Unfair Vine Reviews
Vine reviews that criticize pricing or reflect unfamiliarity with certain products should not be allowed. It's unfair that these reviews significantly lower the star rating for my product. For instance, a reviewer who received the product for free complained it was "too expensive." This violates Amazon Vine's terms of service, which explicitly prohibit discussing pricing—yet it still happens.
Additionally, my product, a soap made from beef fat, received a 3-star rating from a Vine reviewer unfamiliar with it, solely because they thought it "smelled like fat" and was "expensive." This undermines fair product evaluation.
Unfair Vine Reviews
Vine reviews that criticize pricing or reflect unfamiliarity with certain products should not be allowed. It's unfair that these reviews significantly lower the star rating for my product. For instance, a reviewer who received the product for free complained it was "too expensive." This violates Amazon Vine's terms of service, which explicitly prohibit discussing pricing—yet it still happens.
Additionally, my product, a soap made from beef fat, received a 3-star rating from a Vine reviewer unfamiliar with it, solely because they thought it "smelled like fat" and was "expensive." This undermines fair product evaluation.
6 replies
Seller_CW0P5hgbsiqWX
Sellers can say what ever they want. Sounds like maybe you should try to place 2 bars in the package and lower your price, taking their advice.
Remember wher you use the Vine program you are not selling the product. You are giving it away to a person would have never purchased the product had in not been for free.
Joey_Amazon
Hi @Seller_qTBp0T0yf26ll,
Thank you for posting here at the forums and bringing this matter to our attention.
I will make sure to share your suggestions with the appropriate team.
Thanks,
Joey
Seller_BhllAnP50l7Rd
I completely agree. It feels like some Vine reviewers believe they need to give lower star ratings to be seen as objective or effective participants in the program. Many of my Vine reviews are 3 or 4 stars, often for newly listed products, and lack any constructive feedback. I don’t think they realize just how damaging this can be for a new listing—those early ratings set the tone, and once you start with a few 3s or 4s, it’s incredibly difficult to recover. Honestly, it’s frustrating and disheartening to use this service because, while it’s my only option, it often ends up doing more harm than good.
Seller_RW2hhNpmNDVQL
It's understandable to feel frustrated when receiving non-5-star reviews on Vine, but it's important to remember that reviews—whether commenting on the smell, price, or other factors—are fully within the guidelines. If your soap smells like fat, it could mean the soap isn't fully saponified, or the tallow may not have been properly rendered. While tallow can have a subtle scent, a strong, unpleasant odor usually points to improper processing or poor-quality tallow. Less saturated fats tend to have milder odors, but well-rendered tallow shouldn’t have a strong smell. Rancidity can also interfere with the saponification process and negatively affect the final product. To avoid off-putting odors, use high-quality tallow, ensure proper rendering, complete the saponification process, and allow for adequate curing time. Many people add fragrance oils or further refine and deodorize the rendered fat to mask any unpleasant smells, but this can degrade the overall benefits of the fat. The quality of the fat is crucial—just because it's local or appears high-quality doesn't automatically mean it is. As a Beauty/Personal Care manufacturer—whether small or large—it’s important to analyze and verify the quality and composition of your ingredients. Third-party lab tests can provide essential information, such as fatty acid content and signs of rancidity.
It's also important to note that Vine reviewers are absolutely allowed to comment on the price of the product, even if they received it for free. Vine is about honest feedback, not buying 5-star reviews.
"Comments about pricing or availability -
If it's related to the value of the product, it's OK to comment on price. For example, "For only $29, this blender is really great."
Pricing comments related to an individual experience aren't allowed. For example, "Found this item here for $5 less than at my local store".
These comments aren't allowed because they aren't relevant for all customers.
Some comments about availability are OK. For example, "I wish this book was also available in paperback."
However, we don't allow comments about availability at a specific store. The purpose of the community is to share product-specific feedback that will be relevant to all other customers."
Seller_eFqc4B1JzBcZN
Keep at it but remember Amazon will get it all in the end
