Well... all good things must eventually come to an end. I have not made a post in forever, but felt this was something helpful to post. The 2+ year old Amazon Product Review process is has been discountined... unless you are an Amazon Vine reviewer. Well it was GRAND while it lasted! But I think all those who were around for the past couple of years knew it was destined to happen.
See more at: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/180760/20161004/amazon-continues-crackdown-on-biased-reviews-no-more-free-discounted-products-for-reviewers.htm
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Product Reviewing: Not an Ending
After a brief hiatus, I have returned not without some news though. I think as a product reviewer who's been in the "industry" for a couple of years, I've learned to keep up with updates, new sites, and other news related to product reviewing. Among that is the threat of Amazon deleting all your reviews. I recently had an interesting experience where I started receiving notices from Amazon and ultimately, they ended up blocking new reviews I have posted due to a violation of TOS. Despite all the reading I've done, analysis of the TOS, and recommendations I have taken strongly into consideration, I too am not longer able to submit new reviews on Amazon. Honestly, I figured it was just a matter of time from what I've read and heard from others. So with that said... this shall not be the end. I guess my outstanding reviews will be done here as I explore other options for reviewing.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Mystery Shopping = Paid Vacation
In April 2013, I applied for my first Mystery Shop, not
knowing the true potential or if I’d even like it. The concept of having the
opportunity to have new experiences, providing feedback, and having someone
else pick up the check sounded nice. After being at it for over 2 ½ years, I
finally had the opportunity to take my FIRST FREE vacation! Mind you, I had to “work”
for it, but I am happy to report a 4 day vacation shop a success. Many do not
believe the opportunities that I get. I had to make it into 3 shops to have my
trip paid for but my flights, rental, gas, and the two nights in a hotel were
paid for (then one night staying with a friend nearby). There was plenty of
time for sightseeing, shopping, dining out and more.
Truth be told, I would do it over again. You can’t step into
the Mystery shopping realm expecting to have such opportunities, but hard work,
dedication, and a bit of creativity can make things happen!
I’ve had other opportunities to travel at a cost and most
definitely have connections to things such as World Venture. However, to me,
there’s no trip quite like booking a shop or two. Sure it’s a bit of work, but
it’s one of the first things I look at when I’m headed out of town. Movies, dinner,
sometimes even shopping; all the things I love and can sometimes get to cover
my gas cost for driving a few hours away for weekend getaway.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Summer's Over Giveaway WINNER!
Sorry for the delay all... and the winner is... Allison H.
Prize will be posted and mailed out in the upcoming week! Woohoo Congrats Allison! And thank you to all who entered. Another giveaway is anticipated to begin later this month so stay tuned.
Prize will be posted and mailed out in the upcoming week! Woohoo Congrats Allison! And thank you to all who entered. Another giveaway is anticipated to begin later this month so stay tuned.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Mystery Shopper Forum
I'm up and about it early this morning. As the end of the month is approaching, I plan to stack up a few better paying shops. And yet, I found myself catching up on some helpful posts on one of my favorite resources.
For the shopper followers.... Let me reintroduce... the Mystery Shopper Forum -
http://www.mysteryshopforum.com/. Happy Sunday!
For the shopper followers.... Let me reintroduce... the Mystery Shopper Forum -
http://www.mysteryshopforum.com/. Happy Sunday!
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Product Review: YYGIFT Smart Video WiFi Doorbell
I felt the need to share one my Amazon Reviews because not everything turns out exactly as hoped. My goal is of course to share those 4 and 5 star things that others might be interest in. I thought this one would be one for the books as it was destined to be assume when I ordered it. But despite some people's thoughts about product reviews and reviewers, not EVERY single one is a five star or remotely close.
I had the opportunity to review a Wireless Door Bell with built in camera. I gave it barely deserved 2
ultimately ended up returning the product. I wasn't ugly about it, and while it did have benefits, it also very much had some issues that made it...
Just a Doorbell
I was excited to get this doorbell as added security protection to my smart home in progress. My full and open self-disclosure is that with a wireless garage door opener and wireless cameras that were self-installed, I am maybe a bit more experienced in installing smart devices than a first time user.
So let me first start by saying this doorbell is bigger than an ordinary doorbell, but nonetheless very modern looking. It is one unit, not too heavy, and definitely sturdy. The instructions are a bit confusing, so take it step by step and you’ll get it. It also had multiple adapters that, well, weren’t all needed. The doorbell though is not that easy to figure out without the directions though.
The doorbell comes with everything needed to setup (EXCEPT an AC adapter and 2 AA batteries for the in house receiver, if you are going either of those routes). It also does not have a tiny screwdriver, so have one handy in addition to a regular Philips head screw driver. By tiny, I mean eyeglass screwdriver size… I wasn’t expecting that one but luckily had one accessible.
The app is pretty easy. If you have used any other smart wireless home product apps (i.e. security camera, garage openers, wireless locks), this application looks similar to all the others!
Getting down to the nitty gritty… Based on my experience, I could not recommend this product for what it should be. As a regular doorbell and maybe an Ethernet connection MAYBE… but for a wireless doorbell with built in camera, I’m sorry, it just didn’t fit the buck. From my experience, I spent maybe 20 minutes checking it out and programming it before installing outside my home and it appeared to work pretty well. Once I got it installed outside, I could not get it to hold a signal to the wifi. Having other things connected to the wifi that are further, I ruled out the fact that welp, it is too far for the signal to reach. I reset it several times, uninstalled and reinstalled and while it works on the regular receiver, it’s very finicky with being connected to the app on my phone. It works for a minute or two and then it’s not connected. This to me is no Bueno because if the camera and app don’t work, it is just yet another doorbell. I'm currently waiting on a response on it and will likely be returning this item.
