An RV Channel with NO SPONSORS: Is it Possible?
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- A discussion on sponsorships and free products as it pertains to the future of RV Gear & Far - what do you as my audience want? We have three options ahead of us - please give me your thoughts and feedback.
I’ve been reviewing gear online for a few years now and the overwhelming majority of items I’ve purchased with my own money and I’ve never taken sponsorships to promote gear or services - and I personally like it that way. But I’m getting to a crossroads on the channel that I need to have some clearer answers on a few questions - and since my videos are created to inform you so that you can make the best decisions on gear and services I’d like to hear your input.
The way I see it I have three options moving forward:
Decline all sponsorships, do not accept free products
Decline all sponsorships, but accept free products
Work with companies via sponsorships and accept free products
Now all of these options will include the promotion of affiliate links - a referral type program with many retailers and manufacturers that if I direct you to their product and you make a purchase the price doesn’t change for you - in fact affiliate links can sometimes be coupled with discounts as well - but the company sends me a referral fee for directly bringing them business.
The affiliate portion of the content creation space is one that I am absolutely comfortable with - if you find value in the content, information, and insight I bring you, you can support my work at no cost to you by clicking through those affiliate links before making your purchases.
My first preference would be option 1 - no sponsorships and no free products - there would be no perceived or real influence from the individual companies - however that comes at a cost - many pieces of RV gear can be quite expensive individually and when I’m looking to compare two or more products the cost of equipment alone can be prohibitive. I’d love to set up a membership option for ya’ll - something that could give you additional discounts and essentially make the content here at RV Gear & Far, viewer supported but this option would require a bit of active participation on your end - making sure to start your gear purchases through an affiliate link or a discount portable either on the website or via social media posts and video descriptions.
Option two is also a viable option - accepting free gear from companies with the expressed knowledge that just because I received the item for free does not mean that they will get a glowing review - in fact pointing out negative aspects to gear is just as valuable as positives in my opinion and I’m confident that I could remain unbiased in my presentations - however, I know that there will be folks in the RV community that will baulk at that and say because and item was provided free of charge that it will in some way influence the presentation - and I get that - which is why I prefer option 1 - BUUT with this option I’d be able to bring you much more content without the business expenses of purchasing multiple products to compare and contrast.
Option three is what you’re probably most familiar with - taking on sponsors and doing integrated segments within other videos along with accepting free products. This is my least desirable option and the last resort. I know I’d essentially be leaving money on the table by NOT taking sponsorships - but if we can build a relationship together in a way that allows me to provide ultimate value to YOU without taking sponsorships - that’s ultimately my preference.
Now, I have taken some free gear in the past - and I’m working on a post for the website that indicates which gear that is so that if we move forward with NOT accepting free gear that everything from the past will be plain and clear. But I’d really like to hear your feedback, please take a moment and let me know in the comments which option you prefer.
-Joshua 
Авто/Мото
Your willingness to ask your viewers goes a long way.
For you to test the gear we want to see, and for you to be able to sustain your family, I am great with option 3.
A worker is worth his wages, and you do good work, my man!
Thank you - I really appreciate you for taking the time to type out your opinions - loving the conversation around this topic.
Todays time to be financially successful for your family you have to go with option 3. What would be great is after you review a product maybe have a free giveaway for that product especially if you have multi similar products. Keep helping us stay educated with RV knowledge and product reviews.
Thanks for sharing your opinion - I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas on this gear/sponsorship topic.
Option 3 but work with vendors that allow you to have unbiased reviews.
Sponsorships and free gear - got it - thanks for sharing your opinion ◡̈
I would continue to watch with whatever option you choose. However, honesty, honesty, honesty. What I mean by that is if a company offers to sponsor you and sends you a free product for a guaranteed recommendation of how great the product is, when you recieve it the product stinks, you would simply say no to the temptation.
Agreed - any amount of money is not worth my integrity. Thanks for taking the time to share your opinions - it seems like most folks are comfortable with the middle route of accepting free gear.
I respect your choice to prefer #1. I reccomend options #2 & #3. You have good integrity and transparency. I am operating under option #2, accepting gear and giving honest reviews. And yes, showing improvement opportunities in the product. I do not "join" any fee based platforms. I trust you and value your observations.
