Is JustAnswer the answer? JustAnswer.com is a leading Expert question-and-answer website where you get an answer to your question from a verified Expert. You can use the service on a computer or mobile device. Users say the company’s 24/7 availability averts emergencies and after-hours rates. However, there have been complaints about the site auto-enrolling visitors into the paid premium plan. Although JustAnswer provides great answers and solutions to your questions, you may not get answers to all kinds of questions.
JustAnswer is a popular site for anyone with questions. Users can find anything they want to know, from sports scores to academics, taxes, financial issues, computers, software, electronics, phones, health, lifestyle, and more. The company outsources its solutions to “experts.” These consultants meet with clients virtually and answer questions for as low as $1.
However, JustAnswer doesn’t have all the answers on how to run a business. Thousands of complaints have been filed against the company in the last few years. A significant problem involves auto-enrolling visitors into the paid premium plan. Still, the company has many loyal fans. Users love getting expert opinions at a fraction of professional fees. JustAnswer has been featured on CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times. It could be worth a try if you’ve got a burning question on your mind.
Table of Contents
- JustAnswer company information
- What is JustAnswer?
- Is JustAnswer legal and safe or a scam?
- Is JustAnswer reliable and trustworthy?
- The pros and cons of JustAnswer
- How does JustAnswer make money?
- Best JustAnswer Alternatives
- JustAnswer FAQs
JustAnswer company information
| Official Website: | https://www.justanswer.com/ |
| Headquarters Location: | 38 Keyes Ave San Francisco, CA 94129 |
| Founded: | 2003 |
| Industry: | Consultation, Advice |
| Contact: | https://www.justanswer.com/help/contact-us |
| Trust Score: | Medium |
| Social Media: | LinkedIn, Twitter |
What is JustAnswer?
JustAnswer was founded in 2003 by Andy Kurtzig. The website and app can be used to ask questions on various subjects. These questions are then answered by third-party “experts.” Some experts are highly-educated, experienced professionals with advanced knowledge of their field. Others may simply be giving opinions or making guesses.
The business model requires users to pay for answers. Users type their search query into the chat, which is answered by a bot. The bot then redirects visitors to the sign-up page. Users must sign up before being connected to experts. JustAnswer charges are as low as $1/question. However, they also charge a $50/month fee, which is automatically renewed monthly.JustAnswer can help some visitors find the solutions and in-depth information they need; however, some users may leave even more confused than they came.
Is JustAnswer legal and safe or a scam?
Is the site generally legal? In all countries?
JustAnswer is a legal business. It is registered as an LLC in California.
How high is the chance of being scammed?
Using JustAnswer can be risky. According to the Better Business Bureau, thousands of complaints are filed annually against this business. The most severe problems are related to billing. Although JustAnswer advertises answers for $1-$5, users are automatically charged monthly fees of $50.
These monthly enrollment fees are automatically renewed and rarely refunded. Canceling enrollment is difficult. Many past users were charged for months after alerting the company to cancel their enrollment. Furthermore, JustAnswer’s experts are not always reliable. Some are licensed professionals or have university qualifications. Others may offer poor advice or lack communication skills. Many reviewers said the advice they received was vague or didn’t apply to their situation.
Does the site contain viruses or malware?
The app doesn’t seem to have any viruses or malware. However, always scan new programs and applications before installing them.
Does the site steal sensitive data?
JustAnswer collects and uses your personal information to provide, manage, and improve the platform. They also track users and may share your data with service providers, advertising partners, and other third parties. However, it is unlikely sensitive data will be stolen or sold.
Are there similar fake sites to be aware of?
It’s best to avoid any site that charges for information. Free and trustworthy information is available from many reliable sources. Websites like Quora allow users to ask and answer questions free of charge. Be suspect unless you know the JustAnswer expert or can evaluate their full qualifications. Moreover, it is not advisable to get health-care-related answers from the internet; you should visit a hospital for your health issues to avoid further complicating your predicament due to following online advice.
Is JustAnswer reliable and trustworthy?
How good are the company’s overall web ratings?
JustAnswer has good ratings on most review sites. The majority of users felt they got good information from their consultant. However, many people complained they were overcharged. Most understood they would pay between $1-$5 for an answer. However, they were automatically charged monthly premiums of $40+.
Sitejabber gives the company 4.03 out of 5 stars from 3,079 reviews. However, in the quality and value categories, JustAnswer received about 2 stars out of 5. On TrustPilot, JustAnswer has. 4.2/5 rating out of 25,500 reviews, with 85% of reviewers rating the service as Excellent. Many customers complained about the misleading pricing used by JustAnswer and the poor customer service.
Does the site have a refund policy?
JustAnswer has a very confusing refund policy. The Refund statement on their Terms of Service differs from that on the membership page. They state that they offer no refunds on their membership plans, but you can ask for your $5 trial fee back. When you cancel a subscription, you cancel only future charges associated with your membership.
JustAnswer does not refund charges in most cases. They allow members to cancel their membership but won’t refund earlier charges, even when clients dispute them. In many cases, users only got refunded by contacting consumer advocacy groups. That said, users who aren’t happy with their expert can speak to someone else for free.
How many scam reports are there compared to positive reports?
