See what I got as an Amazon Vine Reviewer in September

Amazon Vine is the program where customers get sent products by Amazon at no cost to evaluate and review. In the UK, where I am, products are completely free, but in the US (since 2015) review items count as income and reviewers pay tax above a certain level.
I have been part of the program since 2010 and it’s changed a lot over the years! This video is an insight into what I chose to receive from Vine in September
Products shown are
Kids camera amzn.to/45pPHtT
Bike bag amzn.to/3PNPf2I
Friendship bracelet kit amzn.to/3rTz9fU
Key safe amzn.to/46m6tet
Beanie with light amzn.to/3FhjYjH
Kindling amzn.to/3QbUkU6
Beyblade amzn.to/48OTaVy
Make-up sponges amzn.to/3F8QCEn
Pot holders amzn.to/46njx3v
Blue socks amzn.to/3PRD1WK
Mermaid tissue paper amzn.to/46kPr0D
Hairdryer diffuser amzn.to/3rTo929
Stylus pen amzn.to/46nSRiS
Dog treats amzn.to/3tlXXO1
Gem advent calendar amzn.to/45oZX5p
Reading light amzn.to/46KR5rR
Wash bag amzn.to/3ZSuvM2
Slime amzn.to/46Frq3W
Dog poo bags amzn.to/48JicFM
Sunglasses amzn.to/3rJzUZ6
(Unsticky) sticky hooks amzn.to/3Q9AhED
Charging cable amzn.to/3Q7ZoZx
Weed remover amzn.to/3PRS7eU
Trainer ankle socks amzn.to/3LTN2Sk
Green beanie amzn.to/3RW9kGL
Parasol cover amzn.to/3rHzxOJ
Erasers amzn.to/3LVlnQG
Mermaid napkins amzn.to/3Mi2JD9
Travel bottles amzn.to/3QcUGd7
Dog shampoo amzn.to/3twvOUw
Hose gun amzn.to/3RRU65K
Gloves amzn.to/3RP7qYn
All links are affiliate links, if you purchase via one then this channel earns a small commission at no cost to you
My kit:
Lumix G7 camera amzn.to/464Am2T
Neewer teleprompter amzn.to/3RyuZEX
Godox SL60W light amzn.to/46pVNeO
Govee LED floor lamp amzn.to/461Qwdf
Lavalier microphone (nearest equivalent to the one I use) amzn.to/46H5UvV

[@tamsynsimmonds6027]

So much fun to see what another vine reviewer in uk orders, please keep doing the unboxings. I just joined the program and im loving it! Its great that you have a positive attitude about it too

[@CandidClara]

Thanks so much for the comment Tamsyn! X

[@Carlsings]

It's not "free" stuff in the US. You're given a tax form and forced to declare all your products as estimated value income. It's income. So buying or actually getting paid in products instead of money, but it's treated like it's money by the IRS you would say away from getting cheap overpriced junk. In other countries it's actually free stuff.

[@CandidClara]

Yes, I say this in the description

[@Carlsings]

@@CandidClara sorry didn't see the description watched it on the telly.

[@jimmydandy9364]

Yes in the US assets are taxable, remember Mr. Biden has to get all that money from somewhere, to spend most of it to help other countries and for his other wasteful spending. I hope people have a good memory in 2024 !

[@selmag5819]

in many other countries, too! good remark!

[@K10jak]

I laughed in the first couple of mins of your video! I had literally just watched one of those negative videos. 😂 I was then glad to come across yours! I had never heard of Vine until I got an offer yesterday! I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos! Yes, please, can we have an October unboxing!

[@CandidClara]

So pleased to hear this! Vine is a lot of fun, don’t get dragged down by the haters, welcome to the team! 😘

[@CandidClara]

Questions about Amazon Vine? Just drop them below and I'll try and answer as many as I can...

[@user-ps9op2xl8t]

Hi, ice machines & fanlight in the AMZ UK and need vine voice, can you help me?

[@gblargg]

How many items per month do you order on average? It's fun to watch a veteran reviewer like you and get an idea of how you've managed it over so many years. I'm only a few months in and it's taking its toll.

