Would the Vine reviewers modify their ratings if they had paid for the trimmer? Hello,The number of reviews by members of the Amazon Vine program (83) dwarves the number of reviews by non-members (19). I am curious if the Vine reviewers believe if their reviews were at all influenced by receiving the trimmer for free. Would you have given the same 4 and 5 star reviews if you had paid $17 for the trimmer?(A higher percentage of non-members give the trimmer 5 stars compared to Vine members and the percentage of 3 star reviews is roughly equal so there does not appear to be any disparity.) Would the Vine reviewers modify their ratings if they had paid for the trimmer? Hello,The number of reviews by members of the Amazon Vine program (83) dwarves the number of reviews by... » Read More Would the Vine reviewers modify their ratings if they had paid for the trimmer? Hello,The number of reviews by members of the Amazon Vine program (83) dwarves the number of reviews by non-members (19). I am curious if the Vine reviewers believe if their reviews were at all influenced by receiving the trimmer for free. Would you have given the same 4 and 5 star reviews if you had paid $17 for the trimmer?(A higher percentage of non-members give the trimmer 5 stars compared to Vine members and the percentage of 3 star reviews is roughly equal so there does not appear to be any disparity.) « Show Less
814831
What James said. For what it's worth, I'm a Vine program member here to order (at my own expense) a second of these to replace one that just died after about a year (it's too cheap to worry about trying to pursue some kind of warranty if there is one). I honestly don't remember if I got the first one on the Vine program or not. Viners don't really have any incentive to pull punches; in fact I try to be as picky as possible with a Vine review. As James said, I only request products I really want so of course that means I'm probably predisposed to like them - but that doesn't mean I'm going to lie about them. What James said. For what it's worth, I'm a Vine program member here to order (at my own expense) a second of these to replace one that just died after about a year (it's too cheap to worry about trying to pursue some kind of warranty if there is one). I honestly don't remember if I got the first one on the Vine program or not. Viners don't really have any incentive to pull punches; in fact I try to be as picky as possible with a Vine review. As James said, I only request products I really want so of course that means I'm probably predisposed to like them - but that doesn't mean I'm going... » Read More What James said. For what it's worth, I'm a Vine program member here to order (at my own expense) a second of these to replace one that just died after about a year (it's too cheap to worry about trying to pursue some kind of warranty if there is one). I honestly don't remember if I got the first one on the Vine program or not. Viners don't really have any incentive to pull punches; in fact I try to be as picky as possible with a Vine review. As James said, I only request products I really want so of course that means I'm probably predisposed to like them - but that doesn't mean I'm going to lie about them. « Show Less
814832
I am very confused by Amazon's new program to supply their top reviewers with free product in an attempt to help other Amazon shoppers. This program seems to be put in place to quickly propel sales of a particular item and in the case of this trimmer, which has not been on the market for very long, it has a very large number of reviews over a short period of time. And I always make my decision to purchase an item based on the number of reviews and the quality of the content of those reviews. So, this Vine program seems to lend itself to bias and misuse which really does not help the Amazon community!Maybe we should simply make the decision to not purchase Vine reviewed products? Just a thought!!! I am very confused by Amazon's new program to supply their top reviewers with free product in an attempt to help other Amazon shoppers. This program seems to be put in place to quickly propel sales of a particular item and in the case of this trimmer, which has not been on the market for very long, it has a very large number of reviews over a short period of time. And I always make my decision to purchase an item based on the number of reviews and the quality of the content of those reviews. So, this Vine program seems to lend itself to bias and misuse which really does not help the Amazon... » Read More I am very confused by Amazon's new program to supply their top reviewers with free product in an attempt to help other Amazon shoppers. This program seems to be put in place to quickly propel sales of a particular item and in the case of this trimmer, which has not been on the market for very long, it has a very large number of reviews over a short period of time. And I always make my decision to purchase an item based on the number of reviews and the quality of the content of those reviews. So, this Vine program seems to lend itself to bias and misuse which really does not help the Amazon community!Maybe we should simply make the decision to not purchase Vine reviewed products? Just a thought!!! « Show Less
814833
I am officially not buying this product because of the Vine reviews, and very specifically after hearing the vine reviewers in this answer thread extolling the how great getting free stuff is and how super unbiased they are...this is irritating.