Thanks for the opinions - it seems that most of the community is in-line with your thoughts as well. And totally understand on the memberships and joining yet one more thing to keep track of.
I have no problem with any of the 3 options after watching your content and knowing that you would only work with companies that align with your values. We also would know that your quality content would not be limited by your available funds.
I think thats the true tipping point in this conversation - accepting free gear with no obligations allows me to BETTER serve the community since I can review gear that my normally be outside my personal gear budget.
Doing this video was helpful in explaining how content creators and product suppliers can work together. - Michelle
Thanks Michelle - I figured it affects more than just me so why not get some input and replies from the community?
I realize how expensive gear is and how that can reduce the number of reviews you would be able to post sooooo, I think option two is the way to go with full disclosure at the beginning of each video. Your honesty will show through as always!! Cheers and good luck, looking forward to more videos in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to type out your perspective - full disclosure always ◡̈
Option 3! You can say no to anyone that does not value your authenticity. We love you for your transparency and know that will not change. Happy to embrace whatever you choose.
Much appreciated Lia - thanks for taking the time to type out your perspective - always love the input1
I would be good with any of the options. I trust your transparency and honesty. I think you should choose what works best for you and your family. Sponsorships can be nice but they come with their own tail of recordkeeping and time investment to manage. Thanks for all you do for the RV community!
Thank you for sharing your perspectives - and you are sure correct with sponsorships coming with additional longtail items to manage ◡̈
I think option 2 is a good compromise. Option 1 would be ideal, but limits how comprehensive you can be. As long as you can still give an honest review, even if it isn’t positive that seems a good way for you to continue and expand. I appreciate your asking us for input!
Thank you - I appreciate you and your perspective on this ◡̈
I consider myself very average, so using myself as a baseline of my analysis is based on the assumption that there's a lot of people who act like me.
1: I have a hard time with consistency, and I'm a wishy washy shopper. Items sit in my cart for days/weeks before I purchase them, and I fear that even if I start at the affiliate link it may have redirected to a regular shopping cart by the time I purchase. I'm not sure I (or people like me) would click enough to make it worthwhile.
2: This channel seems to be your labor of love, and so the savings of not having to purchase products would be to your benefit. I do not believe that you would give unfair reviews and that reputation should continue. That said, I do not know how limiting this would be; I'm sure Dometic is not going to just give you an air conditioner.
3. While I hate ads, the prevalence of them implies they work. In addition, only you would know if the potential income stream would be worth the annoyance. Money makes the world go round (like it or not) and so I accept sponsorship and ads as the price I pay to not pay for RUclips.
Conclusion: I subscribed to your channel after watching your Valtera vs. DIY video because my attention was captured. And the delivery of this video still caught my attention, so I'm good with whatever works for you! Cheers!
I really appreciate you for taking the time to share all those thoughts on this topic - its one that I've had internal debates in my head for years. I do want this channel to be a full time gig and be able to provide for my family in that capacity- but in a way that allows me to best serve the community and myself. Lots to consider here and it seems like the community is vastly onboard with option 2 to begin with and eliminating gear expense from the business would allow me to share reviews of gear that might originally be out of my personal price point, but within another RVers.
Number 2 , is a good option I belive.
Thank you for the input - it is very much appreciated!
Congrats that your channel is to this point. Long overdue in my opinion. Personally I don't have a problem watching a channel that has affiliate links, ads or commercials within a video or accepting free gear. I understand there is benefit to the free gear from a viewer stand point. I know it's hard to be completely unbiased when reviewing gear so I do keep that in mind but in reality it's a great way to see how products visually work before buying them. Wish we would have had this option 20 years ago lol. What I don't care for is any type of paid membership or another website I need to go to where I need another password to keep track of unless, of course it's Amazon. I do click on affiliate links and make purchases. I've seen some channels have a Patreon set up and I've tried that it's not for me. Best of luck!
Thank you for the kind words on the channel!! Understood on the membership option - agreed everyone is on platform and membership overload these days.
I like option 2.
Thank you for your input- I appreciate the reply!
Option 2.
Much appreciated - thanks for the input!
