Devoted to customer service and the principles of exceptional customer services

At many sites, I disregard them. At Amazon, the ratings play a huge role in my decision making process. If they seem a bit too positive (like on many sites), I disregard them.

Overall, I think there is worth. You have to establish your company as a reputable source, though. You also need to back your products and services with guarantees if you (and your supposed customers) feel they are quality.

Staples uses a company called PowerReviews for their reviews, not Bazaarvoice. I think the real irony with their reviews is if you look at the staplers, and some of the Staples branded products rate 1 star...

"This product can only be called a stapler, if it is actually capable of stapling something."

I think product reviews are a good idea. Personally I also question reviews that are too positive. I'm also one of those people that will look for reviews in various locations. If the negative outweighs the positive, I'm very wary of the product...overall, consumer reviews are better than professional ones because consumers are the "average" people who have to use the products. If the product is difficult to use or does not function as it should, you can count on consumers to express just that. It may not always be good for the companies but it will force them to improve if need be.

Declaring my self interest upfront - I am CEO of Reevoo. I believe in the value of reviews to help people choose what to buy. However, to be credible and valuable to shoppers, retailers need to publish all reviews on a product, good or bad. At reevoo, we also ensure that the reviews are genuine by only publishing reviews from people we know have actually bought the product.