How do I check an ice cream shop’s online presence and local reviews?

Start by reading reviews across the last year, not only the top ones. Look for repeated comments about flavours, wait times, cleanliness and service. A cluster of complaints about the same thing deserves a question to the seller. Check how the owner replies. Calm, specific replies suggest attention; no replies or defensive ones tell you something else. Be careful of reviews that look written by friends.

Then check accuracy. Do the hours, address, phone number and menu match what you see in the shop? Are delivery and map listings claimed by the business, or by someone else? Look at the social accounts: how often do they post, who engages, and do the posts reflect the shop today? Photos from customers can show how the shop looks in practice, and whether lines form in summer.

Finally, ask who controls everything. Which email address owns each account, and who writes the posts? If the owner’s cousin runs it, ask how it will continue. Compare online buzz with real sales and cash flow, since attention does not always mean profit. Your accountant can help you connect the two, and your lawyer can confirm that accounts transfer in the sale.

Key takeaways

• Read recent reviews for repeated themes and note how the owner replies.
• Make sure hours, address and menu are correct on every listing.
• Confirm who controls each account and that it will transfer to you.