I get asked lots of questions about product reviews and I’m going to try to answer some of them for you here and maybe you’ll get a better understanding of what I do and how I do it. Please feel free to comment and ask anything that I might not have covered. Also these are my thoughts and might not be what other bloggers follow, I can only speak for myself.
1. How do you get products to review?
I usually receive an email from a PR person asking if I would like to try a product. I also am part of various online groups for bloggers that send me invitations or I can apply to review the products I would like to try. ( Some bloggers send pitchs to companies, but I haven’t done that.)
2. Do you get paid?
Sometimes yes I receive payment, sometimes I just get to keep the product and no other compensation.
3. How do you pick the products that you review?
When I first started doing product reviews I never said no to anything. I was excited about getting products. Now, I only pick items that I actually think I’d like. I have no problem giving an item a fair chance and possibly not liking it. After all the company is looking for my honest opinion.
4. What if you don’t like the product?
I am never under any obligation to give a product a positive review. Most of my reviews are positive because I’m picking products that either I already like or they are good products. I am always honest, but as a reporter I try to give both sides of the story. ( Example: The drink tasted really good I enjoyed it, but it has high fructose corn syrup in it so I will ever buy this product) I also have contacted companies and told them that I did not like the product they sent me and gave them the opportunity to either have me post the negative review or not post at all.
5. What else might the company require you to do?
Most reviews are simple. The company might give you a time frame to try the product and some even want a minimum 200 word post. Others just ask that you disclose that you received free product and if you could possibly share your review on Facebook and Twitter, etc.
6. Why do you do product reviews?
I love trying new things and telling people about them. I also like that I get to try products that I might not be able to afford. Even if I don’t a paycheck I still have gotten things like bikes, software, shoes, clothing , show tickets,etc, etc. My friends and family get a kick out of trying things when they come over as well. It always makes for a great conversation.
7. What won’t you do when it comes to a review?
I don’t sell things! I’ve been approached several times by representatives of Avon, Tupperware etc- to sell things on my site. It’s not going to happen. I will review an item for you and direct people to your page, but I will do no selling on my page. I do have affiliate links on my page and that’s at my discretion. I will not do a review and not disclose that I received a free item or compensation. I will try to not review any products that I feel won’t interest my readers.
So, that’s the scoop! Any questions? Let me know.
MsXpat says
My approach to reviews is the same. If I can’t be honest what’s the point. And I enjoy it because its something I’d do even if I didn’t blog. I’m always telling friends about my new finds. Blogging just gives me a wider audience and a chance to try more stuff.