I was provided this item at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback.
I had the opportunity to review a Wireless Door Bell with built in camera. I gave it barely deserved 2
ultimately ended up returning the product. I wasn't ugly about it, and while it did have benefits, it also very much had some issues that made it...Just a Doorbell
I was excited to get this doorbell as added security protection to my smart home in progress. My full and open self-disclosure is that with a wireless garage door opener and wireless cameras that were self-installed, I am maybe a bit more experienced in installing smart devices than a first time user.
So let me first start by saying this doorbell is bigger than an ordinary doorbell, but nonetheless very modern looking. It is one unit, not too heavy, and definitely sturdy. The instructions are a bit confusing, so take it step by step and you’ll get it. It also had multiple adapters that, well, weren’t all needed. The doorbell though is not that easy to figure out without the directions though.
The doorbell comes with everything needed to setup (EXCEPT an AC adapter and 2 AA batteries for the in house receiver, if you are going either of those routes). It also does not have a tiny screwdriver, so have one handy in addition to a regular Philips head screw driver. By tiny, I mean eyeglass screwdriver size… I wasn’t expecting that one but luckily had one accessible.
The app is pretty easy. If you have used any other smart wireless home product apps (i.e. security camera, garage openers, wireless locks), this application looks similar to all the others!
Getting down to the nitty gritty… Based on my experience, I could not recommend this product for what it should be. As a regular doorbell and maybe an Ethernet connection MAYBE… but for a wireless doorbell with built in camera, I’m sorry, it just didn’t fit the buck. From my experience, I spent maybe 20 minutes checking it out and programming it before installing outside my home and it appeared to work pretty well. Once I got it installed outside, I could not get it to hold a signal to the wifi. Having other things connected to the wifi that are further, I ruled out the fact that welp, it is too far for the signal to reach. I reset it several times, uninstalled and reinstalled and while it works on the regular receiver, it’s very finicky with being connected to the app on my phone. It works for a minute or two and then it’s not connected. This to me is no Bueno because if the camera and app don’t work, it is just yet another doorbell. I'm currently waiting on a response on it and will likely be returning this item.
I was provided this item at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Lesson #1 in Reviewing: Amazon Rank
This information is strictly my opinion based on my experience. I recognize that there may not be any science or research evidence to base this information on other than as clearly stated as a fact.
I felt it was important to share information about reviewing and why it seems I can get many of the things I want for review purposes. You've got to have good grammar. You've got to be informative. You've got to make your review stand out from the other several hundred that will be posted as well. Those who know me, tend to know, I march at the beat of my own drum, so the last one was not all that difficult for me.
I've also learned the importance of Amazon ranking in the review world. Two months ago from tomorrow (Sept 13th), I began documenting my Amazon ranking in my Excel spreadsheet that I keep my review information but on a seperate tab. I've seen myself rating cut itself in half, since reviewing much more serious and beginning this blog as well as doing more video and picture reviews.
Fact: I do not video or picture review everything.
Fact: I do not have special equipment to photograph, video, or edit for Amazon.
Fact: I do not fully understand how reviewer rank works. It does not appear to be a simple math formula, but more complex based on % and amount of reviews and helpful reviews combined.
Regardless, I'm happy to see my rank go higher and would love to eventually be an Amazon Vine Reviewer. Don't know about the Vine Reviewer program? Click my link!
Let's just say even without being a Vine Reviewer, I'm shooting for top 10.000 reviewer and I'm more than half way to this goal! I look twice a week at my ranking and I've seen it go up, but I've seen it go down (by thousands over a few days). Nonetheless, I'm going to keep swimming!
With that being said... I continue to make improvements including changing the font on this page and utilizing other social media more in my reviews. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @DaNetJunkie. I make no promises or guarantees of using this page frequently, but I'm working on it!
I felt it was important to share information about reviewing and why it seems I can get many of the things I want for review purposes. You've got to have good grammar. You've got to be informative. You've got to make your review stand out from the other several hundred that will be posted as well. Those who know me, tend to know, I march at the beat of my own drum, so the last one was not all that difficult for me.
I've also learned the importance of Amazon ranking in the review world. Two months ago from tomorrow (Sept 13th), I began documenting my Amazon ranking in my Excel spreadsheet that I keep my review information but on a seperate tab. I've seen myself rating cut itself in half, since reviewing much more serious and beginning this blog as well as doing more video and picture reviews.
Fact: I do not video or picture review everything.
Fact: I do not have special equipment to photograph, video, or edit for Amazon.
Fact: I do not fully understand how reviewer rank works. It does not appear to be a simple math formula, but more complex based on % and amount of reviews and helpful reviews combined.
Regardless, I'm happy to see my rank go higher and would love to eventually be an Amazon Vine Reviewer. Don't know about the Vine Reviewer program? Click my link!
Let's just say even without being a Vine Reviewer, I'm shooting for top 10.000 reviewer and I'm more than half way to this goal! I look twice a week at my ranking and I've seen it go up, but I've seen it go down (by thousands over a few days). Nonetheless, I'm going to keep swimming!
With that being said... I continue to make improvements including changing the font on this page and utilizing other social media more in my reviews. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @DaNetJunkie. I make no promises or guarantees of using this page frequently, but I'm working on it!
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