Have you ever noticed on Amazon in reading the reviews that more often than not there are quite a few reviews where whoever left the review had received the item for free or at a reduced price in exchange for an unbiased review? Who are those people anyway? Are they even real or did the seller make them up so they could add a review on themselves? Sometimes I wish I could get on the list to get all those freebies, especially those things that run hundreds of dollars instead of having to pay for them like everyone else. I usually ignore those reviews where they received the item for free when making the decision to purchase something because I really doubt those are accurate. Just my totally unbiased review of the reviewers who receive those freebies for an unbiased review!
You hit the nail on the head there. I think the reviews are way overrated. Even when you read them you can tell how they got there. There's no controls
Recently ordered a"dual probe" wireless thermo for the smoker, only to find out upon receiving it that "dual" meant "spare." Reviewed the reviews, and came across one that read, "The seller should be sued for false advertising!" I couldn't help but agree. Disclaimer: it was my fault for not reading enough reviews, because the pic of the unit didn't actually show both leads plugged in.
I can personally recommend the Maverick ET732 dual probe thermometer. I use it to remotely monitor my plenum and stack temps on my wood furnace but I'm sure it would work well for the light duty use of a BBQ. Mine runs 24/7 once heating season starts...it will run a year on the batterys...had one probe go out the first winter, I called 'em and they sent a new one one no problem.
Reading all the reviews seems to be a necessary evil any more. But don't stop there. Do an internet search for the item and especially look for a forum that has a discussion on the specific item. That's what I tend to do and most of the time it works out well. Sometimes it's irritating to see reviews on those forums where the person indicates they were given whatever product for an unbiased review! But the following reviews tend to tell the tale. I believe all the sellers/vendors should be held liable for their product, especially if their add is misleading.
The put something in the review, either at the beginning or end which states how they received the product. Here are a few examples: "Disclosure: A sample was provided for a review, good or bad." " I was offered this ******** at a discount in exchange for my honest review." "Review sample provided free or at a discounted price for a fair, unbiased, and honest review." "I received a free sample for my evaluation and unbiased review, which I have given." Those examples were copied directly from Amazon in the product reviews. Amazon should send me a free 90cc+ chainsaw with a 36" B&C for my totally unbiased review.
I usually see those associated with newer electronic gadgets and the like. A chainsaw is an electronic gadget, right? I mean, a spark is caused by electricity!
I buy a lot from Amazon, Just checked my history, 63 orders in the last 6 months. It would have been higher had they included Christmas. I often get requests from Amazon asking for me to write a review on one of my purchases. I usually don't mind doing it. I have read the reviews from folks who said they got something for less because they would write reviews. I've never had that luck. I have prime and I am handicapped with limited mobility so Amazon is has been a big help to me. So yes. At least some of the the reviews are honest and an expression of how I feel about an item. I buy a lot of pet supplies from them. I can get them delivered to my door and cheaper than going to the pet store.
Yup just Google the item number real quick. I think forum searches are decent some forums (and I think it's becoming worse) Have cool guy clubs or unintelligent mass bias against or for a product. The internet is becoming trendy rather than intellectual. I know this for a fact on certain subjects that I am very proficient in.
One thing I do like is Amazon will send emails when someone asks a question about a product I have purchased. Just answered one a few days ago about a doorbell we bought a couple years ago. Simple question but I understand why the people wanted an answer so I gave them the answer they requested. Took me probably a minute to do and if it helps, good.
I do read reviews myself, but only the low rated ones. If you think about it, you learn nothing from the high rated reviews. Typically, you want to know how long something will last, how reliable it is, if there are any of the same problems recurring amongst owners. That stuff.
At least they are required to reveal that they got it for a discount (most of them), or free (some of them). I have read several reviews lately, from those that got products at a steep discount that were unfavorable (1 or 2 stars). I tend to read a couple of the compensated reviews as those usually reveal interesting things that I am most interested in, but are unlikely to be addressed. Like I don't care if it works like magic if it doesn't work for a lefty. Nor do I care if a pull start is smooth and works on 1 pull everytime if it is to stiff for me to pull. I just read a couple of those compensated reviews, then go on to regular reviews. I do submit reviews at times at Amazon and H*me Dep*t - sometimes they are good, sometimes bad.
I see the disclaimed reviews on just about everything. Recently bought some essential oils and every one I looked at had reviews by those who were compensated in some way. Okay, that isn't true, 1 brand of an oil had zero reviews. The price is low enough that I ordered a small bottle to see how it is - and will leave a review to get them started (or buried - whichever it happens to be).
