Sample Models

[jpc1968]

I have noticed on this forum and other modeling groups I belong to, that people will do a post or a review on models, paints, aftermarket, etc., and the material they are reviewing are samples. They write comments like "I received this kit in the mail today to do a review...yada yada yada" My question is: How do they get these kits free to do reviews? Do you have to register with a company or something?

[jsteinman]

It is all about who you know...

[TRM]

Hey John! John is somewhat correct that it does help to know some folks to start with. Sometimes it might be the manufacturer or retailer...other times it might be forums that get review samples and distribute them out to willing victims...reviewers. Other items is knowing the person's ability to review an item thoroughly, trustworthiness to actually write the review once the kit is sent. Also there could be a build review as part of the review. Skill in building plays a part for this. Start small...might be something you might not typically go after but is not a highly sought after review item. This will get your feet wet and you can go from there.

[jsteinman]

What I did to get into the biz was to build a kit of my own, write the review and the build log, took all the photos (this is a big part, you have to be able to take professional level photos) add captions and I submitted it to a magazine for publication. You have to prove you can not just talk the talk but walk the walk. Once I was published by one magazine, the rest was easy.

HTH

[wbill76]

A good place to start if you're interested in doing these kinds of reviews is the Kitmaker network (which includes Armorama). They rely on volunteer reviewers and have a pretty good system in place for people to sign up and receive various samples that they get in. There are always strings attached of course, including a time window and specifics that they require you to comply with as part of the agreement. You are, after all, getting a 'free' kit as part of the deal so it's only natural to expect a certain level in return.

As John points out, most companies don't deal directly with individuals unless those individuals have their own reputable sites and proven track records (think Terry Ashley over at PMMS) for handling review samples in a timely and responsible way. Typically review samples go out about 1 month or so before general release to the public (although this too will vary depending on the manufacturer and where they are located) and can come directly from the manufacturers, from their distributors in a particular country/location, or even sometimes from a retailer depending on the kit in question and who's doing the review. So when someone says they've received a review sample for a build, how/why they got it can also vary depending on the source of the kit, their connections (if any) with that source, etc. The world of kit reviews can be a complex one...and sometimes people will buy the kit/materials themselves and do a review all on their own for a variety of motivations too! I still smile remembering writing reviews where I got to thank 'my own wallet' for providing the review sample.

[jpc1968]

 jsteinman Did you send it all via email?

[TRM]

Depends on who you plan on sending the review too John. Many online publications are done just that way...email and using something like WETransfer to send all of the large picture files. Other places like Armorama, have their own online forms to fill out and require the pictures to be sized and sent separately in email to the editors. Magazines are all different as well. Best to contact the editor and ask how they would like you to send the information to them.