A product’s overall score on the Amazon platform can be influenced by customer feedback provided directly to Amazon in the form of a star rating, even if the customer does not write a detailed, textual review. This simple rating system allows buyers to quickly express their satisfaction, or lack thereof, with a purchase. For example, a customer might assign a five-star rating indicating high satisfaction with the received product quality and shipping speed, without writing a single word of explanation.
The presence of these simple star ratings is critical for several reasons. It provides a more holistic view of customer sentiment, as it captures opinions from those who might not take the time to compose a written review. This can potentially give a more accurate representation of the general consensus regarding a products quality and performance. Historically, these simplified ratings have served as an early indicator of market acceptance and potential for commercial success, even before more lengthy and detailed reviews become available.
