A 4 star overall rating isn’t really a ‘negative review’ and I think we’ll see far more of them now the blind review system is in place. We’ve just completed a sit and left a 4 star review, but have quantified our reasons for dinging stars in the write-up (which I think is a useful thing to do, both for future sitters and for the pet parents).
Nobody should ever leave an ‘unfair review’, of course.
Your suggestion of discussing issues with the person involved before leaving a review surely depends on what those issues are. It can potentially lead to retaliatory or self-serving feedback, if that person involved subsequently anticipates a poor review because of those issues raised.
I feel the blind review system will ultimately better inform both sitters and pet parents. I think we’re so used to giving - and receiving - 5 star reviews, that it’s challenging to award any fewer. But, when it’s done fairly and with reasons explained in a factual manner, it’s going to make reviews so much more informative and useful.
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@Happypets @Kbco
Thank you for engaging and contributing to the forum.
My process of accepting a split sit and the process of refusing to do a split sit are neither right nor wrong. Surely, things can go wrong. But honestly…I broke a mug (not on this sit)…just let the HO know if something like that happens!
Regarding arriving to a mess…this can also happen with a HO, not just a sitter. However, this is where having a history of reviews is an asset. Every HO has complimented me on how clean I have left the home so it can be assumed that I will do this with every home.
This was also a sit where the HO reached out to me, I declined (it was a 5 week sit and I would have only been free for 2)…they couldn’t find a sitter they were comfortable with for 5 weeks so I told them I was happy to do the first leg if they were able to come up with a Plan B or Plan C…second sitter or boarding/paid help. They ultimately found a second sitter (whom was local, I was not local to the area) and he and I communicated effectively together.
If all are competent and communicative adults, this is nothing to be wary of. Although to your point, this is why I wanted to document the home as I found it and also as I was leaving.
The sit was also a great sit…it was a luxury home, two easy kittens and I have since socialized with the couple without sitting.
Again, I am not wrong nor am I right…but outright banning it in your mind can possibly limit opportunities for a great sit.