This same situation also occurs with the photography channels. Companies are always offering to send me products for reviews. Most of it is stuff I wouldn't have bought on my own - or I would have already.
What really rubbed me the wrong way was how big name overland products manufacturers did not give me time to test the free product they wanted me to promote. I decided to not go through with any of those deals. Instead, I now reach out to companies offering products I was going to buy or have had good experience with already (~25 years as an offroader, I’ve bought a lot of products over the years). So far, I’ve only done two deals (videos still need editing) and I feel that both of the companies add value to my community. Of note, just wait till OnX comes to you tho… they pay thousands of dollars on top of affiliate codes. I know of their issues and have made videos showing them, but it was hard to say no. Basically, OnX would have funded my TJ and Liberty projects. Luckily I have a job and I can earn the money I need from them for those projects, it’ll just take longer.
Reaching out to manufacturers is a great way to go and something I’ve done in the past with varying success- those videos often tanked, unfortunately. Would you mind if I send you an email? I’d be interested in chatting in greater detail.
Brilliant video. Captured so many thoughts and emotions Ive gone through as a creator. Couldn’t agree more about the limits of the creative process as well - my best videos I’ve spent my time, money, and energy researching rather than forcing a product. Though free products can be nice, when they become the normative for content, everything can get so watered down.
You saved my Sanity! I have a 2001Tundra, I have been trying to figure out why my truck was bottoming out with even the lightest load for Weeks now.. Just installed a 2" leveling kit and it was WORSE!! I was seriously losing my mind over this. I loaded up to head out camping this weekend and before I left my neighborhood, I hit a pot hole and both the front and rear smacked (what felt like metal on metal).. my heart Dropped to my ankles. As I had a loaded truck and a 2 hr trip ahead of me. Just got. Back after a stressful weekend and seen this video pop up. Immediately made sense and after checking. Boom! Rear bumps are completely missing and the front OEM's are due for replacement! Major sigh of relief!!! Thank you Soo much, love your videos!
Oh man! That’s terrible. Glad this video helped, I definitely recommend Perry parts! They make good stuff. If you want to, you can double up on the fronts so that you have 2 on each side
I get inundated with product /sponsorship offers. It’s something you have to learn to deal with as a creator. I think there is a real positivity bias when you get something sent to you at first…but honestly at a certain point you lose the bias because it’s just one more “name that thing” that’s been sent. Also as you have more things sent to you, it’s easier to become more of an expert in that product category because you have several points of comparison. I also think there is a “I paid for this bias”. Where people “love” what they paid for because they don’t/can’t admit they misspent on a product. I really agree with the idea that there is a phase where getting something sent to you short changes the research process. But at a certain point creators are reaching out to the parts/companies they want (after doing research). I did not mean to write this long of a comment lol. Interesting topic.
Great points Will! I hadn’t thought about how it’s possible to outgrow and get “desensitized “ so to speak to receiving free stuff. And totally, there’s an “I spent money on this” bias. I hope to get better at approaching things from both sides. Thanks for commenting!
@@208Tyler There is still bias though dude. When $ is involved it’s tough to be objective. One of my only fully sponsored vids is on the Aeropress Coffee maker…but I’d already been using it for years and years..and already made vids on how I liked it..so it was kind of a ringer to make sponsored video on it. I think it gets messy when we start making a recommendation…it’s one thing to show it, show the features/benefits…or show a problem it solved for you..it’s another to recommend it/endorse it if you came by it via a sponsorship…that’s a tricky place to be and maintain integrity over time.
@@Venture2Roam Ya, it’s a fine line. I do prefer reaching out to companies (like you mentioned earlier) but honestly my favorite is watching channels who have figured out the unsponsored route. It’s really inspiring that they can make all their money back after purchasing 5 different power tools or backpacking tents. That certainly gets tougher when it comes to high dollar and niche items like vehicles or off road products, but it’s something I think about.
