In today’s digital marketplace, online reviews are currency. Every star counts. Consumers rely on platforms like Trustpilot to decide whether a brand is trustworthy, whether a product is worth the cost, and whether they should click “buy” or walk away. But what if not all reviews are what they seem? While most brands work hard to earn glowing 5-star feedback, there’s a quiet — and strategic — corner of the internet where businesses buy 1 Star Trustpilot reviews.



Yes, you read that right. Purposely purchasing negative reviews sounds counterintuitive, even unethical. But under the right context and strategy, there’s a logic to it that’s catching on, especially among eCommerce owners and reputation managers. This blog dives into the surprising reasons behind this tactic, the industries using it, and how it’s reshaping consumer trust online.



The Psychology of Review Manipulation

Reviews have long been a mirror of customer experience. However, savvy marketers understand that online perception is a game of balance. A page full of perfect 5-star reviews often raises eyebrows. It doesn’t look real. Consumers have grown skeptical of perfection.



That’s where the strategy of buying 1 Star Trustpilot reviews comes into play. By intentionally sprinkling in a few low-star ratings, brands can create a more realistic and organic review profile. This human touch builds trust — ironically, through negativity. It signals to customers that the brand doesn’t control all its feedback.



Let’s be clear: not every brand should consider this. It’s a tool, not a default. But for those in competitive niches or who’ve been hit with fake negative campaigns, taking back control of their reputation — even by unconventional means — becomes part of the marketing playbook.



Who’s Actually Buying 1-Star Reviews?

From digital marketing agencies to software startups, certain businesses intentionally purchase 1-star reviews to rebalance an over-sanitized profile or to add a bit of controlled realism. In some cases, competitors may even use this strategy to tarnish rivals, although that's a risky and unethical move.



However, when done with strategy and transparency, some third-party firms may suggest buying 1 Star Trustpilot reviews as part of a broader reputation management plan. For example, if a company has only 5-star reviews, customers may assume they're fake or paid for. By inserting a few controlled 1-star reviews that don’t harm the business (e.g., vague or unimpactful complaints), brands craft a more believable online identity.



Even beyond reputation shaping, there are scenarios where a business might want to simulate public pressure. Consider a brand launching a new service that’s in early stages — by planting early critical feedback, they can later showcase how they addressed those concerns publicly, building credibility and trust over time.



The Risk Factor: Is It Worth It?

While some professionals swear by the tactic, there’s no denying that it carries risk. Trustpilot's terms clearly prohibit manipulated reviews — whether positive or negative. That said, enforcement is not always consistent, and many agencies work discreetly to deliver reviews that bypass algorithmic filters.



The key is intent. If your goal is to create authenticity rather than mislead, there’s a nuanced path forward. Agencies that allow you to buy 1 Star Trustpilot reviews typically advise on review spacing, tone, and content to ensure it aligns with platform standards and doesn't raise red flags.



However, this is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. For businesses already struggling with a poor reputation, adding more negative reviews could backfire. But for those with overly polished profiles, a bit of imperfection may humanize the brand in a way that builds long-term consumer confidence.



Strategic Reputation Management: Beyond the Star Ratings

Let’s look at how this fits into a larger online reputation framework. Brands investing in reputation management don’t just buy reviews — they buy influence, perception, and longevity. A brand with 100% five-star reviews might seem suspicious, while one with a more diverse mix — even a few deliberate 1-stars — feels more grounded.



That’s why many businesses don’t stop at positive feedback. They incorporate minor criticisms to show that they’re listening, adapting, and evolving. This can be especially useful when launching a controversial product or entering a skeptical market.



Using a provider like PVA Sells, businesses can buy 1 Star Trustpilot reviews and strategically insert them to shape public narrative. Reviews can be written to appear non-damaging — think: “Delivery took a bit longer than expected,” or “Product was fine, just not for me.” These are believable critiques that actually increase trust.



Ethical Considerations in Review Strategy

Let’s address the elephant in the room — ethics. Is it wrong to buy reviews? The answer isn’t black and white. Review manipulation in any form should never deceive consumers outright. The idea here isn’t to create false narratives but to build a more balanced, human-feeling review profile.



Some PR agencies argue that inserting negative reviews that reflect potential buyer objections (without making false claims) can actually reduce friction in the sales funnel. Consumers read reviews to see the worst-case scenario. If that “worst case” is manageable — like slow shipping or a missing feature — the customer may still convert, feeling informed and in control.



That’s why those looking to buy 1 Star Trustpilot reviews are typically advised to use them in moderation and only in conjunction with a broader, transparent review generation strategy. It’s not about tricking your audience — it’s about speaking their language in a format they trust.



How to Choose the Right Provider

If you’re considering this tactic, not all review providers are created equal. You’ll want a vendor who understands the nuances of Trustpilot’s moderation systems, offers verified accounts, and writes reviews in a natural, location-based tone.



One of the most trusted options is winding ropes, known for delivering quality reviews that stick. Their service doesn’t rely on bots or bulk scripts. Instead, they use human-generated content that blends in with organic reviews, making them far less likely to be flagged or removed.



They also provide ongoing consultation on timing, phrasing, and tone — critical elements when placing negative reviews that won’t harm your brand but still improve credibility.



Final Thoughts: Reputation is a Narrative, Not a Number

At the end of the day, online reputation is less about chasing perfect scores and more about building trust through transparency. Customers don’t need to see perfection — they need to see honesty. A well-balanced profile, even one that includes a few strategically placed 1-star reviews, can be more persuasive than a wall of glowing praise.



If your brand has been hit by suspicious positive reviews, or your rating looks “too good to be true,” it might be time to consider a more authentic-looking approach. Whether you're balancing out over-optimization or trying to appear more real in a competitive niche, strategically buying a few negative reviews — from a trusted provider — can be a valuable tool in your digital marketing arsenal.



Ready to make your brand stand out without standing out for the wrong reasons? Then it's time to buy 1 Star Trustpilot reviews the smart way — and we recommend checking out winding ropes, a proven and discreet provider trusted by agencies and brand owners worldwide.