Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hoot?

A "Hoot" is a simple way to leave feedback for a business. A Hoot includes any information that you want to leave for the business manager including complements, complaints and suggestions. Leave a Hoot is operated by Hoot Ratings and our mission is to allow simple communication between consumer and business owner.

How do I leave a Hoot?

We make it easy to leave a hoot whenever, wherever and however you choose. You leave a Hoot by calling our toll free voice number 1-888-898-HOOT (1-888-898-4668), listening to the simple instructions, leaving your feedback and hanging up. You can also leave a Hoot by sending a text to 1-858-598-HOOT (4668) with your feedback and the name and location of the business. You can leave a Hoot by sending an email to feedback@leaveahoot.com, including any pictures you may want to attach, or you can do it on our website at www.leaveahoot.com.

Can I leave a Hoot for any business?

You can leave a Hoot for any business at any time. Even if a business owner is unfamiliar with Hoot Ratings or is not displaying Leave a Hoot signage, you can still leave a Hoot for that business. Our team will reach out to the business owners to notify them they have received feedback and to encourage them to review the Hoots to understand the service interaction between you and their business. Our contact information is the only thing you need to leave direct feedback to any business at any time!

How much does it cost?

Completely FREE of course. We want you to leave feedback. Your standard network calling charges and text message fees apply as if you were calling or texting anyone.

Why don’t I just leave a message or talk to a person at the business?

If you feel like speaking to a member of the staff, you definitely should, but many people prefer to leave a simple message or send a quick text message instead of talking to a person. The staff can be preoccupied with other customers or the issue may seem inappropriate for an employee to hear, so you can leave a Hoot with us.

Where does my feedback go?

Once the Hoot is hatched, the feedback is given to a business owner via hootratings.com. It is made available to the business owner on our secure website, so the business owner can get your immediate and direct feedback.

Who gets to listen to or read my feedback?

We keep all customer feedback confidential (e.g., we make NOTHING public online) and only share it with the business manager. You can see your feedback online at www.leaveahoot.com or we can send it to you via email after you register. You have the ability to have an additional anonymous exchange of comments with the business owner through our bulletin board feature on leaveahoot.com. You always have the option of leaving contact details in your voice message or text message if you want to correspond directly outside of leaveahoot.com.

How do I see or listen to my Hoots?

To listen or retrieve your Hoots, register online at leaveahoot.com and you can download your Hoots. We never share your phone number with anyone, but this is the way we connect you with your Hoots.

Can the Business Owner get in touch with the person leaving feedback?

We do not provide your contact information to the Business Owner unless you choose to leave it on your voice message. We do offer an anonymous exchange that is completely optional for both parties (Business Owner and User) and is only possible if you select the check box to receive comments during registration. All communication with the business is addressed with your Display Name for anonymity, this is why we ask you for a Display Name when you register.

Why would I want to exchange comments or contact details with the business owner?

A Business Owner may want to better understand the situation, so they may reach out to you for further details. In addition, the Business Owner may want to provide coupons to thank you for your feedback or other incentives to encourage customer loyalty. It is completely optional, so you can decide on a Hoot by Hoot basis if you want to provide more feedback or your contact information.

Does the business manager get my contact information?

No. Any and all of your contact details remain private. We share nothing with the business owner except the feedback you leave.

Does the business manager hear my voice?

Yes. If you use our toll free voice service, we pass along the message directly to the business owner so they can hear exactly what you have to say. If you prefer the business owner does not hear your voice, you can send a text message or an email.

Will the business manager respond to me if it is an urgent message?

We do not provide the business manager with your contact details to enable a response. If there is an urgent matter that requires immediate response, we suggest you contact the business directly.

Q. Is my contact information safe and secure?

Yes. We never use your contact details for anything other than tracking your feedback.