Beware of this company

[TacoBirdinNW]

Sure, I’m not a boomer (gen x if you must know), I can say that much. unintelligent, not sure I’m going to stoop describing you, just naïve. We can agree to disagree. I’ve given concrete examples in the world on bigger ticket products where the same practice happens, an industry I know very well how car manufacturers compensate reviewers, but won’t go into that.

sorry you got yourself into an exercise you know nothing about and then feel you got burned and that you think their practice is uncommon When in reality it is very common - for all products whether you want to believe it or not.

I don't feel burned. I didn't lose anything. I just can't stand for shady, deceptive practices that circumvent rules. It would be one thing if they were transparent, but they aren't. And the barrage of emails I've received are full of lies and attempted manipulation. It just rubs me the wrong way. It's up to others if they are ok with that kind of shit. Judging by the slew of new and likely compensated reviews by 4G owners on their Amazon, others don't seem to mind trading a 5 star review for throw away steps.
Sorry I called you unintelligent.
Thanks for the note

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[Ruckus]

I don't feel burned. I didn't lose anything. I just can't stand for shady, deceptive practices that circumvent rules. It would be one thing if they were transparent, but they aren't. And the barrage of emails I've received are full of lies and attempted manipulation. It just rubs me the wrong way. It's up to others if they are ok with that kind of shit. Judging by the slew of new and likely compensated reviews by 4G owners on their Amazon, others don't seem to mind trading a 5 star review for throw away steps.
Sorry I called you unintelligent.
Thanks for the note

I have no dog in this fight but something you said got me to thinking...

If the steps had performed to your expectations, would you have minded leaving a 5-star review? I assume you willingly proceeded with the process, knowing they were expecting a review from you as compensation for the steps.

Like the other guy mentioned, whether its ethical or not, this is not uncommon whatsoever.

If all had went well, and the steps were great, and you left them a positive review, you would have still been complicit in the "fake review" scheme they are running.

The fact that they also try to manipulate negative reviews is simply one step further.

At the end of the day, all of these companies are out to make a profit off of us. Not a single one of them are doing it for the love of the game...

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

I have no dog in this fight but something you said got me to thinking...

If the steps had performed to your expectations, would you have minded leaving a 5-star review? I assume you willingly proceeded with the process, knowing they were expecting a review from you as compensation for the steps.

Like the other guy mentioned, whether its ethical or not, this is not uncommon whatsoever.

If all had went well, and the steps were great, and you left them a positive review, you would have still been complicit in the "fake review" scheme they are running.

The fact that they also try to manipulate negative reviews is simply one step further.

At the end of the day, all of these companies are out to make a profit off of us. Not a single one of them are doing it for the love of the game...

Good thoughts !

You are right and I'll take ownership in that. In fact, had they left me alone about the 3 star review I'd have not said anything because I just wanted free steps l. And yes, I was aware that they were providing the steps in exchange for an "honest review." It's the events that followed that rubbed me the wrong way. And the barrage of emails and manipulation when they obviously knew they were violating policy.

So yes, sir, I am part of the problem, as you have pointed out. I still think there is value in others seeing what the expectation is if they "test" a product for this company.

You pay for the product through Amazon.

Company will refund you so they are free and can claim a "verified Amazon review" from you against Amazon's user agreement.

The review needs to be 5 stars to boost sales.

You get free side steps.

 

[Sner]

I don't feel burned. I didn't lose anything. I just can't stand for shady, deceptive practices that circumvent rules. It would be one thing if they were transparent, but they aren't. And the barrage of emails I've received are full of lies and attempted manipulation. It just rubs me the wrong way. It's up to others if they are ok with that kind of shit. Judging by the slew of new and likely compensated reviews by 4G owners on their Amazon, others don't seem to mind trading a 5 star review for throw away steps.
Sorry I called you unintelligent.
Thanks for the note

no worries, one thing we can agree on, fake reviews, I don’t like it either. But it is the way marketing teams work, imagine a car manufacturer paid for YouTube reviewers flight, meals and then the reviewer posted a scathing review.

it’s why you never see scathing car reviews there may be some constructive criticism but that’s all, and like I said, car manufacturers must approve the review before they get posted. Is it right? nope, and I agree it’s not right. it’s just what’s done. I wish there were some reviewers could say what they really thought. Most recent one I remember, was when Vinfast first came to our shores, car reviewers went nuts on them. But they were big publications, and there was no risk to do it, product was so bad, they didn’t care if they ever got another Vinfast to review or not.

anyway, good discussion on reflecting on how product reviews really work, point is, not well… biggest take away - no review on any product can be full trusted, because somehow or somewhere the reviewer is always being compensated, these smaller ones like trumgeta is just not big enough to put their products into the hands of any big ticket YouTube reviewers…. So they look in these forums.

