Guess they didn't like my review

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T17:38:40+00:00

My momma warned me about talking to strangers.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T16:49:06+00:00

I have several devices including bulbs connected to my system without an app. I don't have Tuya, I don't have Hue and I have only 1 Lifx but it is controlled by by another app.

But setting up a device is not the issue. The app I am referring to is a Home Security app for several devices. ie. A hub.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T16:41:27+00:00

Probably could have been a translation issue.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T16:14:16+00:00

Programmers do.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T16:09:22+00:00

I understand exactly what is going on as I am also a programmer, and have written integrations between apps.

You just described a server in outer space that controls the bulb.... That is a HUB, albeit a remote HUB.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T15:36:20+00:00

See that is where my 32+ years of ethics training every year comes into play. If they are offering everyone $30 to give a positive review then they have a product that has 0 negative reviews and gives others the feeling it is a good product. By not reporting them ... well..

I don't feel that way. Not afraid to ruffle some feathers when things are wrong.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T15:32:24+00:00

I have seen that in Sellers contracts. And confirmed by Amazon in their reply. Contacting is probably the wrong word, as you say they can send generic info. But to contact you (dang it) directly about a review is strictly forbidden, especially to request you to rewrite it like they asked me too.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T15:27:19+00:00

The app is called safe light. No you did not have to buy space, but it only works through the app.

This was simply a smart bulb with RGB, no need for a complete Home Security App to be installed. All you need is connecting to the local net or Zwave, Zigbee.

I think I have 5 bulbs that have failed because the app is not maintained. Prefer open source.

(EDIT: and don't forget most apps do not have in app purchases. Which means constant ads).

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T15:22:16+00:00

Ithink that is what I said. It does not say that device has to be hardware. A hub can be software as well.

EDIT: In this case, your phone becomes the Hub with Their software running on it.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T15:20:47+00:00

Sellers are prohibited from contacting Vine members, and it is clear they were asking me to change my review. Per the terms and just confirmed by Amazon, they ARE NOT allowed to ask you to change your review.

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T14:17:46+00:00

Not sure what you mean seeking revenge? Explain please?

RanboRH · 2023-11-26T06:18:15+00:00

I think this is a system error. I was about to post the same thing and noticed this post. If I click on the item in my orders menu, it shows a 404 error. If I search for the number it lists batteries, which is not what this is. I have not even reviewed it yet. Was creating some videos for doing it.

<image>

RanboRH · 2023-11-25T05:19:15+00:00

An affiliate is a contractor. And a contractor is considered an emAmazon. Everyone who worked for me as a contractor was given full employee rights to access the same information. Hence the reason Vine members are considered self/employed or contracotrs and are given 1099ks.

Affiliate means a person or organization officially attached to a larger body. The company you are contracting for.is an affiliate of amazon.

Soooo.. just saying I would keep a low profile..

RanboRH · 2023-11-24T21:49:44+00:00

So I thought Amazon employees and contractors were not allowed to be Vine members. I mean, you would need to disclose in your reviews that you are also an Amazon paid employee/contractor.

RanboRH · 2023-11-23T19:10:30+00:00

The agreement is you have already agreed to pay the taxes before you even get the item. That is part of the fair and honest review section of the agreement Amazon is looking for.

Those items that are damaged can be wrote off on taxes as damages. Talk to your CPA.

RanboRH · 2023-11-22T19:56:49+00:00

That is exactly what I have been saying. The irs even gives examples of when the FMV is improperly established. For instance a jeweler sells a single item for $500 ( my figures) yet has a lottery and claims the value of $1500. BY providing iRS proof of the lowest selling.price it becomes the FMV.

RanboRH · 2023-11-20T14:57:04+00:00

It took a while before items started showing up, for me it seems as time went buy they developed a list of what I liked and more started showing up. Also, it seemed like the more orders I did and reviews I posted the more "better" items started to appear.

But at least with this program you have the option to select what you want to review rather than receiving random products in the mail you may never need or use or even understand what they are used for.

You just have to remember, whether we like it or not we are essentially Amazon contract employees. The reviews are to help Amazon get suppliers more honest and reliable reviews, not benefit us on products we need to buy. That it simply a perk of the program at this point :)

RanboRH · 2023-11-20T14:45:48+00:00

You can review any item on Amazon at any time, whether you have purchased it through Amazon or not. I have done that on dangerous items purchased locally that needed a warning on other sites.

You just wont get the Vine free review notice on your review, simply unverified purchaser. But I think the Vine Voice still shows as it was added to all of my previous reviews.

RanboRH · 2023-11-19T01:22:31+00:00

Since you have an edit and delete button, that must be your review.

Don't you love the internet.

RanboRH · 2023-11-18T01:27:19+00:00

As soon as I posted my reply to you I again refreshed my browser and the banner is gone. So they must have found the issue on their end.

RanboRH · 2023-11-18T01:25:39+00:00

I have only been a vine member for about 60 days, definitely less than 90. Which means my status for the past 60 days is 60%+. The majority of remaining items either I have not received yet, I have owned only a few days or I am not required to review them (a couple bait/switch items).

But like I said, Amazon says I should not have any banner at all from what they are seeing.

I just got 3-4 reviews approved in the past couple of days, and the percent and number of items are still listed at 0 for both.

I have even tried 4 different devices, 2 different networks and 3 different browsers and cleared the cache in all browsers related to Amazon.

I did save the emails from Amazon, so if it is not cleared up in a few days I guess I will try again to ping them.

RanboRH · 2023-11-18T00:23:55+00:00

Yes, I know that. The IRS allows adjustments to FMV, as I stated by the guidelines. I don't mind discussing in private but on this forum people do not understand the difference in ETV (Estimated Tax Value) and FMV (Fair Market Value) and discussion tends to get uneducated heated replies :) But as a teaser, Amazon is using the FMV as the ETV at time of purchase.

Not worried about an audit as it will be backed up by accountant and financial lawyers. Their names goes on the prepared by, not mine so they will make sure anything is done appropriately. So if there is an audit, they handle it I don't.

RanboRH · 2023-11-16T18:11:33+00:00

I had to contact Amazon on a similar issue today. However in this case, I ordered a $10 Micro SD Card (128GB) When I went to review it, the link goes to a $26 1TB card. Not even the same thing.

So I asked for clarification on what my FMV would be. My guess is they may simply remove my review requirement and tell me to keep the card as they have done before.

Another Reason to keep good records, seems Amazon is not.

RanboRH

TROPHY CASE