[@CandidClara]

It really depends on what is on offer, I have barely ordered anything for the last month

[@the_trap__]

Hi Clara, nice video! I'm new to Vine and question myself is it allowed to do such videos on KZbin. I would like to do some detailed reviews on some interessting products but I'm a little confused about the general terms and conditions. 🤔

[@CandidClara]

The rules say that you can’t review products you get on Vine on sites which compete with Amazon, but you are encouraged to review on blogs or similar outlets, but have a look at the terms and conditions on your Vine page. In simple if it means more sales for Amazon they will support it!

[@Superweapons]

do you have to pay them taxes for amazon vine if you review them?

[@CandidClara]

See the note at the top of the description for this video

[@TechGently]

I was just selected. Waiting for the final word and yes the tax. Doing the basics I believe it the value is over $600 it’s reported but will check w my accountant. Amazon did say it’s up to you to report this. But then again we’re taxed to death in California anyway for all Amazon purchases. I’m not sure if there’s a minimum per month you need to order off Vine.

[@jill7111]

I was just selected too. I’m excited! You’re right, it is $600. I was selling some items on eBay last year mostly to get rid of them and I made over $600. So we had to report it. The money we had to pay wasn’t that much, but it was very frustrating because the IRS does not give clear instructions on how to file it. But I do understand things like food and personal care items don’t count towards the $600.

[@TechGently]

@@jill7111 Don’t forget to itemize your work expenses as well. A lot of people don’t do that. Obviously reasonable expenses that make sense. So that may help with the difference? Congrats! It’s 3 items a day but hopefully they’ll like my reviews enough to get to the next level. I found it best to bookmark Vine site as it’s not easy to find.

[@Nduk123]

Hi Thanks for the video, I have just been accepted on vine however, each time i choose a product I get this error message, "There was a problem creating your request. Please request another item." I get this for 98% of the items I click leaving maybe 1 or 2 items available that i have no interest in? Do you get this error?

[@CandidClara]

Yes, this is a common error that has been happening for years I’m afraid. Generally if it looks exciting and it’s still on the list chances are you’ll get this error, sorry!

[@philleese5180]

Hi Clara, I'm a new vine user in the uk. One of the very frustrating things is that most of what I request gets an error message and is not available. Why do they show me lists of items I can't review. This can waste hours of time. Is there a way of just listing items that are available to me and list just new items??

[@CandidClara]

Hi Phil, welcome to Vine and welcome to all the broken listings! It is incredibly frustrating and it’s been going on for years. I wish I could tell you differently or give you an answer, we all live in hope it will be fixed one day!

[@cameronstarkey3165]

Would you say being part of the Vine program would make you more likely to give a good review when otherwise you wouldn't because you get it free? I am sometimes sceptical about buying products with alot of Vine reviews for this reason

[@CandidClara]

Oh definitely not! In fact I would say many Viners are so serious about their role they look a little too deep for flaws where the average consumer wouldn’t!

[@ukmediawarrior]

As a Gold Member on Vine for over a year now I would say that I review an item more closely because I feel its what they are wanting me to do. That said I have seen feedback from some sellers that they hate Vine reviews because they give lower ratings than Joe Bloggs on the street who paid money for something they really wanted. So personally I would say a Vine review would give you a better idea of what you are paying out for.

[@jojojes1352]

Hi Clara, really enjoyed your unboxing video! Would definitely tune in to see more 😊 I'm a newbie to Vine and on requesting my first small product immediately got an error message saying 'There was a problem creating your request, please request another item'... 🤦‍can't find any info on the site as to why that may be, do you have any ideas? 🤷

[@CandidClara]

Yup! This is a glitch that has been going on for ages, it’s REALLY frustrating and of course generally only happens with things you really want! 😬

[@youkneecornkernel6606]

I've found, it's less of a glitch and more the fact another viner just snagged the item milliseconds before I did. I say this because, if you refresh the item or page search, you will find the item is no longer listed. That tells me another person requested the item first as I was getting ready to request also. Hope this helps clarify!

[@gblargg]

How are the tax changes in the EU going to affect the volume of future orders? (assuming everything will be taxed from now on, as in the USA)

[@CandidClara]

I’m not sure which changes you are referring to?