Great information. It's something I never really thought about... I waffle and try to figure out as much information as I can on a product. I'm on a budget and don't want to buy multiple replacements. That information can only come by my own research. I do like sponsorship videos for the sake of finding out what's available and anything new but I feel like if my cash is buying the product I need to do my own research. Excellent video.
Its interesting watching the overland/offroading community go through the same growing pains the timeattack/drifting communities went through 5-10 years ago. Lots of grass roots people in the hobby and start making content. The content and hobby starts to blow up. Corporations and money get involved. The online community acts like you need a perfect 6 figure build to do well or even get started. A lot of the content creators get lost doing those insane, unrelatable builds (adam lz, tj hunt, ext). While others try to convince the masses you dont need all of that to have fun and get involved (speed academy).
That’s an interesting observation! Certainly, overlanding often gets compared to the drift/car/tuner community. It’s absolutley a growing pain among individual channels as well as the niche as a whole
I literally did get an offer to review a cat hair removal tool....and a dish mat, a spice rack, the list goes on. I'm an offroad channel, I swear when you hit 5000 subscribers all these companies just get your info somehow and start shooting emails
@@potatothorn keep in mind, a lot of these are companies you’ve never heard of that barely speak English. Some emails that I get forget to translate all of the email or don’t even mention the product/company name.
I have an Instagram exchange with a company where they insisted I work with them even though I have no interest. They just couldn't understand why I didn't want to. I certainly agree I would rather work with the brand I actually use and have interest in, rather than someone random just for the money/free parts. I know a channel out there who has become a walking billboard. There videos aren't about getting out and adventuring anymore but instead is about cramming as many products in a video as they can. I can't watch videos like that.
I get dozens of offers a week and never respond to them anymore. I hate doing the product review terms and you explained a big part of the why of it so well. It essentially means I'm making a commercial for a product. Unless on TH-cam Premium there are already too many ads. I did like how you snuck in the bump stop talk too. ;)
MBA here. Its about two things. 1. Is the product actually something you believe people might want. 2. Is the company a legitimate company of people that you feel you personally should support, which could be based off off their character or personal consideration for others?
TH-camr / Engineer here. There’s more to it than just that base criteria. As I state in the video, the quality of the review is dependent on the research and familiarity that the reviewer has with the product and it’s use case. When TH-camrs get products for free, it sometimes short cuts that process, and the review can lack depth.
@@208Tyler nice studied engineering undergrad. In sales there are different buyers that is what you call a technical buyer. not everyone is a technical buyer. Engineers will more than often be technical buyers, however some people are economic buyers. You might fall into the category of a coach buyer. Your perceived target audience is technical buyers. As engineers are typically the only few that are upgrading their cars. However the car you are upgrading is also a very common consumer car so you might want to look into what an economic buyer is to show other options which is something you sort of already do, by not buying the most expensive stuff for your 1st gen. understanding these concepts might help you figure out how to reach more people.
@@TheLotroNerd nice. Something for me to look into! In this video, I was more talking about the content side (what does a video consist of, what makes it good quality, etc) as opposed to any kind of sales technique or insight.
@@208Tyler Its good because it shows that you are figuring things out. Which showcases honesty. Which establishes trust. Trust and respect are difficult to build. without Authenticity. Most people arnt aware of this stuff even though subconsciously that is what they are evaluating.
Thank you for this great video, it highlights one of the major issues I see on TH-cam To give a practical example, I am planning a long trip with my 9 year old son in October (Sydney - Perth and back - for your USA people roughly going from one coast to the other and back). It will be a combined on and off-road trip. Not in a fancy 100k plus Land cruiser decked out in all latest ARB stuff but an almost stock Suzuki Grand Vitara with a small 5x3 trailer. I been looking on TH-cam for tips and tricks that are good value. So a 300,- Kings (cheep Australian brand) fridge for 2 reasons, 1 same price as a decent cooling box (I know.. WTF??) 2 that's the budget I have. Now I am trying to answer a simple (at least I thought it was) question, do I REALY need a 2nd battery or can I just use it as a powered Freezer when I drive (6+ hours a day) and switch it off with the car and pretend its a cooler at night? All I find on TH-cam are 'reviews' on how great this XYZ power bank (free of charge for the reviewer) or this 2nd battery system (also free of charge) is. Oh btw its 'only $500 - $1500, use the discount code below' There are some GREAT 'this is all you need for camping' video's but nothing for in the middle, people that can spend a little more but not the big bucks, just enough to have fun be out there and enjoy it in a little comfort. Again thank you for sharing your thoughts, greatly appreciated!
