Vine...

 

That plant thing that climbs the fence?  Well, yeah, that's a vine, but I am talking about the Amazon Vine Program.

Based on reviews I've done on Amazon purchases, we received an invitation to join the Amazon Vine Program last September.  We were busy with the move back then and didn't do anything with it.  Well, to be perfectly honest, Joan does most of our Amazon ordering... she rarely submits a review.  I try to do a review when I think about it, because I do look at the reviews when considering a purchase.

Joan recently accepted their offer to join Vine.  You have to be invited to join, it isn't something you can ask for.  The premise of the Vine Program: members can select up to 3 items per day (at no charge) being offered on Vine.  The product seller offers some items to Amazon, with the hope that the Vine Member who selects it will leave a favorable review.  There is no obligation to leave a positive review or to even leave a review at all.  You have to review a certain percentage of the items you order to stay in the Vine Program.

"So, you get stuff for free?  No catch, other than leave an honest review?"  Yep, that's it.  If there's a catch, we haven't come up on it, yet.  The seller isn't "buying" reviews - I have been offered that direct from sellers if I will give a 5 Star review - I don't do that.  In fact, I am not a fan of reviews on YouTube where posters get free cameras or other stuff from the manufacturer in exchange for a review.  They will say there is no obligation on their part to give a good review, but you know if they give a bad review, they won't be given more free products from that manufacturer.  This is different - you can look through a listing of thousands of products sold through Amazon that are in the Vine Program - it isn't likely you will get something from the same seller/manufacturer twice.  You are encouraged to give a concise, honest review.

Today, I left reviews on a half dozen items we've received in the past couple days.  One is a seat back cover for the rear seats in our Equinox...

 The rubber part on the bottom of the image above is what came from Chevy as part of the optional equipment.  The new covers are at the top of that image - without those, it is black carpet on the seat-backs.  Great fit...

These Velcro® to the seat back of the rear seats - and protect it whether in the up or down position.  It is a perfect fit and seems really well made.  I absolutely would have bought these had I known about them.  Joan found them on Vine.

How about a metal watchband for my Apple Watch?

Or, a "car seat" for your kitty?

It comes with all the straps to keep it in place in your car, including a clip for Murphy's harness.  I think this will be great in the motorhome.

Amazon keeps track of all these orders, because they are considered gifts, so there may potentially be some tax that will be incurred by the end of the year.  That's fair.

We'll see how this works out.  Joan is currently looking for a 3rd item to order today.  She let me pick 3 things yesterday (we share an account).