MC
Machel C

1 reviews | Active since Dec 2021

21 Oct 2025, 14:26

Unfair Business Practice, Paywall to Reply to Reviews As a small, self-owned company, we find it extremely unfair that HelloPeter requires us to pay R803

Unfair Business Practice, Paywall to Reply to Reviews As a small, self-owned company, we find it extremely unfair that HelloPeter requires us to pay R803.85 per month just to respond to reviews left on their platform. We receive very few reviews, yet we are blocked from defending ourselves or clarifying facts unless we subscribe to their paid plan. This setup feels one-sided and exploitative, as it allows anyone to post publicly about our business while denying us the basic right to reply — unless we pay a monthly fee. For small businesses, this is essentially holding our reputation for ransom. HelloPeter was once a platform for honest transparency, but this policy now hurts smaller businesses and benefits only those who can afford to pay to protect their name.

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Replies (1)
Hellopeter
Hellopeter's reply23 Oct 2025, 09:25
Official
Hi Machel, 

Thank you for reaching out.

We understand your concerns about our service model. Hellopeter is committed to promoting open communication between consumers and businesses.

Our platform allows businesses to see all their reviews at no cost. However, for those looking to engage more deeply, such as responding directly to feedback and accessing analytics, we offer paid plans to cover these extra resources. This enables us to maintain and enhance our platform for all users. You are also welcome to sign up for a 14-day free trial to respond to the review.

Please note that Hellopeter’s subscription model is in line with trusted international platforms like Trustpilot, where businesses invest in monthly or yearly subscriptions to access advanced customer engagement tools. These platforms charge businesses to help them manage, monitor, and respond to feedback effectively, fostering a balanced, constructive review environment.

We hope this clears things up for you. Thanks so much.