I'm very unsatisfied with a (usually) excellent vendor and I'm considering making my dissatisfaction known but I feel like that's an extreme step. I don't want to fire the nuke of a bad review unless they really earned it. What is your criteria for earning a scathing review?
I always find the best way to write a review is just to be honest, lay out the facts, and don't get over-emotional or into name calling. Don't be shouting "ASSHOLE SCAMMER WITH 2 INCH MICROPENIS SCAMMED ME FOR $200..." Instead, "Mr. Vendor has failed to reply to my various messages regarding my order and hasn't upheld his end of the transaction..." or something like that. Just lay out the facts, leave out the hyperbole, and give your thumbs down. I think that helps. I just feel that if a negative review is left in a professional, respectful way, you might actually get the vendor's attention to work things out. Of course, if the vendor is just out to scam, pure and simple, then obviously not, but I think there is nothing to gain by going all ballistic.