How Businesses Can Challenge a Review on ClearSay

A business can challenge a review when there is a specific reason to believe it breaches ClearSay’s guidelines. A negative opinion or low rating alone is not sufficient.

Step 1: Read the entire review

Separate factual concerns from criticism or opinion. Check the date, service, location and any details that could identify the transaction without publishing private information.

Step 2: Respond professionally where appropriate

A calm public response may resolve a misunderstanding and shows other readers that the business takes feedback seriously. Do not threaten the reviewer.

Step 3: Identify the possible guideline issue

A challenge should state a clear reason.

• The review concerns another business.
• The reviewer appears not to have used the business.
• The content contains threats, abuse or discrimination.
• Private information has been published.
• The review is spam, advertising or part of coordinated activity.
• The content duplicates another review.
• The review contains a material factual claim that can be clearly disproved.

Step 4: Collect relevant evidence

Keep invoices, appointment records, correspondence or other appropriate information. Remove unrelated customer data before sharing evidence.

Step 5: Flag the review

Use the report or appeal option in the business dashboard. Choose the most accurate reason and write a concise explanation.

Step 6: Respond to ClearSay requests

Provide the requested information through the official process. Do not submit misleading documents or contact the reviewer aggressively.

Step 7: Wait for the assessment

The review may remain visible while it is assessed. A challenge does not guarantee removal.

What ClearSay may decide

• The review remains published.
• Part of the content must be edited.
• The review is temporarily restricted while more information is requested.
• The review is removed because it breaches the guidelines.
• The review is restored after further assessment.

Do not manipulate the process

Do not offer payment for removal, create positive reviews to bury the complaint or ask employees to report the review without a genuine reason.