SmallBizGenius Analysis
Nolo, a legal resource provider, receives largely positive feedback for its informative and easy-to-understand books and forms. Customers appreciate the company's helpful resources and straightforward transaction processes, though some report issues with customer service and outdated information.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews
Product Quality & Usefulness
8.5/10Many reviewers find Nolo's books and forms to be informative, well-written, and easy to understand. Customers specifically mention the clarity of the information and its practical application, with some using Nolo resources for years, such as one reviewer stating, "Every NOLO book I've purchased has been useful, easy to understand."
55 reviews mention thisEase of Use & Accessibility
8.0/10Reviewers frequently praise Nolo's website and products for being user-friendly and easy to navigate. Customers appreciate the straightforward process of finding and accessing the information they need, as highlighted by one reviewer: "The site was easy to navigate to find the form I needed."
28 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
5.0/10Some reviewers report negative experiences with Nolo's customer service, citing unhelpful or abruptly terminated chat sessions and difficulty reaching attorneys. One reviewer noted, "I tried the chat, only to be abruptly cut off the moment the representative found out that I wasn't looking for a lawyer."
12 reviews mention thisAccuracy & Updates
6.5/10A few reviewers express concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of Nolo's information, particularly in rapidly changing legal areas. One reviewer mentioned, "But when California rental/eviction law changed in 2024 after I purchased the 2024 Evictions book I went looking for updates on the web site."
9 reviews mention thisTransaction Experience
8.0/10Several reviewers highlight smooth and efficient transaction experiences when purchasing from Nolo. Customers appreciate the ease of ordering and the timely delivery of digital products, with one reviewer stating, "Smooth transaction from start to finish. The digital book was delivered as promised and works perfectly."
10 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Every NOLO book I've purchased has been useful, easy to understand."
"The site was easy to navigate to find the form I needed."
"Delivery of digital version immediately was very helpful."
"Simple, effective way to form a business."
"Nolo made the process simple, quick, and affordable."
Common Complaints
"I tried the chat, only to be abruptly cut off the moment the representative found out that I wasn't looking for a lawyer."
"But when California rental/eviction law changed in 2024 after I purchased the 2024 Evictions book I went looking for updates on the web site."
"The problem I had is that when I save an unfinished file, I could not open it by double clicking on the file (a standard way of opening a file)."
"I did order a book of your's through Thriftbooks, which had a disk with it, but the disk was a 3x5 floppy and I have NO way to use it!!"
"I wish the areas for personization were in more parts of the documents. There were some things I would have liked to include but I could'nt find a way to put them on the documents."
Common Questions About Nolo
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Nolo legit and trustworthy?
Yes, Nolo is generally considered a legitimate and trustworthy source for legal information and documents. Many reviewers express confidence in the accuracy and reliability of Nolo's resources, citing years of positive experiences. However, it's crucial to verify information independently, especially in rapidly changing legal areas, and to be aware of potential limitations in customer service responsiveness. While most find Nolo helpful, a few have raised concerns about outdated information or difficulty reaching support.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Nolo have good customer service?
Customer service experiences with Nolo appear to be mixed. While some reviewers praise the helpfulness and kindness of specific customer service representatives, others report negative experiences, such as abruptly terminated chat sessions or difficulty reaching attorneys. The primary complaint revolves around limited support for specific legal questions and a perceived push towards lawyer referrals. Therefore, while Nolo offers customer service, its effectiveness may vary depending on the nature of the inquiry.
Based on 12 reviewsIs Nolo worth it for small business owners?
Nolo can be a worthwhile investment for small business owners seeking affordable legal resources. The company offers a range of books, forms, and software designed to help businesses navigate basic legal requirements. However, it's important to recognize that Nolo's resources are not a substitute for professional legal advice, especially in complex or high-stakes situations. Small business owners should use Nolo as a starting point for understanding legal concepts and preparing basic documents, but they should consult with an attorney for personalized guidance and to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Based on 20 reviewsWhat kind of legal documents does Nolo offer?
Nolo offers a wide variety of legal documents, including wills, trusts, lease agreements, business formation documents, and copyright and trademark forms. Reviewers specifically mention using Nolo for creating beneficiary deeds, forming businesses, and understanding tenant rights. The company provides both physical books and digital downloads, allowing customers to choose the format that best suits their needs. Nolo's documents are designed to be user-friendly and customizable, with clear instructions and examples.
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