How Do You Review Products? A Post For Every Consumer.

Since I am a mom blogger, I am contacted by companies to review their products and services.  There is controversy about this right now because some argue that it’s tough to be unbiased when you’re getting something for free.  This might be a fair argument because there are bloggers that probably rely on their blogs to supplement family income. I am sympathetic to that.  From time to time I read other mom blogs but I have yet to get the feeling that I’m being sold, but maybe that’s why I read what these particular moms write and not others.  

I review products and host the occasional giveaway.  I enjoy it.  I would say that at least 3 times a week I receive these kinds of requests through La Jolla Mom.  I have decided that if it’s a product that I or my family would not buy or use personally, I won’t review it.  I try my best to screen plus it’s hard for me to write about things I’m not interested in.  In addition to that, when I do decide to review products I will usually emphasize the positive (I probably gush too much about stuff I love) but have decided that it’s important to mention any constructive thoughts. Luckily, so far, I haven’t written many criticisms but that’s due to screening.  However, is this strategy benefiting the companies who have products I won’t review?  I’m not sure.  I think that companies need to hear feedback, both positive and negative from the people that are actually testing/using the products.   And I think it’s fair to let consumers know, with upfront honesty, that you didn’t like the product for whatever reason.  I surf the internet to check out product reviews before I buy something and I want pros and cons.  I didn’t realize it before I started blogging, but I was reading other people’s blogs for these reviews.  Bloggers have influence and I consider it to be a huge responsibility.

Another aspect of product reviewing that I became aware of after I started blogging is the idea of signing up to become a bona fide product tester with a company like Noesis.  Noesis was recently brought to my attention by another San Diego mom, so I took a little time to check it out.  Noesis is the Greek word for knowledge which translated directly, means intelligence based on understanding. Their “Noe-It-Alls” are everyday consumers that test brands and provide opinions.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have kids 6 years and older participating too!  They try to make each project fun and Noe-It-Alls are compensated in various ways – merchandise, points or even cash.  If I had more time, this might something that I’d be interested in signing up for.  A company like Noesis wants constructive criticism because this is how they help companies stay ahead of trends and bring products to market that consumers can comfortably own. Noe-It-Alls aren’t public like bloggers, so it’s definitely a more comfortable environment to shed critical lights on products, plus being a Noe-It-All sounds like fun. Go to their very hip and cool website to learn more about being a Noe-It-All at  www.teamnoesis.com.   They are looking for people like you. 

What I used to do before I was a blogger (and still do), is leave feedback on various websites like www.epinions.com or on www.amazon.com for products I buy.  Most recently, as many of you know, I was introduced to the Vinturi Wine Aerator.  I thought (I’m not a wine expert) it made my lesser expensive wines taste better but once I saw that 245 people on Amazon gave it an average of 5 stars, I didn’t hesitate to buy it.  I bought it with lightening speed.  I do look at ratings.  I’ve not been very good about reviewing my purchases on Amazon lately but need to get better about it because if I’m relying on what other people say, I should repay the favor.

Companies and consumers rely on feedback.  It’s so important. Do you repay the favor?  Do you read reviews before you make a purchase?

Tagged as: Giveaways, Websites