16 Comments
Jul 10, 2023Liked by Jill Schildhouse

That boggles my mind! Sending product for review is the most *basic* cost of business when it comes to marketing and PR for earned or paid media! I try to make this as clear as possible to brands out the gate that you need to build in the product costs and trafficking to the overall PR budget.

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Exactly ... and the part that really kills me is that the $108 is the RETAIL price. So how much will it actually cost the brand? Maybe $50+shipping? Beyond short-sighted.

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1000% re: retail vs wholesale! And it's not like you were endlessly sent product and never covered the brand or provided feedback!

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Precisely. And I positively GUSHED about the first product ... this second product completes the set. Sigh.

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Jul 10, 2023Liked by Jill Schildhouse

Personally I think the publicist was extremely short-sighted. It's not as if it was coming out of her pocket especially since you already proved your worth. Big mistake!!!!!

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Right, she acted like she was taking some personal financial hit vs landing top-tier coverage for her client! Insane!

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Jul 10, 2023Liked by Jill Schildhouse

Omg. That is the most ridiculous story. I am sure her client/s would not be happy about that unless they are one of the few who do not want to sample. Which is absurd

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I'd LOVE to know if she even approached them with this opportunity or not.

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The manufacturer's cost is more like $10, unless they're making them 10 at a time.

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Right ... and it's a BIG brand backed by a celebrity. Grrrr!

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Wow! That's all I got. I can't imagine what circumstance or protocol would require the PR person to respond in this way. Heck, I'd buy the dang product myself and send to you, *especially* if I know it will result in coverage! Like, YEAH that's worth it! (PS I'm dying to know the product now lol 😆 )

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Exactly ... and now I'll never write about them again, which is too bad b/c I have countless opportunities (it's my main beat). This poor brand needs a new agency, pronto.

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She doesn't know what she's doing and doesn't KNOW her client. Aside from being a publicist myself, I am also a swimwear designer with my own brand and I have about 10 different promo codes that I use for marketing / tracking purposes; these codes aren't all public but they are available.

She should've asked the brand for a promo code and/or created one for you. Period.

Lastly, you perhaps could send an email to the brand directly expressing your concerns.

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I wonder if her client has any idea the editorial opportunities she's passing up (or if it was their call)?? It's a BIG brand! You see it ALL over TikTok and IG.

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What a twinkle! Forgive me, she's not a good fit for the job. Not at all. Having you review something is the name of the game. I would bend over backwards to help you, not get in your way.

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Omggggg that's insane! I just don't get it. At all. And for the record, I would gladly send you a $108 product anytime. ;)

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