Have you ever wondered how some people get to try out products for free on Amazon? It might sound like a dream, but it’s a real opportunity called the Amazon Vine program. For over a decade, I’ve been part of this program as an Amazon Vine reviewer, also known as a ‘Vine Voice’. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, and in some ways, the most beneficial side project I’ve ever undertaken.
For those unfamiliar, Amazon Vine is an invitation-only program where Amazon sends products at no cost to select customers in exchange for honest reviews. While you aren’t paid directly, you get to keep the products you review. Many people think of books when they consider Amazon reviews, but the range of items available through Vine is vast. During my time as a Vine Voice, I’ve had the opportunity to review an amazing variety of products, including:
- Lawnmowers
- Saucepan sets
- Vacuum cleaners (multiple!)
- Air purifiers
- Clothes airers
- Hair dryers
- Back massagers
- Suitcases
- Cordless irons
- Microphones
- Bathroom bins
- Mobile phones
- Scotch whisky
- Tablet computers
- And much more!
To give you an idea of what a Vine review looks like, here’s an example of one I recently wrote for a solar-powered security light. As you can see, I included a photo, which Amazon encourages to make reviews more helpful. Adding visuals isn’t mandatory, but it can significantly enhance your review.
The most valuable item I ever received through Vine was a gaming laptop worth £1200. Considering the relatively short review required, it was arguably the highest-paying writing gig I’ve ever had!
Understanding the Rules for Amazon Vine Voices
Are there any downsides to being a Vine Voice? Not really, but there are some guidelines you need to follow.
Firstly, you don’t get to choose just anything you want to review. As a Vine Voice, you gain access to a special section on the Amazon website where available products are listed. You can then select items from this list to review.
Review product availability is limited, and popular items tend to be claimed quickly. This means you need to regularly check the available products and act fast when you see something you’re interested in.
Another point to be aware of is that you can’t immediately sell or dispose of products from third-party sellers that you receive. You are required to keep these items for at least six months. After this period, they become yours to do with as you wish. This restriction doesn’t apply to Amazon’s own branded products, which you own immediately.
In my ten years in the program, I’ve never been asked to return a product. However, it’s theoretically possible, and if you’ve already gotten rid of a product before the six-month period is up, you could risk losing your Vine Voice status.
You have 30 days to submit reviews for products you order, and you are expected to review everything you select, regardless of whether you loved or disliked the item. If you didn’t like a product, it’s important to be honest about why, while also trying to mention any positive aspects.
New Vine reviewers start in the Silver Tier, which allows you to request up to three items per day with a maximum value of £82 per item. Experienced reviewers who consistently meet Amazon’s standards can be promoted to the Gold Tier. Gold Tier members can request up to eight items daily, and there’s no value limit on the items they can choose.
Your Path to Becoming an Amazon Vine Voice
Now, for the most common question: How do you actually become a Vine Voice? Interestingly, I never applied to Amazon. I had written a number of reviews on Amazon, primarily for books and music, but not an extensive amount. Then, unexpectedly, I received an email inviting me to join the program.
And that’s the key takeaway: you cannot directly apply to become an Amazon Vine Voice. It is an invitation-only program, so you have to wait to be selected by Amazon. However, Amazon is continuously recruiting new reviewers. You can significantly increase your chances of being invited by consistently writing high-quality reviews of products you purchase on Amazon. You won’t be paid for these initial reviews, but think of them as your application.
To get noticed by Amazon, focus on creating reviews that are genuinely helpful and receive positive feedback and ‘helpful’ votes from other customers. Your reviews should be honest, balanced, covering both the positives and negatives, and address the questions a potential buyer might have before making a purchase.
If you consistently write insightful and helpful reviews, there’s a good chance Amazon will recognize your contributions and extend an invitation to become a Vine Voice.
Good luck, and happy reviewing!
Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links.
Photo Credits: Pexels
