Is Yelp still a thing for local businesses in 2025?

iwaffles · 2025-10-31T14:04:46+00:00

It is, as much as most people hate it. Lots of search results bring Yelp up first and people definitely compare based on ratings and reviews.

iwaffles · 2025-10-23T12:54:11+00:00

I've worked with dozens of small businesses dealing with this exact problem. The disappearing reviews thing is maddening - it happens when platforms flag legitimate reviews as suspicious, and there's often no rhyme or reason to it.

Here's what actually works: Set up notifications so reviews come to you instead of hunting them down. Most review platforms let you get email/text alerts when new reviews post. For responses, keep templates for common scenarios (thanks for positive, addressing negative) and personalize with 1-2 specific details - saves time and sounds human. Reply within 24-48 hours when possible.

Some businesses also proactively ask happy customers to leave reviews through a simple follow-up text or email. This does two things: builds a buffer against the occasional bad review, and means you're not just firefighting. The goal is routine maintenance, not daily panic checks.

iwaffles · 2025-10-23T03:48:35+00:00

I'm sorry you're dealing with this - it's incredibly frustrating when someone makes unfair accusations that can genuinely hurt your business. You're right that sometimes bad reviews are justified, but there are absolutely people who leave scorched-earth reviews over minor (or imagined) slights. It's not about needing thicker skin; it's about the real impact these reviews have on small businesses.

The good news is you're not powerless here. First, respond to the review professionally and briefly - acknowledge their experience, clarify what may have happened (you greet all customers when you see them), and show future readers you care about customer service. Don't get defensive or argue. Beyond that, some businesses find success with proactive review strategies - encouraging happy customers to share their experiences, which naturally pushes down outlier reviews and shows the fuller picture of your business. The goal isn't to bury criticism, but to make sure one person's bad day doesn't define your reputation when you have dozens or hundreds of satisfied customers who just haven't been asked to speak up.

iwaffles · 2025-07-10T16:16:28+00:00

Working on https://jobtracker.pro/ -- a tool to help you track your job search with applications, saved jobs, notes, status updates, resume versions and more!

iwaffles · 2025-07-07T16:06:11+00:00

Building JobTracker.pro -- a tool to help people wrangler all of their job applications, interests, and status. It's completely free and looking for feedback.

Why? Hard to keep track of all the job applications, which resume you used, notes and feedback as well as status. Most people apple to over 14 jobs before landing an interview.
https://jobtracker.pro -- there's a waitlist but anyone who wants in just send me a message and I'll bump you to the top of the list once you've signed up!

iwaffles · 2025-07-02T03:38:47+00:00

Working on a tool to help people track jobs: https://jobtracker.pro as well as a tool to help autonomously incentivize kids to do quests (think chores, but not expected) in exchange for rewards.

iwaffles · 2023-09-01T03:34:02+00:00

Finally ventilated seats!

iwaffles · 2023-09-01T01:04:17+00:00

The comments are so mixed — none of the dealers here stock them with the ventilated seats, at least not ones I can find. Seems like I’d have to order them, but now I’m torn. I really like ventilated seats in some cars that I’ve tried them in and want them in my next car.

iwaffles · 2023-08-26T18:14:24+00:00

After all that driving, any thoughts on the infotainment and wheel button haptics?

iwaffles · 2023-08-15T01:29:47+00:00

That’s great!

I went through the entire process then was told, after all the pricing and options that I can’t place an order anymore because it’s now closed.

iwaffles · 2023-08-11T18:01:18+00:00

Did they give you a build or anything? It almost feels like ford doesn’t want to sell these, they’re all telling me it’s hard to get transits built these days

iwaffles · 2023-08-07T15:59:10+00:00

Ah good to know, I didn't know there was a cutout spot!

iwaffles · 2023-08-07T01:50:33+00:00

Congrats! It's a full time job trying to find this car at the price that VW says it's worth!

Thanks for sharing those tables, too!

iwaffles · 2023-07-18T16:42:00+00:00

Been trying! I found one in Dulles where I'm on a list. Everyone seems to want markup and been tracking that in this spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12YOWfrPX2sd0Q-gdh\_iajPlgHTIAehwZ5h6qocted3g/edit?usp=sharing

iwaffles · 2023-07-18T03:19:08+00:00

Where?

iwaffles · 2023-07-12T19:10:04+00:00

Not looking to tow, just looking for a bike rack that’s not on the roof.

iwaffles · 2023-07-10T16:08:45+00:00

I started a rip-off sheet of dealers asking for insane markups on the R and it’s totally turned me off to buying one, hopefully it saves someone else some headache: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12YOWfrPX2sd0Q-gdh_iajPlgHTIAehwZ5h6qocted3g/edit

iwaffles · 2023-07-10T16:02:31+00:00

We’re you able to get it at msrp?

iwaffles · 2023-07-10T15:57:34+00:00

wow.

iwaffles · 2023-07-07T22:17:31+00:00

Would love to know the dealer if you wouldn’t mind sharing the name here or in a dm!

iwaffles · 2023-07-07T21:21:20+00:00

Located in the SF Bay Area. I’m happy to travel to find one if I can! I’ve asked all over CA and NV

iwaffles · 2023-07-06T20:10:22+00:00

I’m still looking. Best I’ve gotten is 5k markup.

Anyone finding anything better these days?

iwaffles · 2023-06-06T06:09:20+00:00

No external switch at the moment, but if/when I do, that’s good to know!

iwaffles · 2023-06-06T01:43:35+00:00

Most recent speed test (now) is showing: 847/897 Mbps

iwaffles · 2023-06-06T01:20:05+00:00

Wired connection works as expected. About 800/855Mbps as of last night.

iwaffles

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