I have a 2002 Tundra and I have Bilstein 5100's. Ultimately I would like to make is travel as smoothly as possible over bumps, would these help with that? Thank you!
This will help make harsh bumps and unexpected potholes a little smoother. This will not dramatically (if at all) change how your suspension handles rough terrain, but will add cushion when you max out your suspension’s uptravel.
This same situation also occurs with the photography channels. Companies are always offering to send me products for reviews. Most of it is stuff I wouldn't have bought on my own - or I would have already.
100% haha. Good luck finding a gear review that isn’t actually a sponsored or early release to a TH-camr
What really rubbed me the wrong way was how big name overland products manufacturers did not give me time to test the free product they wanted me to promote. I decided to not go through with any of those deals. Instead, I now reach out to companies offering products I was going to buy or have had good experience with already (~25 years as an offroader, I’ve bought a lot of products over the years). So far, I’ve only done two deals (videos still need editing) and I feel that both of the companies add value to my community. Of note, just wait till OnX comes to you tho… they pay thousands of dollars on top of affiliate codes. I know of their issues and have made videos showing them, but it was hard to say no. Basically, OnX would have funded my TJ and Liberty projects. Luckily I have a job and I can earn the money I need from them for those projects, it’ll just take longer.
Reaching out to manufacturers is a great way to go and something I’ve done in the past with varying success- those videos often tanked, unfortunately.
Would you mind if I send you an email? I’d be interested in chatting in greater detail.
My response may be in your spam since I put my email there. If not, it’s on my channel page I believe.
@@coloradomallcrawlers thanks! Email sent
Brilliant video. Captured so many thoughts and emotions Ive gone through as a creator. Couldn’t agree more about the limits of the creative process as well - my best videos I’ve spent my time, money, and energy researching rather than forcing a product. Though free products can be nice, when they become the normative for content, everything can get so watered down.
Thank you! I’m glad you connected with this. There’s no good replacement for your own time and hard work! Thanks for commenting
Well said! I love your approach here. Also, awesome footage of the bump stop compression!!
Thank you Daniel!
You saved my Sanity! I have a 2001Tundra, I have been trying to figure out why my truck was bottoming out with even the lightest load for Weeks now..
Just installed a 2" leveling kit and it was WORSE!!
I was seriously losing my mind over this. I loaded up to head out camping this weekend and before I left my neighborhood, I hit a pot hole and both the front and rear smacked (what felt like metal on metal).. my heart Dropped to my ankles. As I had a loaded truck and a 2 hr trip ahead of me.
Just got. Back after a stressful weekend and seen this video pop up. Immediately made sense and after checking. Boom! Rear bumps are completely missing and the front OEM's are due for replacement!
Major sigh of relief!!!
Thank you Soo much, love your videos!
Oh man! That’s terrible. Glad this video helped, I definitely recommend Perry parts! They make good stuff. If you want to, you can double up on the fronts so that you have 2 on each side
@@208Tyler I was just strolling thru the rabbit hole of bump stops.. I think I will definitely be doing that.
Great review man!
Dude! Thank you so much! That means a lot, I really enjoy watching your channel.
