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What do I look for when I review?
I was ‘challenged’ on Twitter this morning when my Brittany Ferries post was automated to my timeline, it’s a first for me and I found myself defending my corner quite fiercely which a little later on in the morning surprised me so I started to reflect on the whys of this reaction?
I agree to review certain products or services with the PR or company that I’m interested in and therefore yes, it’s more than likely going to be a good review.
Apart from adding the usual disclosure at the end of the article to ensure readers that I have received the product/holiday in exchange for a post on Mari’s World and am therefore declaring it’s a freebie what am I actually looking for when I review something?
Toy Reviews
I have been working with John Crane for over a year now and of course after that amount of time a good rapport is created but as chief reviewer I would like to think that my word is taken for what it is. I have also reviewed many toys and children’s books for other companies too and I hope to continue along that line so what do I look for in a toy or book for children?
I want quality, I want something for my money first and foremost and I don’t want it to break the minute it’s played with.
I want the toy to do it’s job and that is keep my little ones amused for a decent length of time, to help them develop their skills and interaction with the world around us. If the toy has added educational properties all the better in my book.
Product reviews
Again quality for money, I want to know the product does what it says on the box and does it well. I am a housewife with limited time so I want products that can help me solve problems around my home, that are useful for my life and not just filling space in my cupboards.
Travel Reviews
Probably the most money a family will fork out in a year is on the annual holiday. It means an awful lot to each member of that family, parents have worked hard all year and will want to relax and have fun with their families, children want to be able to spend quality time with their parents and most of all families want to make good memories that will last forever.
I look for clean and comfortable surroundings in line with the amount of money the holiday costs. I look for friendly staff. Having worked in the tourism industry I understand it’s hard work, I know there are difficult customers but a smile costs nothing and gets you everywhere and just because he is rude doesn’t mean to say I am 
I look for cleanliness in your facilities like the swimming pools, public toilets, bar, restaurant and so on.
I look for ‘extras’ that I may be getting for my money, entertainment for the children? A park for the children to play in? Maps and information on the surrounding area? Sky TV so dad can watch his football?
I look for service, for example can you keep my unused wine till the day after in the fridge for me? I have a crying, tired child at dinner, have you got crayons and paper to tide them over for half an hour? Can members of staff jump in and solve a problem for me without needing to be asked?
If, as I am packing my bags and leaving a place, I am sad to be leaving then it suggests to me I had a great time and therefore my review will be positive for sure.
If I find a dirty room, dirty linen on the beds, unhelpful angry staff, you’ll hear about it. Does the swimming pool need a darned good cleaning? I’ll let you know.
One last note, we can all find something bad to talk about EVERYWHERE, people live entire lives moaning and groaning and I am not one to pick holes, I know members of staff have bad days, stressed moments, I get the chambermaid forgot to change the towels as she was changing over 30 rooms by midday and I know by being pleasant and asking reception all manner of ‘problems’ can be quickly and easily solved and that staff are only to happy to help.
That is what I’m looking for