814834
It helps if you pick "verified purchaser" when you look at the reviews, and also compare the 1-star reviews (and how many are verified purchasers) to the higher ones... if there are a lot of low ranking reviews from verified purchasers, beware...
814835
This is the second product I've bypassed in as many days because of reviews from people who got the product for free. Reviewing in exchange for free product is an inherent conflict of interest, no matter how hard the reviewer tries to be objective. At the point compensation is received, it becomes a business and other factors besides helping fellow consumers are in play. So, Amazon, if you are listening, I for one am avoiding products with these reviews because I feel they are not trustworthy (No offense intended, Vine reviewers. Please don't write or call. :). It's a shame because the honest, freely offered community reviews was one of the real advantages to shopping here. This is the second product I've bypassed in as many days because of reviews from people who got the product for free. Reviewing in exchange for free product is an inherent conflict of interest, no matter how hard the reviewer tries to be objective. At the point compensation is received, it becomes a business and other factors besides helping fellow consumers are in play. So, Amazon, if you are listening, I for one am avoiding products with these reviews because I feel they are not trustworthy (No offense intended, Vine reviewers. Please don't write or call. :). It's a shame because the... » Read More This is the second product I've bypassed in as many days because of reviews from people who got the product for free. Reviewing in exchange for free product is an inherent conflict of interest, no matter how hard the reviewer tries to be objective. At the point compensation is received, it becomes a business and other factors besides helping fellow consumers are in play. So, Amazon, if you are listening, I for one am avoiding products with these reviews because I feel they are not trustworthy (No offense intended, Vine reviewers. Please don't write or call. :). It's a shame because the honest, freely offered community reviews was one of the real advantages to shopping here. « Show Less
814836
I bought the trimmer here on the basis of all the positive reviews. My original unit died within 1 month of ownership. Dealt with Panasonic for a warranty replacement (shipping item to them cost more than 50% of what I paid for the item). The replacement died within 3 weeks ownership. Complete crap.
814837
I give vine reviews less weight than other reviews. Not only is there an inherent bias when you receive a "gift" of a free product but they also try the product and do a quick review. They don't do the review after having the product for a reasonable period of time. At least Amazon notes that they are vine reviews.
1103311
That's a dumb claim. What is a "fake review?" I get offered free products to review and no one has ever said they would only give me a free test item if I gave them a high rating. I am also a real person who tries out products just like any person who buys them. I rate and review both products I buy and ones I get for free. I was offered this product to try and in no way did the person who sent it to me ask that I rate it in any particular way, they asked if I could provide an unbiased review. Its dumb to claim that these are "fake" reviews. Who do you think is writing them, robots? That's a dumb claim. What is a "fake review?" I get offered free products to review and no one has ever said they would only give me a free test item if I gave them a high rating. I am also a real person who tries out products just like any person who buys them. I rate and review both products I buy and ones I get for free. I was offered this product to try and in no way did the person who sent it to me ask that I rate it in any particular way, they asked if I could provide an unbiased review. Its dumb to claim that these are "fake" reviews. Who do you think is writing... » Read More That's a dumb claim. What is a "fake review?" I get offered free products to review and no one has ever said they would only give me a free test item if I gave them a high rating. I am also a real person who tries out products just like any person who buys them. I rate and review both products I buy and ones I get for free. I was offered this product to try and in no way did the person who sent it to me ask that I rate it in any particular way, they asked if I could provide an unbiased review. Its dumb to claim that these are "fake" reviews. Who do you think is writing them, robots? « Show Less
1256667
D. Sorry my manual is long gone, maybe it's around somewhere. I can tell you that it is good for about 20 minutes hacking through thick vines and brush, does real well. Got about 3 acres here w/many trees bushes and all that mess, if this broke I'd buy another in a New York second. No troubles at all, would recommend the 3 sided/triangular cutting cord.
