# Negative review

> A negative review is any published review whose rating or content is likely to deter a prospective customer, typically one to three stars.

_Category: Practice · Updated 2026-08-15 · By Elizabeth Davis_

Source: https://happyreplies.com/glossary/negative-review

Negative reviews are read disproportionately: many buyers open the lowest-rated reviews first specifically to see how the business responds. That makes the reply, not the review, the thing being evaluated.

A small proportion of negatives also increases credibility. Profiles with no criticism at all are widely distrusted.

## In practice

Reply to every one. Answer the specific complaint, state what changed, and move the detail off-platform without sounding evasive.

## FAQ

### Should I ever ignore a negative review?

Only when the reviewer is abusive and the reply would escalate publicly. Even then, a short neutral acknowledgement usually reads better than silence.

## Related terms

- https://happyreplies.com/glossary/service-recovery
- https://happyreplies.com/glossary/review-removal
- https://happyreplies.com/glossary/star-rating-average