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Post by wendifful on Mar 6, 2021 3:08:28 GMT
This is something I've been noticing a lot lately, especially with Scrapbook.com and Simon Says Stamp. Many of their company brand items have rave reviews on their site from people who are obviously design team members*, with no disclaimer that the reviewer received the item for free or that they were possibly compensated for the review. I personally find this practice very disingenuous. On the one hand, this is papercrafting supplies, not a new fridge or car (so it's less expensive and less technical), but on the other hand, these reviews could influence craft newcomers who aren't aware of the "big" names. I think that either companies should prohibit design team members from reviewing or have a badge/disclaimer about how they procured the product. *On Simon Says Stamp, I've noticed this because I know the names of many popular cardmakers who often have SSS videos. On Scrapbook.com, I've noticed this too, but the most glaring example is from a few days ago. They launched slimline and A2 paper pads in a "brights" color scheme and had a special 2 day pricing for the bundle for $9.99. The bundle, which is a brand new item, already has several 5 star reviews, so I clicked on the profile of each reviewer and saw that they have almost exclusively only reviewed Scrapbook.com products and given them 5 star reviews. Methinks this is not a coincidence... ETA: I want to clarify that I'm not talking about blog posts or YouTube video reviews, but the actual written reviews on the product's individual page on the site, like Amazon reviews for individual product listings. I think that with blog posts/YouTube videos, most viewers have at least some sense that the person may be in the industry. On these product pages, there's no indication of that. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, click on the above link for the bundle, then scroll to the bottom for the product reviews. ETA2: I added a screenshot of some of the reviews I'm talking about. Attachments:
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Post by kkrenn on Mar 6, 2021 4:03:29 GMT
I understand what you're saying and agree somewhat. I know is naive of me but I'd like to think it doesn't matter how they got the product and they their review would be honest no matter, that's probably a silly notion.
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Post by hop2 on Mar 6, 2021 4:15:22 GMT
1 I expect people to tell me if they got the product free or even if they just got it early than public release. It feels deceptive not to disclose these things.
2 I stop following and possibly even purchasing from anyone who I determine gave a deceptive review for example if a crafter puts a review video up and it don’t think it’s honest I’ll unfollow and most likely not buy a class or product from them depending on the deception. But once I loose trust it’s not easy to get it back.
I don’t mean the ones where the person is reviewing a product and they’ve disclosed they have a relationship with the provider and then they say nothing negative. I don’t expect people to loose their income to tell me about a product but you can usually tell when they are grasping to say positive things because it’s from someone they are associated with. I don’t consider that deceptive if they’ve disclosed the relationship. Awkward sometimes but not deceptive.
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Post by Ryann on Mar 6, 2021 4:23:29 GMT
You bring up a good point, OP. I would welcome a badge/disclaimer for products reviewed by people that have paid partnerships/contracts with the company.
As an aside... the Scrapbook.com branded mat stacks are NOT good - buyer beware! Super thin paper. It felt less than the stated weight 65(?)lbs. and the texture was rough. It felt cheap like the open stock paper at Michaels. Luckily I didn't pay for the pad I got (it was a freebie during the holidays). It went straight into my donation pile. I do not recommend!
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Post by 950nancy on Mar 6, 2021 4:36:50 GMT
If I think something looks good, I'll put it in Google and see if I can find other reviews.
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Post by wendifful on Mar 6, 2021 4:37:24 GMT
2 I stop following and possibly even purchasing from anyone who I determine gave a deceptive review for example if a crafter puts a review video up and it don’t think it’s honest I’ll unfollow and most likely not buy a class or product from them depending on the deception. But once I loose trust it’s not easy to get it back. I don’t mean the ones where the person is reviewing a product and they’ve disclosed they have a relationship with the provider and then they say nothing negative. I don’t expect people to loose their income to tell me about a product but you can usually tell when they are grasping to say positive things because it’s from someone they are associated with. I don’t consider that deceptive if they’ve disclosed the relationship. Awkward sometimes but not deceptive. I agree, and part of the extra problem with this is that since it's a product review on the company's website, readers might not even be aware that the person reviewing the item is in the industry, so to speak. There's kind of an expectation that they're a regular consumer, not a professional, so there's not even an extra layer of "should I trust this person's review since they have a YouTube channel." |
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Post by wendifful on Mar 6, 2021 4:38:23 GMT
If I think something looks good, I'll put it in Google and see if I can find other reviews. Definitely, but since these are company-exclusive brands, it's not like you can find them for sale on another site. I'm not sure if that's what you're talking about or if you're talking about YouTube/blog reviews. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 4:41:50 GMT
This reminds me of reviews I see on Amazon and product websites (like Kitchenaid). The reviewer received the product as a promotion and of course it is always 5 star, rave reviews. Nothing wrong.
