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?