@@208Tyler thank you! And same here
I get inundated with product /sponsorship offers. It’s something you have to learn to deal with as a creator. I think there is a real positivity bias when you get something sent to you at first…but honestly at a certain point you lose the bias because it’s just one more “name that thing” that’s been sent. Also as you have more things sent to you, it’s easier to become more of an expert in that product category because you have several points of comparison. I also think there is a “I paid for this bias”. Where people “love” what they paid for because they don’t/can’t admit they misspent on a product. I really agree with the idea that there is a phase where getting something sent to you short changes the research process. But at a certain point creators are reaching out to the parts/companies they want (after doing research). I did not mean to write this long of a comment lol. Interesting topic.
Great points Will! I hadn’t thought about how it’s possible to outgrow and get “desensitized “ so to speak to receiving free stuff.
And totally, there’s an “I spent money on this” bias. I hope to get better at approaching things from both sides. Thanks for commenting!
@@208Tyler There is still bias though dude. When $ is involved it’s tough to be objective. One of my only fully sponsored vids is on the Aeropress Coffee maker…but I’d already been using it for years and years..and already made vids on how I liked it..so it was kind of a ringer to make sponsored video on it. I think it gets messy when we start making a recommendation…it’s one thing to show it, show the features/benefits…or show a problem it solved for you..it’s another to recommend it/endorse it if you came by it via a sponsorship…that’s a tricky place to be and maintain integrity over time.
@@Venture2Roam Ya, it’s a fine line. I do prefer reaching out to companies (like you mentioned earlier) but honestly my favorite is watching channels who have figured out the unsponsored route. It’s really inspiring that they can make all their money back after purchasing 5 different power tools or backpacking tents.
That certainly gets tougher when it comes to high dollar and niche items like vehicles or off road products, but it’s something I think about.
@@208Tyler I like Tinker's Garage for that type of review. Dude is so detailed.
been running perry parts on my 100 for a while now and couldn't be happier, really nice product. Bump stomps shouldn't cost an arm and a leg.
Glad to hear it! Ya, they’re at a terrific price point!
Great information. It's something I never really thought about... I waffle and try to figure out as much information as I can on a product. I'm on a budget and don't want to buy multiple replacements. That information can only come by my own research. I do like sponsorship videos for the sake of finding out what's available and anything new but I feel like if my cash is buying the product I need to do my own research.
Excellent video.
Ya! It's a fine line, and sometimes when I'm looking stuff up and feel like I'm only finding sponsored videos it can be a little frustrating haha.
Its interesting watching the overland/offroading community go through the same growing pains the timeattack/drifting communities went through 5-10 years ago.
Lots of grass roots people in the hobby and start making content. The content and hobby starts to blow up. Corporations and money get involved. The online community acts like you need a perfect 6 figure build to do well or even get started. A lot of the content creators get lost doing those insane, unrelatable builds (adam lz, tj hunt, ext). While others try to convince the masses you dont need all of that to have fun and get involved (speed academy).
That’s an interesting observation! Certainly, overlanding often gets compared to the drift/car/tuner community. It’s absolutley a growing pain among individual channels as well as the niche as a whole
Way to be real Tyler! We need more of that from creators.
Thanks! Appreciate it
I literally did get an offer to review a cat hair removal tool....and a dish mat, a spice rack, the list goes on. I'm an offroad channel, I swear when you hit 5000 subscribers all these companies just get your info somehow and start shooting emails
It’s unrelenting. Patio awnings, floor mats for dodge rams, knife sets….
amazing that it only takes 5000 wow
@@potatothorn keep in mind, a lot of these are companies you’ve never heard of that barely speak English. Some emails that I get forget to translate all of the email or don’t even mention the product/company name.
@@208Tyler interesting thanks for the details
I have an Instagram exchange with a company where they insisted I work with them even though I have no interest. They just couldn't understand why I didn't want to. I certainly agree I would rather work with the brand I actually use and have interest in, rather than someone random just for the money/free parts.
I know a channel out there who has become a walking billboard. There videos aren't about getting out and adventuring anymore but instead is about cramming as many products in a video as they can. I can't watch videos like that.