[@CrunchyF123]

its not going to effect uk viners at all, we were all in a panic about it but several people have contacted hmrc and got clarification we are in the clear the new rules are aimed at people who "sell" online even though we could be seen as "selling" our reviews for items we get , there is a big caviat ... legally we dont own the items as ownership stays with the seller until the 6 month holding period is up, we dont have any consumer rights either, we also choose what we review and after its used it loses a significant amount of its value ... only the old tax rules about selling items online after the 6 month holding period that would total over £1000 in 12 months would need to be declared and that applies to to everyone not just viners.

[@gblargg]

@@CrunchyF123 So no taxes if you don't sell? If so that's great to hear.

[@sooofunny37]

I have a torch beanie as well

[@mattpipke5716]

Can you please give me some guidance? I am filing my taxes after my first year with Vine, (USA)I need to know how to handle this and what I am doing. I know, I know, I need to talk to a CPA and or accountant near me, and I am going too, but I want to get general info before I do to help me navigate all this. I thought my tax liability was only the state sales tax of the items I received; am I wrong I haven't sold a single item that I have reviewed. Can you please speak to you how you have handled taxes in your time as a vine reviewer please?

[@CandidClara]

Hi, I’m in the UK, we don’t pay tax on the things we get from Vine. Try asking in one of the Facebook groups

[@sooofunny37]

I think the UK is about to get taxed because of that new law

[@andreashavin]

I am a vine gold reviewer and will be leaving once my next assesment in August is done,there really is only so much crap you can store that you will then never use,I agree with you lots of vine reviewers do no more than just use the info on the description to base there review on rather than use the item and give a honest assesment based on your own experience of the product, but it seems Amazon just wave through such reviews... Glad you are not bogged down by all the reviews and the lack of items you really would like to receive rather than endless requesting of things you don't need.

[@stackemhigh1]

Hi everyone, I have just received an invitation from Amazon today to join the Vine programme as I had left many lengthy Amazon product reviews over the years.. My only hesitation/question in joining is....do I get to choose what I would like to order and leave a review on or do I just get bombarded with various unwanted products to review please. I need to know in order to make an informed decision as to whether to join. Thanks .....

[@CandidClara]

You get to choose!

[@stackemhigh1]

Many thanks for explanation...@@CandidClara

[@Cuyut]

Hi Clara, I was wondering if you are familiar with how the CRA deals with taxes relating to the Amazon Vine program here in Canada. Do you know if we are to pay income tax for each item we get from the Vine program to review? I just recently became a Vine Voice, and I would really appreciate to hear your thoughts on this! 😊

[@CandidClara]

Hi, I am aware that taxes are due in both the US and Canada, but I don’t know the details. My suggestion would be to join the Amazon Vine group on Facebook, lots of knowledgeable people there and I’m sure they’ll be some with first hand experience

[@Lol_A_Frog]

There’s no tax burden on Canadians using the Vine program

[@jimmydandy9364]

Check with the laws in your own province. I am in Canada, and in my province only INCOME is taxable. Amazon Vine is a programme where you receive FREE products, this is not taxable in Canada, nor is lottery winnings. If you are earning money online, yes it works the same way as earnings from a job, all sources of INCOME must be declared in Canada, minus lottery and income generated from a TFSA.

[@OCUBOX]

you've been at this since 2010, My goodiness, what a sweet deal. What do you do with ALL that stuff apart from your family, you have to be Santa?

[@CandidClara]

2010 actually, although I had a break for a year (looooong story!) in the old days it was only 4 things maximum a month and lots of books and we used to get a lot of consumables like dishwasher tablets and nappies. We once had a massive box of Quavers crisps, which put the whole family off them for years afterward! 😆

[@OCUBOX]

@@CandidClara That's so funny! But it seems after ordering 1 thing on the first day I was invited, and nothing the next, the last 2 has been the full 3 per day, it's seems so ridiculous to order stuff for free and was NOT expecting the next day delivery, is that as standard or because I have Prime?

