Homestead Furniture — Local services in Wooster

Subject: Urgent Legal & Policy Alert: Incentivized Google Reviews at Homestead Furniture

Dear Ernest Hershberger,

I’m writing as a compliance authority to address a critical issue that demands immediate attention: offering incentives to clients in exchange for Google reviews. This practice is not only strictly prohibited by Google, but is now also illegal under U.S. law, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Immediate corrective action is required to avoid serious legal repercussions.

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Violations & Consequences

Google’s Policy Prohibits Incentivized Reviews

Google’s content policy explicitly states that businesses must not offer any incentives—such as payments, discounts, or free goods—in exchange for reviews, revisions, or removal of negative feedback. Such behavior violates trust and undermines authentic customer feedback.

FTC Rules Ban Paying for Reviews

Effective October 21, 2024, the FTC has implemented a final rule (16 CFR Part 465) banning the purchase or sale of consumer reviews. This includes compensation tied to writing a review—whether positive or negative. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $51,744 per review.

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The Impact on Homestead Furniture

Violation Authority Penalty / Risk Paying clients for Google reviews Google Policies Removal of reviews, listing suspension, possible banning Compensated reviews (incentivized) FTC Rule Fines up to $51,744 per violation, legal liability

The FTC’s enforcement targets deceptive review practices, including paid reviews and suppressing or manipulating genuine feedback. Google, too, has ramped up efforts to maintain review integrity and penalize violations.

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Required Immediate Actions Cease any incentive-based review programs immediately. Audit current practices surrounding reviews and marketing materials for policy compliance. Train staff and marketing teams to eliminate improper solicitation of reviews. Adopt ethical review strategies, such as requesting honest feedback from all customers post-service—with no incentives attached.

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Final Word

This is a grave matter requiring swift and decisive action. Compliance with both Google’s guidelines and new FTC rules is not optional. Failure to comply could result in severe penalties and widespread...

This is our go to furniture store. 90% of house in FL was furnished by Homestead after we moved there, including all 4 BR, DR, library desk, kitchen barstools, DR chairs, live edge table, etc. When we returned for a second home in Ohio, we came back to Homestead to furnish the condo in Hudson. Everything was custom built and to our exact dimensions, as nightstands we wanted special features such as a little taller and wider, taller headboard, special removeable washable fabric for headboard, built in puck lights etc. For a slight premium, you can get custom features as every piece is made to order so they don’t have a warehouse full of furniture they are trying to push, nor do you have to settle, though their warehouse showroom is plenty big to choose from. Not typical Amish looking colonial furniture either. We have traditional, modern pieces and unusual designs. It all started when I had a tanned alligator hide that we wanted to design a table, which they were able to build a table utilizing the hide. I just enjoy going to their showroom even...

Years ago, we had wonderful experiences at Homestead and recommended them often. Then, one by one, people we knew that worked there left and I’m sad to say it is nothing like it was. We spent thousands of dollars only to be tossed to the side. I called for months, first time I called it was a Friday and I was told I’d get a call back Monday. Never heard anything. I called again three weeks later and was told I’d get a call back that day, no return call. I called again a week later and kindly asked to speak with someone different due to no return calls and I was treated poorly. I have continued to follow up and still nothing. We ended up just having to go to a local hardware store and figure it out ourselves. I do not recommend spending your money here any longer. You’ll notice A LOT of good reviews from years ago, including one that I wrote which I have since removed and replaced....