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No, many pay a lot more. Basically if you see any indicators of company highlights on Yelp, they're paying for it, and they're passing off Yelp's extortion to y

No, many pay a lot more. Basically if you see any indicators of company highlights on Yelp, they're paying for it, and they're passing off Yelp's extortion to you by increasing margins. Yelp tries to keep a visible dichotomy on their site by offering "Sponsored Results," but the reality of their listings is that they're almost all sponsored results. Their reputation is so poor among some circles now that I don't see them staying in power 10 years out. They're going the way of the BBB. As a result, you're safer searching for certain types of businesses on Google Maps, but even Google has "GOOGLE GUARANTEED" and possibly other paid-for indicators which make me not trust their results. The market incentives are so bad among rating and business directory sites that I can only imagine that at this point, only a mutual company dedicated to business directory services can survive long-term. I don't think any exist right now.

jogjayr 6y ago
Although the Google Guaranteed program is paid, it's specific to certain types of businesses (service providers like plumbers and locksmiths). Google performs a background check and verifies the business's license and insurance. It also guarantees customers a refund (up to a cap) if they aren't satisfied.[1] EDIT: In fact the background check and screening are free. The Guarantee only appears to refer to the refund guarantee.[2] Disclosure: I work at Google, and knew some people on the team. 1. https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/7549288?hl=en https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/7549288?hl=en 2. https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/6226575?hl=en&ref_topic=6224863 https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/6226575?hl=en&r...
- andrewmcwatters 6y ago
  It sounds like a nice idea that is supposed to reassure buyers, but it only makes me more suspicious of both the seller and Google.

jogjayr 6y ago

Although the Google Guaranteed program is paid, it's specific to certain types of businesses (service providers like plumbers and locksmiths). Google performs a background check and verifies the business's license and insurance. It also guarantees customers a refund (up to a cap) if they aren't satisfied.[1] EDIT: In fact the background check and screening are free. The Guarantee only appears to refer to the refund guarantee.[2] Disclosure: I work at Google, and knew some people on the team. 1. https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/7549288?hl=en https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/7549288?hl=en 2. https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/6226575?hl=en&ref_topic=6224863 https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/6226575?hl=en&r...

andrewmcwatters 6y ago
It sounds like a nice idea that is supposed to reassure buyers, but it only makes me more suspicious of both the seller and Google.