What to do if I don’t like the product that I was asked to review? Have you ever asked this question? I have been there, with several sponsored posts offers, so I wanted to share what I do on my personal page when this happens.
I was thinking about this more, because earlier this week, in our private Facebook group (you should join if you aren’t there), someone asked the question “What do I do if I don’t like the product that I reviewed?”
I always say that if I don’t like a product, I gracefully back out of the campaign. I simply write an e-mail back to the company or person in charge, stating that it was not a great fit for my blog, but then I try to send them a few other blogs that may love it! I don’t want to leave them without anything, so giving them blogs that would be a better fit is always on my agenda (plus, I love helping other bloggers and matching a blogger with a brand!)
The reasoning that I don’t post a negative review is simply that I do not want to hurt a business. Now… just because I was not a fan of their product does not mean that someone else might not love it. It also does not mean that I am going to use my influence to take down their hard work. They obviously believe in this product or they would not be selling it, so who am I to tear that down? I just can’t fathom hurting anyone’s reputation, so instead of telling them that I don’t like it, I will just back out.
If you don’t want to back out completely…
Another option is to write about HOW it works, not IF it works. I might write about how to use this product, but I will not give my personal opinion about if I like or dislike it. You could even run the idea past the brand “Hey- I’d love to share about how it works with images to support each step. Does that work for you?” You are keeping it very matter-of-fact and not opinion based.
In all things, just try to put yourself into their shoes. What would YOU like if you were the brand? Also, remember that other brands are looking at your work. You don’t want to scare them away with negative reviews.
If I was a brand looking for bloggers to write my content and I was comparing two blogs, I would be more likely to hire the blogger that has kind reviews than the one that has negative reviews, because I would not want to run the risk of mine being put on the negative list.
Just remember- as with everything in life… be graceful and be kind… and you will be set!
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Great advice. I have not gotten a product that I have not enjoyed so far but will keep your tips fir the future!
This was an exceptionally helpful and relevant post!
There have been many times that I do not want to post a negative book review, but really disliked the copy I was given. If it’s lower than a 3-star rating, I email the author and let them know. I give them an explanation of why, and let them know that they can opt out of having their review posted.
A few authors have still chosen to have it posted, as it brought them a bit of attention, but most are pleased to not have negative connotation attached to their titles.