I always skip those and go straight to the ones who bought the product.
I wonder if designers get kick back for leaving positive reviews because it can help the company sell product.
But I don't listen to those reviews so for me it doesn't matter but for others it might just sway them into buying a crappy product. And that isn't fair.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 4:43:19 GMT
2 I stop following and possibly even purchasing from anyone who I determine gave a deceptive review for example if a crafter puts a review video up and it don’t think it’s honest I’ll unfollow and most likely not buy a class or product from them depending on the deception. But once I loose trust it’s not easy to get it back. I don’t mean the ones where the person is reviewing a product and they’ve disclosed they have a relationship with the provider and then they say nothing negative. I don’t expect people to loose their income to tell me about a product but you can usually tell when they are grasping to say positive things because it’s from someone they are associated with. I don’t consider that deceptive if they’ve disclosed the relationship. Awkward sometimes but not deceptive. I agree, and part of the extra problem with this is that since it's a product review on the company's website, readers might not even be aware that the person reviewing the item is in the industry, so to speak. There's kind of an expectation that they're a regular consumer, not a professional, so there's not even an extra layer of "should I trust this person's review since they have a YouTube channel." Yes and this is where it should be stated, just like on Amazon and company sites like Kitchenaid. It states review of promotional free item |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 4:51:42 GMT
So are all 3 of those reviewers designers for SB . com ?
I see 2 are verified purchasers. Hopefully they really did buy the product to use and were not given a kick back for writing such an outstanding review.
And by the way, those reviews are sooooooo writen as they were in marketing. I don't buy the honesty for a second.
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Post by wendifful on Mar 6, 2021 5:08:12 GMT
So are all 3 of those reviewers designers for SB . com ? I see 2 are verified purchasers. Hopefully they really did buy the product to use and were not given a kick back for writing such an outstanding review. And by the way, those reviews are sooooooo writen as they were in marketing. I don't buy the honesty for a second. For three of the five reviews, I was able to find some reference on their personal blogs that they are a design team member. For two of them, they don't have blogs, but in their Scrapbook.com gallery, they have photos/projects with their name and the Scrapbook.com logo under it (see below), which I think indicates it was done in tandem with SB.com. From what I can tell, most projects don't have this branding in the gallery, so I think it's pretty good proof. And yes, the reviews are TOO glowing!  |
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FurryP
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Post by FurryP on Mar 6, 2021 5:16:35 GMT
When I have gotten free gifts for making a purchase at SB.com AND I leave a review, it shows up with the verified buyer designation. Since I am no one and won't leave a dishonest review, it did not even occur to me to say I got it for free. But a designer or big name person, I want to know if they paid for it or not,
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Post by wendifful on Mar 6, 2021 5:22:52 GMT
When I have gotten free gifts for making a purchase at SB.com AND I leave a review, it shows up with the verified buyer designation. Since I am no one and won't leave a dishonest review, it did not even occur to me to say I got it for free. But a designer or big name person, I want to know if they paid for it or not, Interesting! I hadn't even thought of that angle but it makes sense since SB.com does so many gifts with purchase. I think in your case, since it's basically a discount you earned with a purchase, I also wouldn't even think to say I got it for free. (Like if I bought an item for 15% off...the SB.com freebies are the same system to me, only they add value to your order rather than discount it monetarily.) |
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Mar 6, 2021 5:28:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 9:12:46 GMT
I've wondered this before, not with scrap stuff, but on the podcasts I listen to, when the hosts are raving about products provided by their sponsors.
