I wouldn’t say I get overwhelmed with requests for reviews but I do get a pretty fair amount. And generally, for me to accept the review, it has to fall into one of the following categories:
1. Really expensive
I don’t accept payment for reviews so if the value of the product is really pretty good (I’d say >$50), I’m more inclined to take it. Because I’m a little greedy and I like nice things.
2. Something I want
If it’s something I want, then it’s kind of a no brainer. YES! SEND IT TO ME! But I still give honest reviews on those types of things because sometimes I only think I want something until I actually have it.
3. Really cool
I like things that are a bit on the unusual side or just cool in terms of form or functionality. See my This is just cool board on Pinterest to get an idea of the kinds of stuff I’m talking about. (And yes, I would actually review that kick ass yacht).
4. For a good cause
If you know anything about what I’ve done as part of Charitable Influence, you’ll know that I believe in using our voices to make a difference. As long as it’s a good product and as long as it’s a worthy and legitimate cause, I’m in.
5. Small company
I’m a sucker for small, start-up, and/or mom & pop type companies. While I do love shiny, expensive stuff, we all have to start somewhere. I’ve also worked in several start-ups and I know how much thankless work goes into it in the hopes that you’ll be in the right place at the right time.
Sometimes I’ll get a pitch for something that falls into all of the above categories. And then it’s a resounding YES!
That’s what happened when I was asked to review Soapbox soaps. I’ll share the pitch with you and my response:
SoapBox Soaps
Hello, Fadra.
My name is Rebecca and my son Eliot is two and a half. I’m a fellow mom, and stumbled upon your blog through Babble.com, though I realize you’re not a “mommy” blogger, per say.
As a mom, I’m always am looking for better, safer products we can purchase (before I was a mom, I didn’t used to care as much, imagine that!).
That’s why I started working “virtually” with SoapBox Soaps; it’s also the reason I’m emailing you.
The company, SoapBox Soaps, impresses me. Not only are their soaps 100% natural, gluten free, palm oil free and made in America, but for every bar they sell, they donate one to a child in need. Anywhere in the world.
We’d love to be featured on your blog. I can go on and on, and on, about how amazing they are, but I’d rather just send you samples of the soap so you can try them out. Please let me know if you’re interested.
Attached are some pictures of our recent trip to Honduras and our new packaging. I hope to hear back from you soon. Thanks for your consideration.
Fellow Mother In Arms,
Rebecca
(Incidentally, Rebecca did all the right things with this pitch. I frequently get a lot of bad ones!)
My response
Rebecca,
Thanks for writing! I’ve had and have a few extra busy weeks coming up but I briefly looked at the website and I love what you’re doing! Interesting soap, made in the USA, entrepreneurial company, making a difference in the world.
Win-win-win!
I’d love to write about your soap and your company. Samples would be great along with any info about how the donations work, etc. Or just direct me to that on your website!
Thanks!
Fadra
Rebecca promptly send me some full sized samples along with some other slivers so I had a chance to experience all the lovely smells. And four months later, as my soap is almost gone, I realize I probably should write about them.
Ugh. I hate it when I get so behind on “assignments.”
But in the meantime, Rebecca sent me an update telling me their soaps had been donated and distributed in South America, Honduras, and, soon, Haiti, through a nonprofit called Haitian Families First.
They also made the big time when they were featured on the Today show as a gift that gives back.
What you need to know…
When you buy one bar of soap, one bar of soap is given to someone who needs it. It’s a movement.
Find it in various locations throughout the United States (like Whole Foods or natural food stores).
Or you can order individual bars or sign up for a subscription service. (My favorite is the Lemongrass bar soap).
And yes, they do fall into the category of expensive. Not >$50 expensive but $4.99/bar expensive. But it’s good soap and it’s helping people.
SoapBox Soaps are made from
- All natural premium ingredients
- Gluten free Ground Oatmeal
- Organic Shea Butter
- Sea Salt
SoapBox Soaps are
- Cruelty free
- Gluten free
- Made in America
- Packaged with 100% recycled fibers and 35% post consumer waste
- Vegan
Please let me know if you decide to try them. Mine are all gone so it’s time for me to order more!
3 comments
I LOVE companies that make a huge effort to give back. As someone who really loves marketing and is strongly influenced by it, that is a main driver for me to purchase something knowing that it’s going to help others. I’m almost never in Whole Foods however, but if I do happen to go I will definitely checkout soapbox or perhaps even make a special effort to find my way into one!
Me too! It’s why I’m a sucker for these kinds of companies. It’s not available in all Whole Foods so you really should look at some of the soaps online!
i love what you did here, Fadra. Great post. and you can tell Soapbox Soaps they can approach me anytime. I’m a sucker for a wonderful cause.