 

[Ruckus]

Good thoughts !

You are right and I'll take ownership in that. In fact, had they left me alone about the 3 star review I'd have not said anything because I just wanted free steps l. And yes, I was aware that they were providing the steps in exchange for an "honest review." It's the events that followed that rubbed me the wrong way. And the barrage of emails and manipulation when they obviously knew they were violating policy.

So yes, sir, I am part of the problem, as you have pointed out. I still think there is value in others seeing what the expectation is if they "test" a product for this company.

You pay for the product through Amazon.

Company will refund you so they are free and can claim a "verified Amazon review" from you against Amazon's user agreement.

The review needs to be 5 stars to boost sales.

You get free side steps.

100% agreed - anyone who is unaware of this practice, and many others like it, that fluff Amazon reviews should definitely familiarize themselves, and posting about it brings more awareness.

 

[Will721]

There is a critical detail to this discussion I think you guys are missing; these weren't given out under false pretenses. These were for a no strings attached giveaway. The company stated they had set aside a few sets just for us to do this giveaway. They did not state nor imply that any money was required to change hands through the process or that you were required to review the product. It was all withheld until after participants were selected.

I think it would have been more clear, had the original thread still been there to read, for those that did not see it the first time. However, I made a post in that thread pointing out the dishonesty and the company deleted the thread to hide it.

 

[Ruckus]

There is a critical detail to this discussion I think you guys are missing; these weren't given out under false pretenses. These were for a no strings attached giveaway. The company stated they had set aside a few sets just for us to do this giveaway. They did not state nor imply that any money was required to change hands through the process or that you were required to review the product. It was all withheld until after participants were selected.

I think it would have been more clear, had the original thread still been there to read, for those that did not see it the first time. However, I made a post in that thread pointing out the dishonesty and the company deleted the thread to hide it.

I saw the original post and understand all that. Nobody in this thread is defending Trumgeta by any stretch of the imagination.

You're experience, more importantly you're reaction, is much different than the one being discussed here.

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

no worries, one thing we can agree on, fake reviews, I don’t like it either. But it is the way marketing teams work, imagine a car manufacturer paid for YouTube reviewers flight, meals and then the reviewer posted a scathing review.

it’s why you never see scathing car reviews there may be some constructive criticism but that’s all, and like I said, car manufacturers must approve the review before they get posted. Is it right? nope, and I agree it’s not right. it’s just what’s done. I wish there were some reviewers could say what they really thought. Most recent one I remember, was when Vinfast first came to our shores, car reviewers went nuts on them. But they were big publications, and there was no risk to do it, product was so bad, they didn’t care if they ever got another Vinfast to review or not.

anyway, good discussion on reflecting on how product reviews really work, point is, not well… biggest take away - no review on any product can be full trusted, because somehow or somewhere the reviewer is always being compensated, these smaller ones like trumgeta is just not big enough to put their products into the hands of any big ticket YouTube reviewers…. So they look in these forums.

Makes sense. Again, sorry to get defensive and insult you. That was childish.
Ultimately I sent them back, but should've just let it go there.

I will say my review was honest and constructive which was the expectation I felt they set with me. So the frustration was the 22 emails trying to convince me to change it or delete it in all sorts of ways.

But yea, should've gone about sharing this differently.

Thanks boys.

 

[Sner]

Makes sense. Again, sorry to get defensive and insult you. That was childish.
Ultimately I sent them back, but should've just let it go there.

I will say my review was honest and constructive which was the expectation I felt they set with me. So the frustration was the 22 emails trying to convince me to change it or delete it in all sorts of ways.

But yea, should've gone about sharing this differently.

Thanks boys.

know what? Best idea, send it back. Give an honest review, clear and conscious that way. Clear mind, and if you’d like, go and add another honest review under a different account, just like the rest of the world does.

oh, and between me and you. Get those frame caps for the open ends of the frame at the back of the truck, it’ll reinstate your faith in them

 

[astroboy]

They just wanted an honest review. And when you actually post your honest opinion, since you did not give them 5 stars. Now they want you to remove your review. That is indeed shady.

