‘The Help App’ keeps customers in check
Apps like Yelp and Trip Advisor, offer reviews for hotels and restaurants. But, what about an app that reviews customers?
It’s called “The Help App” and, it’s being developed by two brothers here in the desert.
They said it’s time the customer was kept in check.
“We actually feel that the customer isn’t always right. That’s kind of our ethos and our motto for this app,” said Pat Hood, co-owner of The Hood.
In a world where one bad review can ruin a business, the Hoods decided it’s time to take back the power.
“Well, we’ve worked in this industry for so long, and we’ve just seen customers use online reviews as a weapon, so this is kind of adding the power back to everyone in the service industry,” Hood said.
The app is still being reviewed, but once released, users can check in at a business they want to add comments and reviews.
Users can remain anonymous and tag other users in their post
The Help app also lets customers rate other patrons. So if someone saw someone else being rude to the bartender, they could take a picture of them and post it on the app.
Some customers and business owners gave their opinions on the new app.
“The old saying is ‘The client is always right,’ and I used to be a cocktail server. Everybody has a bad day. So I don’t know if that would be so great for the restaurant,” said Tina Marx, host of “Let’s Talk Coachella Valley”.
“I think everybody has to be in check with how they approach it,” said Robert Ardolino, president and CEO of Urban Innovations.
“No matter what’s happening in your customer’s day, no matter how you get accidentally treated, everybody is their own person, lives their life the way they do. These people are in your establishment, in your store, helping keep you alive. They’re your bread and butter. Love them. Don’t ever talk bad about them,” said Dana Laffranchini co-owner of Harvest Health Foods.
While it might be controversial, the Hood brothers said it’s not meant to be mean.
People can also be reviewed positively and be rewarded for continuous positive reviews.
“We’ve all dealt with those crazy customers, so we’re just excited to give our point of view to the stories and everything like that,” Pat Hood said.
Once approved, the app will be free on the iPhone and Android app stores and should be available for download next week.