[@CandidClara]

@OCUBOX I actually don’t know, I have had Prine for as long as I have been a Viner! I do often feel bad about the poor couriers coming several days in a row! 🫣

[@debramos8485]

i just got a postcard to join Vine but they are asking me to buy gift cards to cover the cost of the product. i thought this was free.

[@CandidClara]

This is a scam, Vine will never ask you to purchase gift cards

[@YourHealingHeart333]

Wait until you are part of them for two years, then they'll stop sending you things or you can't order or they ensure all you can choose from is stuff you will never use, or usb ports.

[@CandidClara]

I’ve been a member for 13 years! 😆

[@Nite-owl]

Got my invitation yesterday so I'm looking forward to seeing what I can find to request 😁

[@CandidClara]

Fantastic! Just to warn you, some stuff shows up with errors when you try and order, that is sadly “normal” 😬

[@Nite-owl]

@@CandidClara Had this issue with around 70% of the things I tried today, so thanks for the heads up. At least I now know it's not me being stupid, for a change 😂

[@youkneecornkernel6606]

If you click on "request this item" and there's a wheel spinning...you won't ever get that item. Definitely an error. I've tried for over a month to get a mini chainsaw to no avail. Can't access it due to the spinning wheel. If you see a message that says to request another item, that typically means that another vine snagged the item milliseconds before you did. Don't mean to overstep Clara, just wanted to add to the information

[@ukmediawarrior]

I would advise you to measure your excitement. You aren't going to be offered say a computer or arm chair, etc, etc. I have been on Vine now over a year and the most expensive thing I managed to grab was just under a £100. Most of the stuff is low price, cheap crap like cables for your tv or computer, phone case covers, etc, etc.

[@Nite-owl]

@@ukmediawarrior Yeah, been on it 7 months now and cables and remote controls for obscure outdated equipment seems to be the majority of what I've been offered. I've had some powerbanks and phone cases though which has saved me buying them 🙂

[@mac23806]

Hello how do i become a gold member right now i am silver

[@CandidClara]

They changed the rules last week, login to Vine and read the note on your account

[@peteM70]

How much taxes do you have to pay for it?

[@CandidClara]

I’m in the UK, we don’t pay taxes on Vine products

[@peteM70]

@@CandidClara Ah. Ok. Thank you for answering. How lucky you are :) I think i have to move ;)

[@urmommabear5monthsago]

How to become a Hoarder 101. 😂

[@ukmediawarrior]

So true, me and my wife joined Vine over a year ago and now you can hardly move in our flat and she refuses to thrown stuff we don't need out or give it away just in case she might need it later :(

[@TimmyTimeCooking]

i rlly want to be invited to be a vine member

[@TimmyTimeCooking]

also what’s the most expensive thing you have ever been given \

[@CandidClara]

Keep reviewing things, the invite will come! 🤞😘

[@bsnowohsolow2144]

Not free. You really shouldnt keep saying for free. I did that for the first year, until i saw my taxes. Hundreds of items i tested and reviewed and still taxed. Not free.

[@CandidClara]

If you read the description you will see we do not pay tax on Vine items in the UK, so yes they are free

[@bsnowohsolow2144]

@@CandidClaraoh then i do stand corrected, I apologize. Im just on the edge of opting out for the fact that I don't see a point if I have to pay tax on the items specially when I don't get a discounted price for the coupon savings and doing a honest unbiased review while getting taxed as well. So sorry again was a little heated in the moment when i finished my taxes this year.

[@CandidClara]

I appreciate the reply, we all have those little heated moments!

[@kittycato2023]

Hi. I want to be a vine reviewer. I've done alot of reviews and alot of views. Still no invite. How can I get a invite. I'm on disability. So money is tight. Would love to do this but not sure if I'll get taxed on it.

[@CandidClara]

Currently you do not get taxed on it in the UK. Keep creating helpful reviews and the invite will come, good luck!

[@timetopoint]

Looks like list of free products for review are the ones nobody wants, so no gain for reviewer -- just extra taxes owed and house full of trash.

[@CandidClara]

No taxes to pay in the UK

[@LeonLuo-rs8pu]

I'm interested in your unboxing

[@CandidClara]

Thanks Leon, really appreciate you being the first comment! 😘