Feefo Consumer Panel: 'Sony Showcase'

Robbo33

Hi, has anyone any experience of being accepted to the Feefo Consumer panel?

I was offered the opportunity to apply to join the consumer panel after leaving a 'good quality' review for a product (from Pour Moi). The particular product that Feefo were looking for consumers to test was a Sony TV. I contacted Feefo to check it was genuine and they confirmed it was.

I then received an email from Sony (email address is valid) to say I'd been selected to take part in the review of the Sony Bravia 8 55" TV, and that one would be delivered over the next week. I thought about checking with Sony if it was real (things that seem too good to be true usually are!) but I gave up as I couldn't seem to find a relevant number. I went on holiday and forgot about it.

The Sony TV arrived today, in a huge Yusen Logistics lorry!  I signed for it, and received a copy of the dispatch/delivery note. Before I wade in and unwrap, I am a bit concerned it's some kind of elaborate scam. The only comms I've had about the whole thing is one from Feefo inviting me to apply to be part of the consumer panel, and one from Sony.showcase@sony.com to say 'you've been selected etc'.  No small print, no T&Cs, no idea whether I'm supposed to return this after testing or not. This is part of the Feefo email:

"Please note that this test is only open to UK residents and in order to have a chance to test this product you must answer our screening questions in full. There is no guarantee you will be selected. For a small set of respondents, we’ll pass their contact details and answers on to our client, Sony, for the sole purpose of handling the logistics of getting test products to testers. If your application is successful, a product may be sent to the delivery address you provide within the next few weeks without prior confirmation. We’ll send you a feedback request email within two weeks of the product being delivered so that you can share your thoughts. If you are required to return the product after the test period, Sony will be in touch with you directly." 

Have tweeted Sony asking them to DM me about it, but in the meantime, any thoughts? I am worried I'm somehow going to get stung for this...!? The TV is worth £2k!!!

Many thanks

plymouthjanner

I have recieved two emails from them today.But to test a glass hob over and a apple pc...I was sceptical as well.Ive not put any details in as not sure on this one.Im glad you actually recieved yours. 

Apache64

So I can confirm these are not a scam (at least on you). Occasionally you are asked to return the product after the test.......This is usually communicated beforehand. I was invited for the same tv review but looks like I was unsucessful. You will get an email from feefo in about 2 weeks asking you to leave a review 

Positive reviews sell products. Companies are no longer allowed to buy reviews. However it is legal to send someone a product and ask them to leave a review. They often advise you what they would like you to say (usually around the marketing feature for example HDR10 or 4k upscaling in the example of a TV) But do not make you give a 5 star review. The likelihood of someone leaving a bad review of a free product however is low. 

In the last 2 months I have received a Washer Dryer a keyboard for tablets and a Gaming headset and microphone. I have been part of the panel for another review site before but you tend to drop off the list after a few months. Make hay while the sun shines.

Robbo33

Thanks @Apache64 and @plymouthjanner - sorry late reply. I ended up checking with Feefo, and it's all above board - I now have a fab new TV and left a really detailed constructive review! All good - phew. Just goes to show how much reviews mean to companies eh