When Sponsors Go Bad

A couple months back I signed up with a program where businesses who are looking to get the word out about their products or services reach out to bloggers. The bloggers are compensated with product, money or even credits to shop. I figured this would be another avenue to find cool stuff to review or write about. I accepted a campaign to write for a business that specializes in hand crafted glass accessories. I accepted because the owner/designer wasn’t just looking to promote his business but also a very cool opportunity he had worked on with Olympic athletes.
The Olympics were in full swing and I love everything about hand made products and the talent behind those products. These products were beautiful and the story behind it was great. The post was written, published and it got traffic. The owner/designer was pleased. In exchange for the post I was to receive a $25 merchandise credit. I was excited; I had picked out a couple items for Sabreena knowing she would also appreciate the products. I received info to redeem my credit but the code never worked, my emails were ignored but I held up my end of the bargain. I wasn’t so pissed off that I’m demanding a formal apology, more free stuff, financial compensation or even for the program to intervene. I know things happen and stuff is forgotten but I did communicate 4 times about this issue and never heard a word. I’m not saying this was done intentionally to cheat me out of $25 worth of product but it’s frustrating. I work hard to keep a schedule and communicate with sponsors and advertisers; I’m not always perfect but I try my hardest to maintain my integrity and most of all my work. Instances like this make me feel like bloggers work isn’t appreciated or taken seriously.
In the end a representative from the program made nice with me and said they would investigate. Not sure what if anything transpired; I don’t actually care. Just a word to companies, PR Reps, bloggers and everyone in between, keep your word, do what you say you will, and have a sense of honor when running your business.
This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.