I subscribe to the channel because you provide what I believe are honest, helpful info that is detailed enough while still understandable.
I have no problem if you receive free items as long as you mention that upfront, and do the same unbiased reviews .
I have no issue with you having sponsors as long as you also use the item for a period of time, believe it’s superior, and put your reputation on the line to support the company.
Hope this helps
It does help - thank you for taking the time to share those thoughts with me.
Option 2. As long as you stay open about it, and if items come at no cost or obligation to you.
Thank you for the opinion! I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know your thoughts on this
I personally wouldn't mind any of the 3, as long as the reviews are honest. I don't think any company would balk at you giving an honest review, because if any of them have an inferior product, I'm betting they'd like to know and how to improve their products.
Thanks for that input - and honest reviews always regardless of the option ◡̈
Option #2
Thanks for the input!
Option #3
Thank you!
Not having sponsorships is 100% valuable to me because it leads to honest reviews. Too many channels have the latest and greatest products that cost a ton of money which they give glowing reviews, then they get the next high dollar product just to say that "it's the best". I unsubscribe to those channels immensely. (The Blu filter system comes to mind).
If you can keep your reviews genuine, I'll use your affiliate links as a "thank you" for being honest. I really like your content.
Thanks for the honesty and taking the time to type out your perspective.
I would say 2 or 3.
Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion - I really appreciate it!
I responded to you once before with this question. I like the fact that you’re asking the question to a larger audience. I do believe you could do any of the three options, but I also believe some options would be better than others.
I would be interested to see if you would be able to review items and then send the item back if that is feasible or not?
Project Farm has a Patreon page with supports. But… I wonder who the supporters are. I only mention him since he DOES NOT take Sponsorship or promotional items which IMO adds value to his opinions/reviews. I don’t think whatever decision you make will affect too many people’s opinions of you. Most value the work you do and the way you do it.
I would like you to reach a larger audience and grow the channel which would help any family. But not at the cost of doing it the way you are most comfortable with. The fact that you are asking the question speaks volumes to you as a person.
Just an opinion. Thanks again.
I would could the items be given to your subscribers through a drawing or contest? Would create more work for you, possibly a cost too.
So that might not help the situation.
THANK YOU for taking the time to type out your opinions on this topic again - I really appreciate you for sharing. Todd & Project Farm is a PRIME example of option 1 and I love his videos. I don't think his patreon page is very active, but with the view count and affiliate links I think its something that was created because the audience asked for it, not a significant stream of income (just my thoughts).
I've had this conversation before with others concerning @ProjectFarm and at this point - if he DID start accepting free products I don't think it would change my opinions on the testing or perspectives that he's providing in his videos - but he's also large enough now that I don't think he'll ever NEED to to that.
It seems that most folks are comfortable with taking free gear but no sponsorships - the idea that I could review gear that is normally outside my personal price range to share with the community is really appealing and points out the limitation to the community and audience of option 1.
Yeah that's something to look into as well. I've also thought about sending back the items after testing, but that would limit future comparison videos and would also be hard with items that need to be installed.
@@rvgearandfar I think you will be fine with taking free gear. I also think it would be cost prohibitive to grow your channel without the help of the product manufacturers.
Some manufacturers might even be interested in having you compare their products to the competitors, they should have already done that work themselves and should be willing to stand behind the decisions they made on price/quality/etc.
Agree with what others have said. Buying stuff out of pocket to review costs money. I would be ok with option #2 or #3 as long as you were open about it. It would be nice if you could tell the sponsor .. you can accept free product as long as they know you are going to give an honest review of their product.. good OR bad. You have to do what is best for you and your family. I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.
Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it!
Enjoy you blog very much. Option 2 or option one. I realize the cost to purchase multiple items. If you had 200k views and 200k subscribers you would be in a position financially pay for and test. I support no. 2 for you until you get up and running with self sustaining RUclips monetization.
Thanks for your great videos
Thanks for the input - I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective!
I would vote for accepting free gear but not sponsorships. Keeps you unbiased. I know how hard it is to run a channel and look forward to your content and will do what I can to get things via affiliate links
That seems to be the general consensus from the community - I appreciate you taking the time to share your opinions!
