust in our platform. Consequences may include:

For Users:

  • • Warning for first-time minor violations
  • • Review removal for guideline violations
  • • Temporary account suspension
  • • Permanent account termination for severe violations

For Businesses:

  • • Warning for inappropriate responses
  • • Response privileges suspended
  • • Business profile flagged for violations
  • • Legal action for systematic manipulation

Questions About Our Guidelines?

We're here to help clarify any questions about our community standards.