Unfair review - how do you/would you deal with it?

I agree about the stars @Romana, 1 is absolutely not justified and is mean spirited. By the way, I’m so happy you found a suitable long term sit now, as per the other thread, glad you have time and space to just be.

Also sorry @andrealovesanimals a bad review is always a shocker, especially for kind, caring sitters who strive to do everything right. You know you did your best. I always think: will I do things the same way again in the same circumstances? Yes? Then I did everything right the first time and I need to let it go.
If the review was unfair, then we have to let Karma do her thing.

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@botvot Thanks. I agree. Karma will handle it, and in this case I would not have done anything differently. If anything, I would have said no to some of their unreasonable demands.

In a way it can be good if people leave unfair reviews, because it reveals their characters and it can serve to warn off any potential future sitters, and save them from similar hurts.

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I think I would have dealt with it by either not responding or taking some time to think about how I would respond, posting it on the forum to get some advice and then post.

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I once got a bad review, though not as bad as 1*, and responded publicly in a restrained way. Then when I applied to the next sit I told them right away what had happened. Their response was they’d thought the bad review sounded unbalanced (or crazy, I think they said) and they took me on.

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Future HOs will notice the 5 star reviews and realise that 1 x 1 star review is ok.

The most empowering thing to do is step back for a few days (as mentioned by another member) and organise your thoughts and emotions around this - find your calm.

Then get to writing your response! List all the facts, acknowledge the HOs side as their feelings/ their inconvenience, then very briefly, share the facts of what you did, acknowledge that people make mistakes, your pet damaged X, you did X to compensate, and wish them the best in the future. KEEP IT BRIEF!!!

Future HOs will see how you respond to this review, and that will override the review itself.

Most importantly, forget about it and move on. You have your next holiday to plan!

Good luck!

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I also read your response and I agree that your response was measured. When I see a bad review I always look to see if there is a response and unless the response is childish or petty I think it is beneficial to respond to accusations that you feel are not fair.
Personally what I would do is tell people when you apply that you would like to address a one star review that you have, I would just put it out there because a one star review definitely affects your standing even with all the good ones you have. The fact that you have sat with them previously and you got a five star review is something I would definitely bring up.
Good luck to you, at the end of the day you still have an amazing record and I’m sure you will continue to get many more Fivestars to come.

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