Top Consumer Issues That Made the PissedConsumer List
Customers take to the internet when things go sideways with a company or service provider. Online reviews provide a great way for people to seek help with their consumer issues and a valuable opportunity for companies to publicly address concerns and bring existing and new customers into the fold with their public apologies and solutions.
Current and potential customers are paying careful attention to reviews and complaints. According to online review statistics by PissedConsumer, 91.1% of consumers pay attention to positive and negative feedback on review websites. At the same time, 75% ‘always’ or ‘regularly’ read online reviews before making decisions.
Whether you’re looking for customer trends or simply curious about what’s happening in the consumers’ world, a review website makes this top list of consumer complaints. The collected data of reviews posted on the PissedConsumer.com review website showcases the most frequent complaints found with companies. Here’s the PissedConsumer guide to consumer issues in the following sectors:
Online Shopping and Retail
The online marketplace is booming because more consumers opt for online shopping. As seen from reviews left on PissedConsumer.com, online stores and e-commerce websites have been trending up for years, and companies are scrambling to match the expectations of customers and occasionally falling short.
According to an online review survey, Amazon, with 23,514 reviews, tops the list of companies with the highest number of consumer complaints in 2023. Across online stores, clothing brands, and footwear, customers are frustrated about the quality of the items they are receiving, but a very large portion of the reviews left online surround the return and refund process when things go badly.
Consumers seem to be having less trouble purchasing than they do returning the items that don’t work for them or getting a refund on a return or items that simply never showed up.
By the numbers: Auctions and marketplace
- Total number of reviews in 2023–104.4K
- Total number of reviews marked as resolved — 3047
By the numbers: Footwear and clothing category
- Total number of reviews in 2023 — 64.2K
- Total number of reviews marked as resolved — 1968
Dating and Social Networking
Social media networks have expanded and transformed over the past year. Social media users took to the PissedConsumer review site to share their consumer issues about having an account locked or blocked as well as scams and hackers in the apps and sites. Account issues make up the bulk of social media complaints, especially when customers can’t reach customer service.
Dating websites also had a burst of activity ever since the pandemic and they remain popular ways to reach out and meet others in our busy lives. But that doesn’t mean they are free from hassles. Consumers are frustrated by the memberships in dating apps, especially when they can’t cancel a paid membership and their account continues to be charged after a cancellation.
By the numbers: Dating and social networking
- Total number of reviews in 2023 — 45K
- Total number of reviews marked as resolved — 858
Food Delivery
Food and grocery delivery has been a booming industry over the last two years, and with growth and opportunity come a few bumps in the road. Customers took to the review websites to share their experiences with food delivery companies.
Most complaints were about missing or late deliveries, food quality, cold food, items missing from orders, and wrong charges on their account. For example, in one of Ubereats’ complaints, a reviewer indicated that they faced missing items in orders multiple times, couldn’t get a refund, and called such an attitude “their negligence.”
By the numbers: Food delivery
- Total number of reviews in 2023 — 42.6K
- Total number of reviews marked as resolved — 924
Telecommunication
Phones and internet services are a major part of modern life, not just a modern convenience. When there are issues with a service provider or technology in the field, it can make life very challenging.
Frustrated customers found several reasons to complain, leave negative reviews online, and use the PissedConsumer features to find ways to address their issue resolution. They faced billing issues, connection problems, technical concerns, and had trouble canceling services when they needed to. Most of all, consumers experienced severe frustration when they were unable to contact customer service to address any of these concerns.
By the numbers: Telecommunication
- Total number of reviews in 2023 — 29.6K
- Total number of reviews marked as resolved — 705
Transport
Ride sharing has simplified life for many individuals and families on the go, but as a service, it certainly isn’t perfect. Most of the complaints on PissedConsumer.com about transportation stem from issues with the apps for ride shares or concerns about the rides themselves.
Consumers complain about rides being canceled by the driver without reason or drivers arriving late for pick-ups. Some customers were billed twice for rides or had wrong charges in the accounts after using the apps. For example, in one of the Lyft reviews, a customer expressed frustration after being charged twice for a single ride and being unable to contact the company.
By the numbers: Transport
- Total number of reviews in 2023 — 29.5K
- Total number of reviews marked as resolved — 451
Customer reviews have transformed the service industry for both companies and customers. Companies should recognize their power and use it to guide their business strategies. Customers can find valuable assistance and information, which helps them effectively address and navigate consumer issues.
