The truth about "comparison" sites...

young_victor_meldrew

I have left an exhausting meeting today with the owners of a "Comparison site" - some of the things today have opened my eyes to the reality of sites that appear to compare different services in order to help the consumer make more informed decisions.

The Comparision site itself compares a type of service growing in popularity in the UK.

Reading through the site it appears that one brand in particular is simply great, the customer opinions that appear on the site are glowing, and they are recommended heartily by the site.

But they would do, because Brand X owns the comparison site, and they refuse to publish any negative comments about their own brand!

Taking a look at Brand X's rivals reviews and you see plenty of negative reviews - but this is what the sites owners want.

So when using comparison sites, dig a little and find out who owns them - you may be surprised.

gordikin

Care to name the site in question so we can look and see for ourselves?

Inactive

ComparetheMarket is owned by BISL, they seem to have their fingers in many pies.

young_victor_meldrew

It was not comparethemarket!

gordikin

young_victor_meldrew wrote: »

It was not comparethemarket!

How many suggestions are we allowed before you spill?

knightstyle

When Morrrisons had Punjana tea bags at £1 a packet none of the comparison sites I looked at listed it!
They said Tesco was cheapest at £1.49.

underlay_guru

In relation to the OPs comments, this is a very interesing read indeed:


http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/bargains-and-rip-offs/article.html?in_article_id=430278&in_page_id=5

...It seems the 'compared prices' are usually initially listed in order of commission value to the company, rather than best value to the consumer.

mustrum_ridcully

confused.com is owned by admiral