Local Feedback site for Local Businesses?

Has anyone thought about putting together a local site for local businesses (Just like eBay has) where people can post comments and leave feedback about their experience with the local businesses they buy from, both good & bad?

I know auto dealers are notorious for taking advantage of people and I hear about some of the slick things they do because I know a lot of salesman. They tell me how they screwed someone or really got the best of them. It really makes me mad but since I provide services to them it’s hard to do anything about it. But if there was a site where people could read about the experiences others have had with a particular business, it would seem to provide some sort of accountability.

I know the BBB does this sort of thing but it cost’s the businesses a nice chunk of money. This would be provided by the people.

Just an idea that’s been weighing on my heart for some time now. Enough people leaving bad feedback for a business would seem to affect their sales and maybe they would change their business practice.

Thank You,
Jason Hatchett

Jason,

Here's a bunch of Local business review type concepts...

Good business models to Study and Many more in Google...

As with any business... Hundreds more will Come and Go...

Research “says”... The Missing & Untapped opportunity in this Niche concept is Doing it with a Local Video review “twist” Focused on particular Specialty businesses...

In Fact, there are all kinds of Local video stuff just waiting to Happen!

http://www.kudzu.com/
http://www.yelp.com/
www.menuism.com
http://www.judysbook.com/
http://www.cityvoter.com/
http://www.americantowns.com/
http://sfsurvey.com/
http://www.insiderpages.com/
http://trustedplaces.com/
http://www.welovelocal.com/
http://referrals.respond.com/
http://www.raveaboutit.com.au/
http://www.uratelocal.com/
http://www.openlist.com/
http://www.merchantcircle.com/corporate/about.html

Writing Good Local Business Reviews
http://www.mojopages.com/blog/?p=88
http://www.mojopages.com

Although...
http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/419...own-all-sites/

The Good, The Bad, & The Incredible Usefulness Of User-Generated Content...
http://searchengineland.com/070820-071552.php

Phil

1) Create a website called;
"BestOfYourTown.com"

2) Put in some photos and graphics of your town (or city) and LINKS to 100 different categories of business, professional and medical...categories.

3) Send out "Personal Invitations" (Wedding Announcement-Type) to ten members of each different category (make sure they are QUALITY bizes) ....telling them that "they" can be the "only" "Carpet Cleaner" in your "BestOf" website....provided they "act NOW" and pay your fee of:
3a) I suggest $50 set up and $50/mo for 3 mos = $200 from each participant

4) They will ALL want to know HOW are prospective, customers, clients and patients going to FIND your new website....in which they are the ONLY "Carpet Cleaner";
HERE'S how you will "sell them" on getting IN....NOW;
4a) You tell them you will send a Postcard to ALL "New Home Buyers"...each month...announcing your "BestOf" website....which has the "Best Of", Carpet Cleaners, Dentists, Doctors, Painters, Roofers, Pest Control Services, Banks, etc

COULD be a "Bonanza" for anyone who wants to take the time to set it up.