Question About Reviews

Mr. Gloss said:
What percentage of product reviews are done in return for Free products versus purchased products?
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It sounds like you have a commentary to make on the unbiased nature of review made on forums.

I try to take reviews with a grain of salt based on who is giving the review, not whether they bought the product. An experienced and trusted detailer is more likely to give a useful review. I pay less attention to comments regarding preference or appearance, because opinions, likes, and dislikes are very subjective. So a statement like, "this wax shines more" is a sign of a poor review. I look for application tips and difficulties in use...stuff like that. So I really don't care if the product was free or purchased. If the review didn't cover information I am looking for, I disregard it anyway.
 
Mr. Gloss said:
What percentage of product reviews are done in return for Free products versus purchased products?
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I'm not sure what this has to do with the review? It would be one thing if they are being paid for the review, but just to get the product you are reviewing for free shouldn't really matter. If I got a sample of a product for free because a company wants feedback on it, why would that affect my review?
 
While reading the regretful buy thread is what prompted me to inquire.

There are many items that appear on the regret list that have received raves and fireworks over performance and quality, etc.

There's a seasoned professional that once posted on DC, and I'm paraphrasing, "most hype is not the truth, it's designed to sell product", or something like that.

I believe that people who buy products and/or who use them everyday are inclined to give a more accurate review.

That's where I am on it. You can be where you wish to be. Neither side is wrong, just a difference insight.


So back to my question: What percentage of reviewed products are complimentary?
 
Mr. Gloss said:
While reading the regretful buy thread is what prompted me to inquire.

There are many items that appear on the regret list that have received raves and fireworks over performance and quality, etc.

There's a seasoned professional that once posted on DC, and I'm paraphrasing, "most hype is not the truth, it's designed to sell product", or something like that.

I believe that people who buy products and/or who use them everyday are inclined to give a more accurate review.

That's where I am on it. You can be where you wish to be. Neither side is wrong, just a difference insight.


So back to my question: What percentage of reviewed products are complimentary?
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I think it depends on who is doing the reviews. If a DIY'er is given a product through a contest they would probably be more likely to write up a quick review about the product, and focus on the good points since they are happy to have gotten a free product. If it's a pro, or someone who is frequently asked for their opinion on a new product I would think that it would be less biased. I have been lucky enough to be given several products to test/review, some before production, some after production but before release, and then a couple after they have been released. I always try to give an honest review, noting the good things about the product, but also the not so good things. I don't think just because someone is given a product that you can't trust the reviews. Just my .02.

also it would be impossible to get an accurate percentage unless everyone that has ever done a review chimed in.
 
I for one have done a few reviews for products that were sent to me. BUt I have tried to be as unbiased and truthful as possible. You can see by a few of my reviews that I did find some negatives to products compared to others I have used.

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums...ew-poorboy-s-syn1-super-cut-super-finish.html
(Syn1: Very high dusting and not as good as M105)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums...mondite-crystal-gloss-surface-protectant.html
(DCGSP: Not really any better than a spray wax or QD)

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums...s/30571-product-review-pre-wow-black-wow.html
(BW: Expensive compared to others and not very durable.)


I for one have used and like Amazing Roll off for what it is. When I did the review; it worked well and I needed up buying a gallon. I have now started using some other APC's that can work just as well and are cheaper. So I will be switching it out when I finish my gallon. But I don't regret buying it. It has its uses.


For me it is more important to try and keep my integrity than to do a fluff review with lots of praise just to get free product.
 
Mr. Gloss said:
While reading the regretful buy thread is what prompted me to inquire.

There are many items that appear on the regret list that have received raves and fireworks over performance and quality, etc.

There's a seasoned professional that once posted on DC, and I'm paraphrasing, "most hype is not the truth, it's designed to sell product", or something like that.

I believe that people who buy products and/or who use them everyday are inclined to give a more accurate review.

That's where I am on it. You can be where you wish to be. Neither side is wrong, just a difference insight.


So back to my question: What percentage of reviewed products are complimentary?
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I think a lot of that just comes down to user preference and what works for one may not work for all. I have certain attributes I look for in a product and depending on how important each of them is to me, it can make or break the product. An example would be my dislike for Zaino, which has a lot to do with the application and removal process, not because its a bad product. In fact, on the occasions where it actually did work well for me, I felt it looked great. However, I dislike fussy products and ease of use is one of the most important attributes I look for in a product.
 
Thats a good point Chad. Different people may be looking for different qualities in a product. For example I HATE souveran with a passion because it only last for 2 weeks at most. That is important to me if putting it on a customer's car. For others that wax their car every week, it's the best wax on the market.
 
I am not sure how many reviews are based upon getting a free product but I always know that everyone has a different opinion and needs which is why we have so many different products to purchase.

Most of the reviews come from regulars so we usually know their background and do not think there is some sinister plot but some of us like to use products and tell others.

The fact is reviews help sell products since there are so many choices and people need something to make a decision which is why sellers give away products and ask for a review.

For me, I have been buying various soaps (cheaper than waxes) in part as curiosity over why people like certain soaps over another.
 
Bunky said:
I am not sure how many reviews are based upon getting a free product but I always know that everyone has a different opinion and needs which is why we have so many different products to purchase.

Most of the reviews come from regulars so we usually know their background and do not think there is some sinister plot but some of us like to use products and tell others.

The fact is reviews help sell products since there are so many choices and people need something to make a decision which is why sellers give away products and ask for a review.

For me, I have been buying various soaps (cheaper than waxes) in part as curiosity over why people like certain soaps over another.
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I actually find soaps very hard to compare, especially when it comes to cleaning ability and gloss (CGGW).
 
RaskyR1 said:
I actually find soaps very hard to compare, especially when it comes to cleaning ability and gloss (CGGW).
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I agree -- but honestly that is because 95% of the time if I'm washing a vehicle with a traditional soap it's with the goal of removing the LSP or rinsing away polishing oils before or during a detail. The rest of the time I pretty much reach for a rinseless wash and those I do find a bit easier to compare.


As to the "bought vs. given review" issue I think there's a simple solution. In the interest of full disclosure, why not ask people to clearly state how they came to acquire the product and whether or not they were paid for the review at the time they write and post it? To a lot of folks it won't matter but for those who care this solves their problems in a hurry.
 
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