786399
I'm a Vine reviewer and have submitted plenty of negative and mediocre reviews. I think if a reviewer were to be "fired" for negative reviews, the public would hear about it loud & clear! Since Vine still uses my services, I think I am the proof that there is no grade-shopping going on! Unfortunately, I never saw this item offered to Vine participants, but I think I will purchase one today. I appreciate the Vine reviews and do not consider them artificially inflated.
1917758
I don't remember how I came across these reviews, but I agree they are the most inventive reviews on Amazon. After reading a few hundred, I had to compose my own. I still check the site for new reviews.
213345
Yep, I was going to reply the same thing. That's her only review and she's just off-the-wall exuberant about it, and her review sounds like a bubbly commercial. It's not just you, I bet it was a shill. There's not many trustworthy reviews for this product on numerous websites. I've seen this product in a store on demo and I was not overly impressed. A Dremel tool may be too much and too harsh (I've tried), but this seems too weak. Where's the middle-ground?
1080120
Greetings Friends, In an honest attempt to thank our customers for taking the time to post a review, we awarded free product for about ten 3, 4 and 5 star reviews. This was done only briefly and again this accounts for about 10 of our 216 reviews. Amazon asked us to cease and we did so. Amazon is a great company to work with and Amazon Customers are the best!Thank you and we believe in our Customers, Healthy Living and our Products,Jerry Angeletti, President and CEO of Perfectly Natural Herbs
1097515
Then you obviously haven't read all of my vine reviews. I have given low but honest ratings to products that have deserved it, in my humble opinion. That is what is expected of a Vine reviewer. I have never given a 5-star review to a product that I felt didn't deserve it.
377091
Thank you for noticing! I thought I was the only one who questioned this. I would never have known if I hadn't tried to order one for my mom's birthday because she liked mine so much. I nearly dropped my teeth when it was listed at $119.00. I checked the next day and it was $249.00! In addition, there was a new seller. It appears as if the second seller bought out the first one. Other sites seemed to have their stock dried up as well. When I bought mine Amazon sold it and I used my prime membership to save on shipping. Seems like someone figured out a dirty little way to scam us. I wonder how many other low profile products are going the same way. I called customer service. I did not get a satisfactory response, so I e-mailed them just now. I hope they take notice.
305605
I also got a card that says I get a free jar if I review it. I sent a note to the seller asking about this, and I got a reply agreeing w/ that. :) ..I haven't reviewed it yet, cuz I just started using the product a couple weeks ago, and I'm waiting to see if it helps w/ the deep wrinkle I have on the side of my mouth. ...4/11/14 update- I just did my review and emailed the seller that I did, gave my mailing address as was requested, and I got a reply back that said the promo for a free jar ended on 4/7/14, but since my order was prior to this, they will send me a free jar. yay!
1658138
I must confess it is a bit disturbing to have the company president tracking down bad reviewers in the company database! Rather chilling and kind of Orwellian, don't you think? Also, your statement that OMyGarden has a near perfect record of customer satisfaction is wildly incorrect - on eBay, you have only a 97.2% rating (even mine is 99.2) and on Amazon a whopping 11% left negative feedback, with another 6% leaving only neutral feedback. This does not reflect an acceptable level of customer satisfaction. Perhaps ypur time would be better specnt improving your product and shaping up your customer service department than trolling the web looking for bad reviews and seeking out the reviewers.
1180525
They're even jumping on other products and trying to hijack the review section. They've tried to take over the top spot on P90X3 twice (unsuccessfully so far, but they've certainly got us dug in tight over there). They managed to displace the top review that had held its ground on a fitness app for almost 3 years. And right around 150 is the magic number they seem to be able to pull. Amazon has been made aware of this and are looking into it. After their second attack on P90X3 Amazon has been corresponding with us more and are taking the more seriously than other complaints I've had with campaign voting. While I can't say for sure, hopefully there are some conclusions to be drawn here.