I appreciate that and also thank you very much for taking the time to share your opinions!!!
I like the idea of option one but I understand how costly it can quickly add. I like how you did the chemical toilet one and you did vast amount of choices and showed all aspects of multiple products. If you either do that with other ones that would be very costly. So depending on your financial freedom, I would recommend number two. First take the products for free but give honest true opinions
Much appreciated, thanks for the thoughts
#3 - I find you to be honest! That's all I care about! If you change; I will just unsubscribe! ((((Love Your Informative Videos! - KEEP IT HONEST!)))) Thanks for being REAL!
I appreciate that input - thank you! And yes, always honesty first!
If you have a loyal following that trusts your reviews and opinions, it shouldn't matter if you got the products free. Especially if you don't give every products a glowing 5 star rating. So I vote for Option 2 or 3. If you want to be fair AND profitable (or make some money anyway) take Option 3. If you just love what you do, Option 2 makes the most sense. Take the gear. If you get multiples of a product from different vendors you could always donate or give away the products you don't keep and use after the reviews.
FWIW, the fact that you're asking the question in the first place adds to your integrity. IMHO
Thanks for those thoughts - I'd REALLY like to take option 1, but as someone else commented- the community needs to see reviews and comparisons that are OUTSIDE my personal budget and until we reach a few million subscribers on the channel self funding multiples of the expensive RV gear just doesn't add up.
You in a business, focus on being honest and critical. Look at the number one reviewers in 10 different gear categories. They really go after volume. It increases your number of reviews. Allows you to easy pick what you think is best, not just on what you were able to afford to buy. Save up groups of products in each category and display 5 or more at once, even if you need to plan your reviews and reach out to the top companies before posting. People will always pick others apart claiming bias. But when your viewers choose your best choice pick, and they themselves purchase your top pick, if they like it, they will become loyal fans. Subs are one thing, becoming that guy who really lays out the good great and ugly with honest opinions will succeed faster and i think will be more fulfilling. Trust your gut, your intellect, and integrity. We want honest reviews, at different price points, not just what you might have chosen based on your budget. Then to top it off, the products were free, you got paid for your content, do a give away of the products you don’t keep and bless others you wouldn’t be able to afford any of the options in the first place. Ask for comments below as to why someone wants product a b or c, how they would benefit, take the time to read the comments, and bless your subscribers. You might he surprised and receive more gratitude than gripes. Who you rather become friends with in life. Love your videos, thank you, i wish you success and giving the best service back to your followers who watch for free in the first place is priceless. I tried them all and this is the best is far more valuable than i found one that worked for me. Its ten times the work, but successful people in any venture are successful because they worked hard than everyone else. My 2 cents cost you nothing but your time reading this. Thank you for your time.
Your two cents is absolutely worth my time - its why I asked and this response I think has laid out what many others in the comments have echoed. Your point about sharing gear and reviews OUTSIDE my personal budget really hit home and is a hugely weighted point - thank you for sharing that perspective and blessing me with the time it took to type it all out.
Since creating videos takes a lot more time than most people realize, I would prefer Option 3 for you. I commend you for preferring option 1. That shows your integrity and transparency behind your reviews. However, you need to think of yourself and your family. As long as you can remain unbiased in the reviews and only accept sponsorships from companies with products you honestly can recommend, I don't see a problem with option 3. Regardless of what we say in the comments, go with what your gut instinct tells you. You have to live with the decision.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts! Yes, even 4-5 minute videos take hours to film, test, edit and deliver a worthwhile final video for the community.
Option 3 you need to make a living as long as you stay honest.
Thanks for the opinion!
As long as you're above board and let the viewers know, I think free gear is ok, but I'm always skeptical of sponsorships as you are then working "for" the "man".
Opinion noted - thank you for taking the time to share - option 2 seems to be the general concensus
Option 3 I pay enough subscription fees
Understood - thanks for the input!
#3
Much appreciated! Thank you for answering
Wouldn’t care one way or another if you take sponsorships, as long as we continue to get the information on products you have been giving in the past.
Understood - thank you for the perspective!
Patreon?
Definitely something that is an option. Thanks for the input