Many reviewers had good experiences with experts. However, these same reviewers complained about fraudulent billing practices. Most reviews, even the positive ones, mentioned being overcharged. Most customers were automatically enrolled in premium membership without their consent. Nearly every reviewer on Sitejabber.com complained they were billed $40-70 over the price they had agreed upon.
How reliable is customer support?
JustAnswer customer support is lacking. Many users attempted to get help but were unable to resolve issues. JustAnswer staff did respond to negative reviews on various websites. However, it often took multiple complaints about JustAnswer to take action.
The pros and cons of JustAnswer
- Pro – JustAnswer lets users ask questions about all kinds of topics. It’s an easy and convenient way to get information.
- Pro – JustAnswer experts are verified. The company makes sure all consultants have at least one qualification.
- Pro – Talking to an expert can save you money. It’s much cheaper to ask medical or legal questions online than to see a doctor or lawyer. Users can learn to do their repairs for a lot less than hiring professionals.
- Pro – Answers are available any time of the day. Users can usually get a response immediately or within a few minutes.
- Con – Some reviewers found the answers to be too vague. Experts might be qualified to handle a subject, such as automotive repair, but lack intricate knowledge about specific vehicles or tools. Likewise, law and medical experts may not have experience dealing with your particular issue.
- Con – The company’s billing practices are suspicious. Users are automatically charged monthly rates even if they ask just one question. The fee schedule and reasons for charges aren’t clearly explained.
- Con – There are no free options or free sources of information. Users who cannot pay are unable to use the service. Even basic information is unavailable without paying.
- Con – Experts answer medical questions without knowing your personal history or situation. No diagnostic tests can be run on the app or website. While JustAnswer can give general advice about ailments, it can’t replace being seen by a doctor.
- Con – Each charge covers just one question. Often, users have follow-up questions to clarify what was said. This can end up costing a lot of money.
How does JustAnswer make money?
JustAnswer makes money by selling answers to life’s questions. Users pay a fee to post a question on the site. The expert who answers the question receives 20-50% of that fee. The rest goes to JustAnswer. The company also generates revenue from enrolling users in a monthly premium subscription program. This costs between $40-60/month. According to GrowJo, JustAnswer’s estimated annual revenue is currently $140.7M annually.
Best JustAnswer Alternatives
There are many free sites available to find great information. We also encourage you to contact professionals in your area. Many provide free consultations over the phone or online. Local universities and adult education programs are also good resources. Here are some more JustAnswer alternatives you should check out:
- Quora – Quora is a free site that allows you to pose questions without paying. Take answers with a grain of salt. People who reply are not vetted and may not be reliable.
- Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic is an internationally-renowned medical establishment. Their website is full of information about most diseases and treatments. They also provide free phone consultations.
- The American Bar Association – The American Bar Association gives free answers to many types of legal questions.
- wikiHow – wikiHow offers solutions to many different concerns. The site features step-by-step walkthroughs for dealing with all kinds of problems. From DIY home repair to mental health issues, you can find answers there. WikiHow advice is typically generic and may not apply to all situations.
- NAMI – The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a free helpline. You can chat with supportive volunteers and professionals about all types of emotional concerns. NAMI also gives referrals for treatment.
- NHS – The NHS provides free medical answers through their chat and phone line. Your identity stays anonymous. Questions are answered by real NHS nurses, physicians, and specialists.
JustAnswer FAQs
Q. What subjects can JustAnswer answer for me?
A. The most popular topics are legal and medical issues. JustAnswer also gets many questions about etiquette, mechanics, animal care, computers and electronics, home repair, and finance. On JustAnswer, you can find information on things like planning special events and even learning a new hobby.
Q. How many questions can I ask?
A. Usually, users ask one question for the fee. Sometimes, follow-up questions are answered free of charge. Other times, you may be charged to ask more questions.
Q. How can I become an expert?
A. The application form is located here. You’ll need to submit some documents so JustAnswer can verify your identity. Then, you’ll need to prove you’re qualified. JustAnswer requires at least one certification, such as proof of employment or a university degree. To answer more advanced questions, you’ll need more proof. For instance, you must be an R.N. or an M.D. to answer most medical questions.
Q. Can I tip my expert? They helped me a lot.
A. You can tip your expert through the site. However, JustAnswer does keep a portion of tips. Experts aren’t allowed to disclose what percentage of tips they receive.
Q. I need an answer today. Will I get a response this soon?
A. According to the website, most questions are answered within just a few minutes. More complex or detailed questions could take a little more time. Experts might want to do some research before getting back to you. The site promises answers within 24 hours. However, the majority of questions are answered in an hour or less.
Q. Is expert advice guaranteed?
A. JustAnswer tries to get you accurate answers to your questions. However, they cannot guarantee their experts are always right. Consultants make mistakes, especially if they don’t have time to gather background information. What an expert tells you may not come true. Legal advice may not hold up in court. Medical advice may not reflect the reality of your situation. Not all solutions work. If you’re concerned, ask for a free second opinion. You should be able to speak to a different expert without paying more. The company typically won’t refund if you’re dissatisfied or the predictions didn’t come true.
Q. Does JustAnswer offer classes or training?
A. No. The company provides solutions to specific questions.