Independent reviews for ecommerce brands
I work with Shopify stores, marketplace sellers and direct-to-consumer companies that want their products evaluated honestly in front of an audience that is actively deciding what to buy.
Readers arrive with intent
People reach this site by searching for a product name followed by the word review. They are past the discovery stage and one clear answer away from a purchase. An independent verdict, positive or critical, is what moves them.
Three ways to work together
Independent product review
You supply the product. I test it for a minimum of two weeks and publish a full review with a score, pros and cons, and a verdict. The brand sees the article when readers do. Sample-supplied status is disclosed.
Brand notes feature
A case-note article on your customer experience: ordering, packaging, delivery, support and retention. Written from the perspective of a first-time customer, with practical observations other brands can learn from.
Pre-launch product testing
Private, unpublished testing with a written report before you launch. Useful for identifying packaging failures, unclear instructions and return-driving defects while they are still inexpensive to fix.
What a partnership looks like
Enquiry and fit
You send product details through the form below. I confirm within two business days whether the product fits a category I cover.
Agreement and shipping
We agree the format, fee if any, and publication window. You ship a retail unit. Editorial terms are the same for every brand.
Testing
The product is used daily. I may contact your support team as a customer would, and that experience forms part of the score.
Publication
The article is published on the site and included in the newsletter. You receive the link, a performance summary after 30 days and permission to quote the review.
What brands report after publication
Figures below are averages reported by partner brands over the 30 days following a review, compared with the 30 days before. Individual results vary with product, price and season.
"The review was more critical than our own product page in two places, and our conversion rate still went up. Readers trust a verdict that admits the trade-offs."
"We used the pre-launch testing report to change our packaging before shipping the first thousand units. That alone paid for the engagement several times over."
"Clear process, clear pricing, no surprises. The brand notes article is still one of our top three referral sources eight months later."
"Robert asked questions our support team had never been asked. The review pointed out a gap in our returns policy that we fixed the same week."
Frequently asked questions
Can we approve the review before it is published?
No. You may correct factual errors about specifications or pricing after publication, and corrections are noted at the top of the article. Opinions, scores and conclusions are not negotiable.
What happens if the review is negative?
It is published. A critical review is disclosed as sample-supplied in the same way as a positive one. Most brands find that a fair critical review still drives qualified traffic, and many use it to improve the product.
Is there a fee?
Independent reviews of products bought at retail have no fee. Sample-supplied reviews are also free but are subject to availability and category fit. Brand notes features and pre-launch testing are paid engagements, with pricing provided on enquiry.
Do you use affiliate links?
Yes, where a programme exists. Affiliate links are disclosed on every page and do not affect the score. If you prefer a direct link with no affiliate tracking, that is available on request.
Which categories do you cover?
Home and living, tech and accessories, beauty and personal care, pets, baby and family, and digital tools for ecommerce sellers. Products outside these categories are considered case by case.
Do you ship internationally?
Products can be shipped to my address in Austin, Texas from anywhere. Duties and taxes are the responsibility of the sender. Digital products can be provided by account access.
Tell me about your product
Complete the form and I will reply within two business days. Include a link to the product page so I can check category fit before we speak.
Response time
Two business days, Monday to Friday, Central Time.
Media kit
Audience demographics, traffic sources and sample reports are available on request.