Do QVC Vendors 'Comp' Samples to Forum Members? - Page 2

wildcat fan · ‎03-23-2010

About a year ago, the Beauty forum would be buzzing with posters saying they got freebies or know of someone who got freebies of TSVs before they launched. All were extremely positive and encouraging posters to order. I recall one poster in particular who identified herself as a YouTube blogger, and she posted links to her YouTube blog. I mainly saw this for IT Cosmetics. I haven't paid much attention to those threads lately, so I don't know if they continue to send out freebies. Personally, I felt it wasn't fair to send out free samples to a select group, and I thought it was somewhat annoying to have the ones who received freebies to come here in the Community to promote the products--even if there was disclosure.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@Suzeecat wrote:
Serious Skin Care sends samples of new products out to customers before a launch. I used to get them, but haven't in a while. I'm not sure how to get on their list anymore.

I remember this and I think they still do it. Then some of those who rec'd the freebies would call in during a show to talk about the product. I don't know how you sign up for that either.

I remember the Hot in Hollywood rep on HSN used to send items to people too who would photograph themselves wearing the item and Lori would show the photos during her HSN visit and again, those women would call in and talk about the item.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@wildcat fan wrote:
About a year ago, the Beauty forum would be buzzing with posters saying they got freebies or know of someone who got freebies of TSVs before they launched. All were extremely positive and encouraging posters to order. I recall one poster in particular who identified herself as a YouTube blogger, and she posted links to her YouTube blog. I mainly saw this for IT Cosmetics. I haven't paid much attention to those threads lately, so I don't know if they continue to send out freebies. Personally, I felt it wasn't fair to send out free samples to a select group, and I thought it was somewhat annoying to have the ones who received freebies to come here in the Community to promote the products--even if there was disclosure.

I kind of recall this as well. I remember wondering how honest those reviews were going to be if they were getting the items for free.

Chrystaltree2 · ‎12-08-2014

Don't believe everthing you hear. I don't think anyone gets samples or freebies because they post on this board. If people are getting such things it's because they are in contact with the vendors outside of this board. There are board members who are in contact with Louis and his wife outside of this board and the same probably holds true for some of the other vendors. I do know that at one time, HSN sent cosmetic and skincare samples to people who were already customers of a particular line. Years ago, I used Adrienne's products and Serious Skincare and I would get samples of new products. Apparently only customers who spent a bit of $$ got that perk because my sister who occasionally bought from those lines never received any samples.

GraceCO · ‎11-16-2011

@chrystaltree wrote:
Don't believe everthing you hear. I don't think anyone gets samples or freebies because they post on this board. If people are getting such things it's because they are in contact with the vendors outside of this board. There are board members who are in contact with Louis and his wife outside of this board and the same probably holds true for some of the other vendors. I do know that at one time, HSN sent cosmetic and skincare samples to people who were already customers of a particular line. Years ago, I used Adrienne's products and Serious Skincare and I would get samples of new products. Apparently only customers who spent a bit of $$ got that perk because my sister who occasionally bought from those lines never received any samples.

But, if those same people are posting reviews on the QVC board, then I think it needs to be disclosed. I have no idea if QVC has a policy to address it, but they should IMO.

KathyPet · ‎03-09-2010

Maybe that's why some vendors have nothing but 5 star reviews.

lulu2 · ‎03-09-2010

@KathyPet wrote:
Maybe that's why some vendors have nothing but 5 star reviews.

Or why they have loyal followers who beg you not to return their products or leave negative feedback.

gailcoco · ‎04-19-2012

There are many companies that provide reviews for various items. These companies have hundreds (or more) employees who post positive reviews for products all over the internet. These employees have never used any of these products but post hundreds of positive reviews daily. So one never knows what review is honest and what review is a paid endorsement.

Companies that make sure a reviewer has made a confirmed purchase make it easier for the public to get a honest user opinion.

Gail

~~66 and owned by cats and dogs.~~

KathyPet · ‎03-09-2010

Any person who is in contact with any vendor on a more personal basis and, as a result, receives discounts or freebies should absolutely be disclosing that and IMHO should not be posting about that vendor's products and most certainly not writing reviews for any of that vendor's products. It taints the entire review.