I get dozens of offers a week and never respond to them anymore.
I hate doing the product review terms and you explained a big part of the why of it so well.
It essentially means I'm making a commercial for a product. Unless on TH-cam Premium there are already too many ads.
I did like how you snuck in the bump stop talk too. ;)
It’s crazy how many emails creators get.
Ya. Unless it’s an ideal product/opportunity, review videos can be a real pain
Thanks for your input! Nice Tundra
Thank you sir!
MBA here. Its about two things. 1. Is the product actually something you believe people might want. 2. Is the company a legitimate company of people that you feel you personally should support, which could be based off off their character or personal consideration for others?
TH-camr / Engineer here.
There’s more to it than just that base criteria. As I state in the video, the quality of the review is dependent on the research and familiarity that the reviewer has with the product and it’s use case. When TH-camrs get products for free, it sometimes short cuts that process, and the review can lack depth.
@@208Tyler nice studied engineering undergrad. In sales there are different buyers that is what you call a technical buyer. not everyone is a technical buyer. Engineers will more than often be technical buyers, however some people are economic buyers. You might fall into the category of a coach buyer. Your perceived target audience is technical buyers. As engineers are typically the only few that are upgrading their cars. However the car you are upgrading is also a very common consumer car so you might want to look into what an economic buyer is to show other options which is something you sort of already do, by not buying the most expensive stuff for your 1st gen. understanding these concepts might help you figure out how to reach more people.
@@TheLotroNerd nice. Something for me to look into! In this video, I was more talking about the content side (what does a video consist of, what makes it good quality, etc) as opposed to any kind of sales technique or insight.
@@208Tyler Its good because it shows that you are figuring things out. Which showcases honesty. Which establishes trust. Trust and respect are difficult to build. without Authenticity. Most people arnt aware of this stuff even though subconsciously that is what they are evaluating.
Good video and good timing. I really need to get some new bump stops.
Thank you! I would highly recommend Perry parts! I was impressed with their product, and it comes at a great price
great video, and insight. Thanks for the prospective!
Thanks!
Thank you for this great video, it highlights one of the major issues I see on TH-cam
To give a practical example, I am planning a long trip with my 9 year old son in October (Sydney - Perth and back - for your USA people roughly going from one coast to the other and back). It will be a combined on and off-road trip. Not in a fancy 100k plus Land cruiser decked out in all latest ARB stuff but an almost stock Suzuki Grand Vitara with a small 5x3 trailer.
I been looking on TH-cam for tips and tricks that are good value. So a 300,- Kings (cheep Australian brand) fridge for 2 reasons, 1 same price as a decent cooling box (I know.. WTF??) 2 that's the budget I have.
Now I am trying to answer a simple (at least I thought it was) question, do I REALY need a 2nd battery or can I just use it as a powered Freezer when I drive (6+ hours a day) and switch it off with the car and pretend its a cooler at night?
All I find on TH-cam are 'reviews' on how great this XYZ power bank (free of charge for the reviewer) or this 2nd battery system (also free of charge) is. Oh btw its 'only $500 - $1500, use the discount code below'
There are some GREAT 'this is all you need for camping' video's but nothing for in the middle, people that can spend a little more but not the big bucks, just enough to have fun be out there and enjoy it in a little comfort.
Again thank you for sharing your thoughts, greatly appreciated!
Thank you! Sorry I couldn’t help you find a fridge haha
I have a 2002 Tundra and I have Bilstein 5100's. Ultimately I would like to make is travel as smoothly as possible over bumps, would these help with that? Thank you!
This will help make harsh bumps and unexpected potholes a little smoother.
This will not dramatically (if at all) change how your suspension handles rough terrain, but will add cushion when you max out your suspension’s uptravel.
Haha that’s reminds me of apple Mac reviewers. They rant on how great their products are, and go on and on and on
Nice bro.
Thank you!
Please don’t put the miter saw like that lol
The miter saw stays haha. It’s the most space-efficient way to store it