How It Works
I’ve been in this business for over 15 years, and I’ve seen that whether big or small, all review sites work pretty much the same.
Sometimes they get a bunch of products together, and actually test them but often that’s not practical. I mean who’s got space for a half dozen ride-on lawnmowers? Who can afford to put together six of the world’s most expensive wristwatches to review?
So in many cases review websites check the manufacturer’s information, research a variety of online sources, and analyze customer feedback. Then they collate all that info to provide an in-depth evaluation. If you read a review on websites like Homes & Gardens, Bob Vila, The New York Times, or Forbes this will often be the case. It’s a good way to give prospective buyers the best advice possible when real-world testing isn’t feasible.
How can you tell which is which?
There are a couple of things. First, if the review uses the words ‘testing’ or ‘tested’ then there’s a better than even chance it was done hands-on. The website should support that with details of how they tested.
If it’s called ‘reviewed’, or ‘collated’, then the information was usually gathered from reputable online sources instead.
The other thing you can look at is the photos. Have they been taken specifically for the article, or have they been copied from the retailer or manufacturer’s website? There’s nothing wrong with the latter, everybody does it, but it is a good indicator of the way the review was done.
How do I know this stuff? Because I’ve worked for some of the biggest review websites on the internet. It’s insider information if you like.
Most of the people involved are decent, honest folks who spend a lot of time trying to give shoppers the best advice possible. Unfortunately, some sites just want to make a quick buck. They copy the hard work done by others, and then regurgitate it. You can often tell. The spelling is off. Or when you check product links they go to a different item or are out of stock.
Is the method really important?
Hands-on testing is only as good as the testing methods chosen, and the people doing the testing. A lot of the time these are well thought-out but not always.
And the hands-off alternative? Professional review writers like me spend a lot of time checking facts and opinions to make sure we offer the most comprehensive information possible. However, at the end of the day it’s always a personal choice whether to follow online recommendations or not. If you’re not sure, never forget that you can always get the advice you need somewhere else.
The way I do it
A lot of review sites have a list of products and categories that are popular, or trending. Then they assign a staff member or freelancer to get the review written. Sometimes the writer in question has experience in the area, sometimes not.
Honest Joe’s Help isn’t such a big, commercial operation so I don’t have the same demands to write about something that I don’t know about. As a result, I only review products where I have some experience or personal interest. For example, I’m a DIY nut, and I love gardening. I’ve had the same kind of grief with home appliances as most people. I recently reviewed the best tire inflators because who hasn’t had a flat or a puncture?
You get the idea? I’m a bit like having your own personal shopper – but you don’t have to pay me!
I always check manufacturer websites to make sure the details are accurate. You might be surprised to know that things like size and weight at well-known online shopping sites are often wrong.
I don’t give you eight or ten options because frankly, what’s the point? I reckon you probably need to know the overall best, the best value pick, and maybe an interesting alternative. Do you really need to know the ‘best ironing board for small apartments’? Or the ‘best coffee grinder for tea drinkers’?
OK, I’m kidding with those descriptions, but sometimes they do seem a bit far-fetched don’t they? I know why it’s done – it’s to appeal to search engines like Google – but that’s a whole other subject… and quite dull 😉
More info?
So anyway, I think I’ve rambled on long enough for now. If you have any questions by all means drop me a line using the form below (it helps reduce spam). I’ll usually get back to you within a few days. If I didn’t then check your spam. Sometimes replies can get redirected by accident.