1009754
Same feeling here. I have never seen a product with 93 5-star reviews and only 1 one negative, 1-star. Nothing in-between. Seriously??? Plus a number of people have mainly Ozeri reviews.Plus all these reviews are extremely frequent: one every few days. What are the chances???
1766239
There are many people that write deceiving reviews. Some are being paid and some are getting free product. For instance a person that gives 5-star reviews for three like products from three different companies the same day or within a couple of days. Saying for each, "nothing worked until I tried this". Also a variety of different products. It can take up are lot of time to do this research. Check the other $100's of various products reviewed at the same time. I have written down the names of 14 people that reviewed the same items around the same time, saying about the same thing. But not giving info that is significant. There are many people that write deceiving reviews. Some are being paid and some are getting free product. For instance a person that gives 5-star reviews for three like products from three different companies the same day or within a couple of days. Saying for each, "nothing worked until I tried this". Also a variety of different products. It can take up are lot of time to do this research. Check the other $100's of various products reviewed at the same time. I have written down the names of 14 people that reviewed the same items around the same time, saying about the same thing.... » Read More There are many people that write deceiving reviews. Some are being paid and some are getting free product. For instance a person that gives 5-star reviews for three like products from three different companies the same day or within a couple of days. Saying for each, "nothing worked until I tried this". Also a variety of different products. It can take up are lot of time to do this research. Check the other $100's of various products reviewed at the same time. I have written down the names of 14 people that reviewed the same items around the same time, saying about the same thing. But not giving info that is significant. « Show Less
1960591
I just assumed it was because the re-sellers are trying to promote the "perfect five star reviews" over other reviews to help boost their sales. Don't worry about the helpful/not helpful thing, you won't please everyone. I figure some people are looking at my reviews from a parent's perspective, some are looking at it from a kid or fanboy perspective and some are just re-sellers trying to move their (overpriced) products. If it helps any, I thought your review was spot on and just marked your review as helpful.
1097514
That is the real question This vs Vitamix or BlendTecLooks like most of the reviewers in the Amazon Vine program have not used/bought high end blenders like Vitamix/Blendtec and give their glowing reviews comparing to a typical <$100 low powered blender, typically a $40-$60 Oster blender. Hence most of the Vine reviews are useless since they got a high end blender for free and compare their experience to a $50 blender. The real useful review would come from an existing owners of one of those high priced blenders who paid real money to get this and the other one, do not benefit from sales commissions for marketing the other ones, and have ability to compare them side by side. That is the real question This vs Vitamix or BlendTecLooks like most of the reviewers in the Amazon Vine program have not used/bought high end blenders like Vitamix/Blendtec and give their glowing reviews comparing to a typical <$100 low powered blender, typically a $40-$60 Oster blender. Hence most of the Vine reviews are useless since they got a high end blender for free and compare their experience to a $50 blender. The real useful review would come from an existing owners of one of those high priced blenders who paid real money to get this and the other one, do not benefit from... » Read More That is the real question This vs Vitamix or BlendTecLooks like most of the reviewers in the Amazon Vine program have not used/bought high end blenders like Vitamix/Blendtec and give their glowing reviews comparing to a typical <$100 low powered blender, typically a $40-$60 Oster blender. Hence most of the Vine reviews are useless since they got a high end blender for free and compare their experience to a $50 blender. The real useful review would come from an existing owners of one of those high priced blenders who paid real money to get this and the other one, do not benefit from sales commissions for marketing the other ones, and have ability to compare them side by side. « Show Less
1037214
I just check and see if they have other reviews, especially different types of products, my reviews are really random, lots of different products and categories. So find the review you find most relevant then check their other reviews and if they seem legitimate, then your probably safe. In the case of this product, I found several 5 star reviews very legitimate, I just ordered and will definitely give a review.