As we have a thread running on tyre inflators and corruption in Amazon, let’s take Wuben to task.
Now, I have received Sofirn stuff for free, but I have never been asked to make a good review, just a review.
Wuben will give me this torch in exchange for a good and effective review. Now that is definitely not going to happen from me Wuben, and I’m putting this blatant corruption here for all to see.
Very interesting!
@sb56637, I don’t know if there’s anything you want to do about this, but you might be interested in this thread.
Compensation by sellers for reviews is prohibited by Amazon rules. I recommend that you send a copy of the offer received to Amazon by clicking on the “Report an Issue With This Product or Seller” link or the “Report Abuse” link on the product page. The more reports Amazon receives about this issue, the more likely they will be to take action to prevent losing customers who might be less likely to shop where reviews can’t be trusted.
Against the Amazon rules, Yes. Sofirn does the same. They offer to refund via Paypal after they see a satisfactory review. I don’t see any real difference in what those two are offering. The second to last sentence indicates they are aware of their wrongdoing.
One name says everything;
This guy has came right out and said he ONLY gives positive reviews.
He may say “Some things I would like to see improved” but never, “This product is a waste of money or just bad”
That doesn’t fit his program of getting new stuff Free everyday from willing Manufacturers/Sellers to have their garbage get good reviews.
Sickening really but the dude laughs all the way to the bank and so far no one will stop this blatant Shill machine.
When perusing reviews of anything I read and consider the less than 4 (out of 5) star reviews first; maybe read some 5s.
How much do they pay.
Haha they don’t, they just reimburse you for the light. I got a very similar email from them.
PIOOCAN??? 
Stupid name aside, that is indeed poor form, and completely unnecessary.
Why these stupid name? there was another chinese seller around, calling their lights “SZFEIC” or something like that.
This is typical Social Media Marketing. I got a couple of very nice Skilhunt lights from Amazon. I left a positive review, received a full refund, and everyone was happy.
I used to stand on my High Horse and Shout, “thats just not right!”
then I came to my senses and said… its a nice free light, I will take it. 
moral of the story… Amazon reviews from “Verified Buyers” are part of the Vendors Social Media Marketing program.
If you dont want a free light in exchange for a positive review… I respect your principles ;-). Its your choice.
I quit watching his reviews in 2021 after I noticed a trend as you mentioned…nothing bad to say, just ‘could be improved.’ That is not objective feedback and is misleading. Plus no science behind it, just commentary and some beam video.
Bottom line, it shouldn’t matter if you ge t a free sample or not. Just give the facts-no fluff.
" Verified buyer” is something that Amazon does to verify that a buyer bought something on Amazon. It has nothing to do with social media or a seller of the product.
If a reviewer says they received a free product in a review that’s one thing. But I guarantee you’re not going to say on an Amazon review that you paid for the product and the seller told you that you would be reimbursed after you left a positive review.
So there is a distinction between receiving a free product versus being reimbursed after you provide a positive review.
So don’t tell us that you respect others opinions after talking about your freaking high horse.
Sofirn have never asked me for a positive review, but they’re usually pretty positive anyway because, well Sofirn are cheap and generally ok. With this Wuben email they specifically ask for a good review. That’s my gripe with it, it’s a payoff. If it’s genuinely a great light then that’s fine, I’d say so, but I’m being told the opinion I must offer prior to me getting it.
If they’d just trusted in their product and said, ‘Leave a review’ I’d have ordered straight away, but they’re not buying positive reviews with freebies.
I’m not sure I can be bothered to do much with it, but this and several other let downs by customer service regarding a white/white X3 simply means I’ll never buy a Wuben light.
The trustworthiness of reviews is in decline, and good on the dwindling numbers of reviewers who still try and maintain impartiality. I’m currently dealing with an unhinged customer service rep at Acebeam over some negative points in a review, which isn’t isolated. As well as paid/refund reviews, there has also been a shift to YouTube reviews where some reviewers don’t even properly test the light, but just regurgitate the press release.
Amazon knows about it, they do not care, yes their policies say one thing, so they are not held liable, but they do something else. No point to complain and report. Just assume every positive review is fake, and make your buying decision with that in mind.
Amazon does care about fraudulent reviews, because the company sees reviews as a major reason why many customers enjoy shopping there. Here is an article written by one of their executives about the steps they are taking (and the money they are spending) to fight fake reviews.
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/how-amazon-is-working-to-stop-fake-reviews
Looking at it on Amazon, it’s a ridiculous price for a no name. £26.82 works out almost spot on $35. For an AA 3 mode plus strobe! I don’t get what’s going on here, I hadn’t looked at the thing properly but it’s not even Wuben branded.
Ah well, can’t be bothered with doing anything about it, not buying one, I’m out. 
It seems like they’re getting results… The flashlight in question is very ordinary (to say the least) and priced at AUD$55.90. They don’t even say what LED is in it - only 2500 lumens. I could pick up a better Sofirn or Wurkkos for half the price.
They do make some good flashlights- so I don’t know why they’re doing it. I’ve got one of their camping lights (paid full price- no kick backs) and it’s great.
Seems to me that most reviews are just reading off the box and putting up some pics against a white wall or an old wood picnic table (WTF?) . Very few actually test lumens and run times but those I have faith in!
Hell I could read the box and make a video of removing the battery protector and showing the awesome lanyard.
