Now I feel like this has been a hot topic for YEARS. But once again this topic has come up thanks to industry heavyweights Diary Directory publishing a code of conduct on the issue of selling on PR samples. So is it OK to sell PR samples?
As someone who has worked in PR for years before starting this blog, I can see both sides of this. As a blogger I’m in the incredibly fortunate position of being sent PR samples. PR samples that I usually haven’t asked for, or requested, or even had an email about. In fact, quite a lot of the stuff that is sent is completely unsolicited. Which is fine. It’s usually PR’s I’ve worked with before, and have a good relationship with, sending through products they think I’d be interested in. But it isn’t always. Sometimes it’s brands I’ve never worked with before sending through products that they hope will make their way onto my blog or social media accounts. Which again, is completely fine.
But the issue people have is what happens to those products once you’ve received them? Technically, they’re yours, right? They’ve been sent by a brand, either solicited, or unsolicited, for you to do with as you wish. Some products make it to the blog, some to social media and some never see the light of day on either for various reasons. But essentially, they’re a gift, right? Is it any different to receiving a gift from a family member that you don’t like, or don’t need, and choosing to re-sell it so you can buy what you actually want.
But it is different. Isn’t it? These products have been sent from a brand or PR with an expectation. An expectation of coverage. But once you’ve completed your end of the deal, aren’t you then free to do what you want with the product? After all, there’s no contract attached. And do the PR’s even care? They’ve got what they wanted. After all, with many brands refusing to pay bloggers for producing the content, is there any harm in the blogger selling the ‘gift’ to pay the bills?
Personally, I prefer to pass on what doesn’t suit me to friends, family and work colleagues. As well as donating unused products to local charities. For me, this feels like I’m paying it forward rather than trying to make a profit from something that was sent to me. But that’s just me. I don’t judge those who do choose to sell. I just have an issue with those who choose to publicly sell something they’ve raved about on their channels. It’s about trust and integrity for me. If it really was THAT good, why would they be selling it?
But I’m interested to hear what you think. Do you feel like it’s OK to sell PR samples?
I personally don’t think its an issue, so what you were sent an item you don’t like why not make money off of it then let it just sit there collecting dust.
Candice
I think it is a personal thing but I always donate any unwanted gifts to our local charity shops, I like the idea that someone else can enjoy what we don’t need.
It’s an interesting one and I do think it depends on the situation / product / circumstance but ultimately I think it’s down to the blogger to decide.
I never sell them on. I pass to family or friends or give to the school
I’ve given samples to my family and friends, also to charity. I have no issues with people selling them though
I would personally give them away to my friends and family, but would have no issue with other bloggers selling them on xx
I never sell my samples. I use them all! I use everything. I don’t however, have any issue with others selling them. It’s their choice.
This is such an interesting debate, I know a lot of people who do sell on PR samples, but for me I either end up giving them away to friends and family or I donate them to charity if they haven’t been used. I just don’t see a point in making money on something I got free anyways and think it would be a lot nicer if someone else enjoyed it! xx
Ah this debate is always such a hot one when it comes up. I think that as many of us use our blog as an income channel, it’s no problem to sell samples on second hand.. I guess it’s a bit different when it’s beauty products. It’s a tough one!
Personally I think it’s fine especially if your not being paid for the review and only receiving product as a blog post/review/social media shares all take time and your time is worth something so selling what you dont use to at least pay yourself I feel is fair
Laura x
If i do receive any PR Samples I would usually pass them on to family or friends or I will donate them
I’ve only ever received PR samples from companies where we’ve already agreed they’re going to send me products to review (apart from Pixi Beauty but I definitely wouldn’t be getting rid of those lol!!)
If I get any extras or products from goody bags, I tend to send them to my mum or take them to work so my colleagues can have a rummage through and take what they want 🙂 x