In 2007, Amazon launched Amazon Vine. Amazon Vine was intended to help manufacturers and publishers receive reviews for their products on Amazon. The intentions were good (and still are). The reviewers are called Amazon Vine Voices and are “based on the trust [the members] earned in the Amazon community for writing accurate and insightful reviews.” This move by Amazon was also intended to combat the number of fake/robo reviews that are constantly on websites. If you see a review labeled “Vine Customer Review of Free Product“, you have some comfort that an actual person was vetted for the review!
Membership to become an Amazon Vine Voice is by invitation only. That means that you cannot apply to become an Amazon Vine Voice. So, if you write a lot of reviews, hopefully you will receive the coveted invitation.
To select products, Amazon Vine Voices go to a special link on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/vine/
In 2023, Amazon Vine Voice membership was divided into two categories, silver and gold. New Amazon Vine Voice members start out in the silver category. The silver category allows you to obtain 3 items per day valued up to $100.00. The gold category allows you to obtain 8 items per day with no limit on the value!
Please keep in mind that not every product on Amazon is available to be requested. However, the offerings are immense and conveniently categorized and searchable.
TAX IMPLICATIONS
Depending upon where you live, Amazon will issue you a 1099-NEC if the taxable value of the items you receive totals $600 or more.
WRITING REVIEWS
Please keep in mind that once you become an Amazon Vine Voice, you will still need to write good quality reviews! This is especially true if you want to advance to the Gold membership category