 

[4nimal]

I had a different scenario but equally bad experience: https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/trumgeta-5-side-steps-review.21432/post-268227

I disputed the charge with my credit card company and was told by my credit card company to ignore any attempts by them to have me cancel the dispute to allow refund (which they did try). Bottom line, they are unethical.

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

I had a different scenario but equally bad experience: https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/trumgeta-5-side-steps-review.21432/post-268227

I disputed the charge with my credit card company and was told by my credit card company to ignore any attempts by them to have me cancel the dispute to allow refund (which they did try). Bottom line, they are unethical.

Yea dude, that sucks and is frustrating. I'm glad your CC company had your back.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Not going to weigh in on this particular situation, but we should all be aware of cultural norms differences between our western expectations of fair value for what we buy versus Chinese cultural values and norms regarding competition and war.

The Chinese proverb "兵不厌诈" (bīng bù yàn zhà) translates to "all's fair in war." This proverb is often understood culturally that it's ok to cheat in war and of course business is a form of war. I've also heard it expressed as "it's ok to cheat a foreigner". The idea behind it is winning because you are more cunning and clever and have outsmarted your opponents.

Of course, when we find that our pet food was poisoned and our kids cosmetic jewelry is made from toxic metals, we are rightly outraged. It's the cultural viewpoint on how cheating can be acceptable.

As consumers of chinese products, often direct from the chinese manufacturer, we should always consider a cheap alternative as just that and that it's missing some aspect of quality and or safety to hit that low price.

I personally never buy the cheap alternative when I need to rely on quality and safety. Nope, i'm not interested in that Anker lithium battery pack that's got a chance to catch fire. I'll go with the Apple branded one. I'll buy from a reputable tire brand, rather than cheaper alternatives. It costs more but is worth it in my experience.

 

[bsquaredMTB]

I didn't read through all the responses but I can speak to my experience with Trumgeta. They requested a few reviews for me in exchange for them to send me products. I was VERRRYYYYY skeptical about this as I wasn't sure if it was a legit company. Long story, short, they did send me the following:

• Side bed molle panels
• front molle panel for the bed
• Tailgate bike pad
• Premium roof rack (I asked for this later and they were kind enough to send it out)

As I mentioned, I was VERRRY skeptical as they reached out to me via message on this forum. I went back and forth with them on messaging and they didn't ask for any info that I didn't think was apprpropriate for them to send me the products. I did provide them with honest reviews on this forum and that was it. They provided me with an affiliate link but it hasn't been too fruitful. Overall, I will say that my interactions with this company were professional and on the up and up. I can't speak to everyone's experience but I did want to add to the discussion as to how my interactions went with Trumgeta. I will also say that the products they sent out were of good quality. This is the first time I've added stuff to a vehicle so I can't say if they are "premium" or "trash" or somewhere in between but as far as I can tell, they work as intended for me.

I will say, if there is something that's safety related like winches, tow hooks, etc, I definitely lean toward more well known brands, but for the mods I listed above, these ended up being just fine for me.

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

Not going to weigh in on this particular situation, but we should all be aware of cultural norms differences between our western expectations of fair value for what we buy versus Chinese values and norms regarding competition and war.

The Chinese proverb "兵不厌诈" (bīng bù yàn zhà) translates to "all's fair in war." This proverb is often understood culturally that it's ok to cheat in war and of course business is a form of war. I've also heard it expressed as "it's ok to cheat a foreigner". The idea behind it is winning because you are more cunning and clever and have outsmarted your opponents.

Of course, when we find that our pet food was poisoned and our kids cosmetic jewelry is made from toxic metals, we are rightly outraged. It's the cultural viewpoint on how cheating can be acceptable.

As consumers of chinese products, often direct from the chinese manufacturer, we should always consider a cheap alternative as just that and that it's missing some aspect of quality and or safety to hit that low price.

I personally never buy the cheap alternative when I need to rely on quality and safety. Nope, i'm not interested in that Anker lithium battery pack that's got a chance to catch fire. I'll go with the Apple branded one. I'll buy from a reputable tire brand, rather than cheaper alternatives. It costs more but is worth it in my experience.

Interesting.

I've been making an effort to buy us made or assembled products lately. Westcott tow hooks, Diode Dynamics light bar, topo topper, dirtcom trail swing... This experience reinforced that those purchases were worth it.

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