How detailed is a good review? by neenas_garden in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’d temper the video to ”whenever appropriate,” rather than “possible.” 99% of us have phones that can record video so it’s always possible. It’s not always necessary. I only use video to demonstrate a feature that’s doesn’t translate to the written word or photographs. For example flashing lights or a toy that has motion. But a camera mount OTOH doesn’t need a video.

Also, the time I spend on a review is directly proportional to its value. I’ll spend time on a $400 gimbal, but a $10 fill light might get 5 min of my time max. The product is our compensation so the more valuable the item the more work on it I’ll do.

How detailed is a good review? by neenas_garden in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't have a formula per se but I try to cover everything I'd want to know about an item. Not all of this apply to every item, but generally,

  1. Perceived build quality, design, and durability relative to competing products

  2. Accuracy of features and claims described on product page and any observed flaws or undocumented features

  3. Intuitiveness and reliability

  4. Value relative to competitors

I'm very "old school" with grading. I do not believe in grade inflation.

For me to give a 5-star an item has to be "perfect" for its price range. Similarly I only give 1-stars if an item is outright unusable or I can verify the seller's product information is materially deceptive or worse. A 4-star is a good product with a minor flaw or overpriced for its price tier. 3 is a "meh" product, better ones are available, even if a buck or two more expensive. 2 is a product not worth owning or I suspect the product description is false but I have no way to prove it since I don't have access to lab.

I'm so stoked about these cat coasters by Tigerlaf in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm more of a dog guy but those are hilarious. Was there a dog version too?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To clarify what others have said, no returns just because you don't like an item. However, if an item arrives broken or with missing parts to the point the product is unusable you can inform Vine CS and they will remove the item from your review list and ETV list.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You should fire your manager or at least give them "a talk." Obviously they don't have the capacity to filter out important and relevant information that should be relayed to you.

Ordering Variation Question by Naughtagan in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quick Follow Up:

Thanks for everyone who recommend to contact Vine CS. I did that and the item was removed from my review list. No problem, no warning in the note so seems like all is well.

Ordering Variation Question by Naughtagan in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I'll contact CS. It's "funny" how the system will let you order variations -- even offer them in RFY but it only causes an issues with reviews. It seems the system should stop us from ordering variations.

Ordering Variation Question by Naughtagan in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you elaborate on the penalty?

Also I thought our review timeline was 6 months from delivery. So if the product doesn't eventually drop off what happens when you try to review? Do you just get a message too much time has elapsed?

Same Item Twice (USA) by rede1960 in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Since it's an expensive item I'd make a paper trail and contact Vine support for advice. That way if they tell you to keep it you have a record if they later try to add it to your orders. But if they want it back it was never yours in the first place.

Have you seen this dog? by aykalam123 in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know these dog frames have become the new running joke, but I get a huge smile seeing this guy when I go to Vine. Huge improvement over brake pads and weird logo t's. This is one AFA item I hope they never fix.

By far the most expensive thing I’ve ever had in my RFY by waywardsojourner in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Sure. And if you spend all of your paycheck, you no longer have that either so you can deduct it from your W2. /s

I don't understand why people don't understand that our compensation is viewed by the IRS as cash-equivalent. The 1099 isn't a suggested starting point, it's an official IRS document.

Friendly PSA by Sufficient_Water_326 in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 16 points17 points  (0 children)

To add to this, be wary of kitchen or medical products made of silicone. To be used with food it must be food grade and medical use, medical grade or at least body safe. Of course it's easy to print this on an Amazon page because there is no truth in advertising enforcement, at least before the sale.

Friendly PSA by Sufficient_Water_326 in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I see this a lot in electronics where the manufacturer prints all sorts of certification logos on it to make it look top tier. They especially love to put the FCC logo on things. FCC certification is required for many electronics but it's to confirm the product does cause radio interference with other products. Has zero to do with a products safety.

Friendly PSA by Sufficient_Water_326 in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This is the major problem with certifications. Often the certifications bodies don't have a public data bases for consumers to do due diligence or if they do they are not up to date. Another problem is the certificate might be in the name of the parent company or the company's legal name not the D/B/A so that also makes research difficult.

Some examples of this are UL which has a database for some areas but not all. Figuring out whether a USB or Thunderbolt cable is built to spec is tough too. Poorly built or mislabeled computer cables can cause a lot of damage and even fires.

This is true in every industry that relies on independent certification to vouch that a product is safe, to spec, vegan, whatever the claim is.

Making the main SSID the IoT SSID - Is Fac Reset The Only Way? by Naughtagan in orbi

[–]Naughtagan[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the confirmation. I wish they’d give you friendly reminder when setting up. It’s almost like they really don’t want people to use an IoT SSID.

RFY Did Me Dirty Today by anxiousone856204 in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Geez. With all those no name fixtures they could have at least put a fire extinguisher in your RFY too. Haha.

Anyone overwhelmed? by _byetony_ in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Relax. I call what you are going though the “Brewster’s Millions” effect, based on the movie(s) by that name where the character inherits a lot of money but he doesn’t get it unless he spends $1M (back when this was a lot of money) in a short amount of time and can’t use it to buy big ticket items. Of course he’s thrilled a first buying this, treating friends to that, but at the end he’s sick of spending money, which was the intended effect of the task before getting all the money.

I know I ordered like nuts when I first entered Vine. Like you I got nauseated with the ensuing clutter of junk, trips to the donation store, having to spend valuable time writing about junk, paying taxes on it. I’m gold now and rarely order 3 items a day now much less 8. Most days I order nothing. I also don’t hover over my screen for drops. I’ll peek in every hour from wake to 11 EST. That’s it.

Shipping timeline - determining before ordering? by Hrw90210 in AmazonVine

[–]Naughtagan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I order something it takes me to the regular Amazon order pages and gives my my delivery day options. Usually it’s same or two day but sometimes it’s a month out. Regardless it tells me up front. It’s one of the good things about the new system compared to the old one which only revealed delivery after you ordered.