I tend to assume it's all just talk because they have to tick that box to get the funding they need.
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Post by hop2 on Mar 6, 2021 12:05:20 GMT
When I have gotten free gifts for making a purchase at SB.com AND I leave a review, it shows up with the verified buyer designation. Since I am no one and won't leave a dishonest review, it did not even occur to me to say I got it for free. But a designer or big name person, I want to know if they paid for it or not, I want to know if the got ANY discount or special treatment like getting the product early before release. That is a benefit. Otherwise it’s deceptive |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by kitbop on Mar 6, 2021 12:30:31 GMT
those reviews are sooooooo writen as they were in marketing. I don't buy the honesty for a second. I so agree - there is nothing spontaneous or honest in the wording. Too many rediculous industry words. They sound like a blurb out of a magazine. This leaves a VERY bad taste in my mouth for both companies. Not that I ever use reviews unless the item is a tool, in which case I go elsewhere for honest reviews anyways. When I have gotten free gifts for making a purchase at SB.com AND I leave a review, it shows up with the verified buyer designation. People need encouragement to leave reviews on unimportant purchases. For example, on Amazon I purchased nose pads for eyeglasses. Would I normally review? Nah. It's kind of a basic item. When I was offered a $5 GC to review (after I had purchased and used them) I certainly did go and state my honest opinion. So this practice is OK by me - I know you might be influenced towards the positive but I do believe most people can still be honest in a review if 1. they purchased the item to begin with and 2. if they get a *small* reward no matter what the review says. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 15:13:06 GMT
I've wondered this before, not with scrap stuff, but on the podcasts I listen to, when the hosts are raving about products provided by their sponsors. I tend to assume it's all just talk because they have to tick that box to get the funding they need. It is just like all those YouTube moms doing sponsored content. If you listen, they all say the same thing. And none give any bad remarks. The review and sponsored ad is pre-written and they have to say exactly what they are told too with little diverting. That is what makes me NOT want to try xyz. It is misleading. And being a marketing advertising person, I can smell the bs miles away. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 15:23:20 GMT
the Scrapbook.com branded mat stacks are NOT good - buyer beware! Agreed. I was really excited about these. Bought one for a try. Woulnd't buy again. Way too thin. I think too many people play fast and loose w/that requirement. It's sleazy. Just say "I GOT THIS FOR FREE....I loved...." Be honest people, FFS. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 15:25:41 GMT
People need encouragement to leave reviews on unimportant purchases I leave honest reviews about boring unimportant stuff all the time on Amazon. When I get those "We'll give you $5 for a positive review" emails, I don't give reviews to those companies. It feels slimy. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2021 15:28:39 GMT
I listen to, when the hosts are raving about products provided by their sponsors. Yes and because they TELL YOU it's their SPONSOR, you can discount it, as I do. But I think the issue is if they just bring up the product in the podcast and start raving about it WITHOUT SAYING "this is a sponsor's product", that would be gross. |
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cbscrapper
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Post by cbscrapper on Mar 6, 2021 15:57:56 GMT
Some websites you get points or rewards for leaving reviews, so I see a lot of meaningless reviews in those instances too. On Amazon, it kills me when people leave reviews that haven’t even received the item yet (and they say so), or they just got the item. I know Amazon sends the email prompting a review right away. I always ignore those reviews, but am amazed that people take their time to write them when they haven’t really used the product yet. I also laugh when a question about the product is asked and people take the time to respond “I don’t know.”
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Post by 950nancy on Mar 6, 2021 16:48:39 GMT
If I think something looks good, I'll put it in Google and see if I can find other reviews. Definitely, but since these are company-exclusive brands, it's not like you can find them for sale on another site. I'm not sure if that's what you're talking about or if you're talking about YouTube/blog reviews. I Google first and then try YouTube if necessary. And yes, company-exclusive brands are tough, but Google does pull through often. I also take the reviews of people on here. I much prefer to hear from someone like me, just a regular crafter not getting anything in return for their opinion. |
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julie5
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Post by julie5 on Mar 6, 2021 19:23:51 GMT
Regular influencers are *supposed to put if something is an ad, if they were compensated in any way for the review.
