Freebies from Amazon ('Brushing' scam)

[Toothy1911]

My singer and bass player in my band signed up to do reviews and they get some great gear.

Where did they sign up?

 

[Narj]

It's harmful to the consumer though isn't it if you're getting tat just so reviews can be faked? Others could be duped into buying a crap product.

Also it's potentially more crap that ends up in landfill. At first getting free stuff seems great but the amount of packaging I'm having to dispose of or recycle is getting silly now.

It's a bit different to a review program where you are likely to get stuff you are interested in rather than totally random crap

 

[RetiredGreyFox]

Where did they sign up?

No idea but they are always going on about the latest gadget they've been sent.
if I remember I'll ask.
Some stuff is complete tat, I remember the singer bringing a wireless mic and it went in the bin.

 

[Ninco!]

I always thought that it was when you were a prolific reviewer you got err, invited.. So how do you sign up to become a reviewer?

I filter reviews, people who got a freebie - righto! Makes me smile when they write a single line review, a bit cheeky.

Try to only buy items shipped from Amazon, take a review in context to others and dependent on the value or particular item, check other sites/magazines/forums (Which etc) to get a balanced view.

 

[Toothy1911]

You can be invited by Amazon directly. You need to have a lot of helpful reviews to stand a chance. But there are sites outside of Amazon who will send you things for review too. I just dont know what they are, or have any recommendations on which to use.

 

[Diagro]

I get contacted around twice per week asking me to buy various 3d printing filaments or parts in exchange for a review and PayPal refund.

I've accepted around 12 so far because I actually wanted the items.
And when they average around £20 each I can grumble.
Only 1 didn't come through with the refund.