What does “zero stars” mean? In everyday conversation, people often use the phrase when an experience was so disappointing that even a one-star rating feels too generous. ZeroStars.org gives consumers a place to express those experiences using a broader rating scale ranging from −5 to +5 stars.
When 1 Star Is Too Much. Read complaints and customer experiences before making a decision, or share an honest, first-hand review to help other consumers.
Watch: How ZeroStars Works
This 40-second introduction explains our −5 to +5 rating system and how to share your customer experience.
ZeroStars: When 1 Star Is Too Much.
Why ZeroStars Uses a Different Rating System
Most review websites limit consumers to ratings between one and five stars. That works for many ordinary experiences, but it does not always communicate how strongly someone feels about an especially disappointing product, service or company response.
ZeroStars expands the traditional rating system in both directions. Negative ratings describe varying levels of dissatisfaction, zero is the midpoint, and positive ratings recognize satisfactory or exceptional experiences.
The goal is not to make every review negative. It is to give consumers more precise choices when describing what happened.
What the ZeroStars Ratings Mean
−5
Negative Ratings
−1 to −2: A disappointing experience.
−3 to −4: Serious product, service or support problems.
−5: The worst possible experience.
0
Neutral Rating
Zero is the midpoint of our scale. It can represent an average, evenly mixed or neutral experience.
+5
Positive Ratings
+1 to +2: More positive than negative.
+3 to +4: A very good experience with few problems.
+5: An exceptional experience.
Reviewers may select any whole-star rating from −5 through +5. The rating should reflect the reviewer’s genuine opinion and first-hand experience.
How ZeroStars Works
- Search for a company or product. Check whether it already has a listing on ZeroStars.
- Read customer experiences. Compare complaints, ratings and descriptions from other consumers.
- Share your experience. Select a rating and explain what happened in your own words.
- Help other consumers. Clear and factual reviews can help readers make better-informed decisions.
You can begin by browsing our company listings or exploring reviews by category.
How to Write a Helpful Review
The most useful reviews explain the experience clearly enough for another consumer to understand what occurred. When appropriate, consider including:
- The product, service or location involved.
- When the purchase or interaction occurred.
- What you expected and what actually happened.
- Any billing, shipping, quality or customer-service problems.
- How you contacted the company.
- Whether the company responded or offered a resolution.
- What you believe other consumers should know.
Protect your privacy: Never include passwords, complete account or payment-card numbers, medical records, private addresses or other sensitive personal information in a public review.
What Does Zero Stars Mean on This Website?
There is an important distinction between the common phrase and the ZeroStars rating scale.
In ordinary speech, saying that something deserves “zero stars” usually expresses extreme dissatisfaction. On the ZeroStars numerical scale, however, 0 is the neutral midpoint. Consumers who had a negative experience can choose a rating from −1 through −5, depending on its severity.
Can Reviews Be Positive?
Yes. Although ZeroStars gives dissatisfied consumers more ways to describe negative experiences, reviewers can also leave positive ratings from +1 through +5. Companies that resolve problems, provide excellent support or exceed expectations deserve to have those experiences represented as well.
Why First-Hand Experiences Matter
A review is most valuable when it is based on something the author personally experienced. Specific details help readers distinguish between a general opinion and an account that may be useful when deciding whether to purchase a product, use a service or work with a company.
Reviews should remain factual and focused on the consumer experience. Businesses may also respond when the review system provides that option.
Read Reviews or Share Your Experience
Search ZeroStars before making a purchase, compare customer complaints and experiences, or add your own review when you have something useful to share.
ZeroStars is an independent consumer-review website. Reviews reflect the experiences and opinions of their individual authors. ZeroStars is not affiliated with the companies listed unless a page clearly states otherwise.