But most don’t. And there’s a lot of chatter how out of control it’s gotten amd how someone needs to start regulating this stuff.
I consider myself an informed consumer and can usually tell if someone was compensated for their opinion. And I go from there on whether or not to buy.
With regular influencers sometimes all they’re trying to do is install their cookie on your device too so I only swipe up if I really don’t hate the influencer. God only knows how much they make just off swipe ups.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Mar 6, 2021 19:49:43 GMT
And by the way, those reviews are sooooooo writen as they were in marketing. I don't buy the honesty for a second. Agree a million percent. Another thing that's a dead giveaway? Too many exclamation points!! It's just some paper!!! It has not revolutionized anything!! At least it's pretty!!!!!!! |
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Post by hop2 on Mar 6, 2021 22:28:35 GMT
People need encouragement to leave reviews on unimportant purchases I leave honest reviews about boring unimportant stuff all the time on Amazon. When I get those "We'll give you $5 for a positive review" emails, I don't give reviews to those companies. It feels slimy. I might but it needs to be $5 real money not credit somewhere and I’m saying it in my review  |
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Chinagirl828
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Mar 6, 2021 23:43:57 GMT
I agree there should be something that identifies the reviewer as working for the company in some capacity. I do use reviews (whether on the site, youtube, or here) to help determine if some products are the right ones for me and I tend to discount those over the top gushing reviews full of marketing spin, but it would be nice not to have to wade through those to find the "real" reviews.
I just had a quick look at all the other reviews left by the people who have reviewed the item linked in the op. There are 211 reviews across the five people, and every one of them is 5 stars, and (at a very quick scroll) all for sb.com products. I'd be more inclined to believe their reviews if some were 3 or 4 stars and across a range of brands.
This has just reaffirmed my belief that if I want an honest opinion on a brand or product, I need to ask the peas.
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Post by joblackford on Mar 7, 2021 0:20:18 GMT
I noticed that when SSS first launched their review feature. ALL of the reviews were DT members from what I could tell. I get that they were trying to drum up up momentum on their reviews after going for many years without having the option to leave a review, but I would ABSOLUTELY want to know if the reviewer got the item discounted or free or contracted/worked for the company. Just a little badge that says *SSS DT member. It wouldn't make me automatically disregard their review, but it's info I want.
I remember when our library published testimonials in some marketing thing and they were all from employees... yes, we (employees) all love the library (as patrons) but come on.
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Post by joblackford on Mar 7, 2021 0:28:13 GMT
You bring up a good point, OP. I would welcome a badge/disclaimer for products reviewed by people that have paid partnerships/contracts with the company. As an aside... the Scrapbook.com branded mat stacks are NOT good - buyer beware! Super thin paper. It felt less than the stated weight 65(?)lbs. and the texture was rough. It felt cheap like the open stock paper at Michaels. Luckily I didn't pay for the pad I got (it was a freebie during the holidays). It went straight into my donation pile. I do not recommend! I think they used 65lb index weight or something like that, rather than cover stock weight... They call it cardstock but it's really just heavy paper. I learned that the first time I bought Neenah white cs and got 110lb Index instead of 110lb Cover - I couldn't understand how Jennifer McGuire was making card bases with this thin cardstock... Paper weights need to get a metric update just like everything else. Clear as mud. ETA: I just checked and maybe it's not as thin as I thought, may genuinely be 65lb cover weight, but that's not as sturdy as I would like for die cutting in particular.  Anyway, I got a bundle of the scrapbook dot com colored "cardstock" and now I think I should probably leave an honest uncompensated review (title: meh, I don't hate it but... ) |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2021 0:52:08 GMT
All I know is I trust the peas WAY more than any reviews That's how I first found the peas. Googling for product info on something or other eons ago. I used to know about the other two peas, but just for buying, not for the message board(s). |
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