The Problems with Amazon Firesticks This Christmas

As Christmas approaches, many households are preparing for cosy movie nights and festive binge-watching sessions. 

The Amazon Firestick, a popular streaming device, often tops the list of tech gifts or essential gadgets for the season. 

However, while the Firestick is a handy tool for accessing streaming platforms, this Christmas, several users are encountering issues that could dampen the festive spirit. 

Let’s explore some of the common problems and potential solutions.

1. Overheating Issues

One of the most reported problems this year is Firesticks overheating during extended use. With families gathering around for movie marathons, the Firestick’s compact design struggles to handle prolonged streaming, leading to performance drops or unexpected shutdowns. Overheating can also shorten the device’s lifespan, making it less reliable over time.

Solution: Ensure the Firestick is plugged into a well-ventilated area. Avoid using it for hours on end without breaks. If overheating persists, consider investing in a cooling accessory or contacting Amazon for support.

2. Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems

With multiple devices competing for bandwidth in busy households, Firesticks are frequently experiencing buffering or connection drops. This can be especially frustrating when trying to stream a festive favourite in high-definition.

Solution: Position your router closer to the TV or use a Wi-Fi extender. Alternatively, connect the Firestick to your network via an Ethernet adapter for a more stable connection.

3. App Crashes and Freezing

Many users are reporting that apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video are crashing unexpectedly or freezing during playback. This issue can stem from outdated software, insufficient storage, or compatibility problems with the latest app updates.

Solution: Regularly check for software updates on the Firestick and clear the cache of individual apps. If storage is an issue, uninstall unused apps to free up space.

4. Remote Control Woes

The Firestick remote is notorious for being temperamental. This Christmas, many users are finding their remotes unresponsive, with issues ranging from battery drain to connectivity problems.

Solution: Replace the batteries with fresh ones and ensure they are inserted correctly. If the remote still doesn’t work, try resetting it by holding down the Home button for 10 seconds. Alternatively, download the Fire TV app to use your smartphone as a remote.

5. Limited 4K Streaming

Despite being marketed as a 4K device, some Firestick users are struggling to stream content in ultra-high definition. This issue is often due to compatibility issues with certain TVs or internet speeds that fall short of 4K requirements.

Solution: Verify that your TV supports 4K and ensure your internet speed is at least 25 Mbps. Check the settings on both the Firestick and streaming apps to enable 4K playback.

6. Power Supply Problems

Many users are finding that their Firesticks don’t turn on or frequently restart. This is often due to insufficient power from the TV’s USB port or a faulty power adapter.

Solution: Always use the power adapter provided by Amazon rather than relying on the TV’s USB port. If the adapter is faulty, contact Amazon for a replacement.

7. Increased Ads and Promotions

Another common complaint this Christmas is the sheer volume of ads and promotional content on the Firestick interface. While Amazon uses this space to promote its content, it can feel intrusive and detract from the user experience.

Solution: Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely remove ads from the Firestick interface. However, you can reduce their impact by customising your home screen to prioritise your favourite apps.

Final Thoughts

While the Amazon Firestick remains a popular choice for streaming, these issues highlight the importance of troubleshooting and preparation to avoid disruptions during the festive season. If you’re planning to gift a Firestick or use one for your holiday entertainment, take some time to address potential problems in advance.

If these issues persist, it might be worth exploring alternative streaming devices such as Roku or Google Chromecast, which may offer a more seamless experience. After all, Christmas is about enjoying time with loved ones, not wrestling with technology!

Liven Up the Dark Days Before Christmas with Christmas Crafting Competitions

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it can be easy to feel the winter blues creeping in. But the festive season is the perfect time to bring some cheer into your home! 

One fantastic way to brighten up the dark days before Christmas is by organising Christmas crafting competitions with family and friends. 

Not only is this a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, but it also creates lasting memories and unique decorations to cherish for years to come.

Why Crafting?

Crafting is more than just a fun pastime; it’s an opportunity to bond with loved ones, unleash your creativity, and even save money on festive décor. 

Plus, it’s an activity that suits all ages and skill levels, making it inclusive for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Getting Started

To host a successful crafting competition, you’ll need a few essential items. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank! Stores like Amazon, B&M Bargains, The Works, Rymans,Home Bargains, Poundland, and Hobbycraft offer an incredible range of affordable Christmas crafting supplies.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Crafting Basics: Scissors, glue sticks, tape, and markers.

Festive Paper and Card: Glittery, patterned, or plain sheets to create cards and ornaments.

Decorative Items: Sequins, ribbons, pom-poms, and stickers.

Natural Materials: Pinecones, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks for rustic charm.

Paints and Brushes: For decorating baubles or creating hand-painted masterpieces.

Pre-made Kits: Great for younger participants or those who need a little inspiration.

Competition Ideas

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to decide on the competition themes. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

Christmas Cards

Challenge participants to create the most festive or funniest Christmas card. Provide a variety of embellishments and let everyone’s creativity run wild.

Tree Decorations

Who can make the most beautiful or quirky ornament for the tree? From hand-painted baubles to felt characters, the possibilities are endless.

Festive Wreaths

Using a mix of natural and artificial materials, see who can craft the most stunning wreath to hang on the front door.

Gingerbread Houses

This can be a very tasty crafting activity. Building and decorating gingerbread houses can add a delicious twist to your competition.

Gift Wrapping

Who can wrap a present in the most creative and eye-catching way? Bonus points for using eco-friendly materials!

Setting the Scene

Make the event extra special by creating a cosy crafting atmosphere. Play some Christmas tunes, light a few candles or fairy lights, and serve festive treats like mince pies and mulled wine (or hot chocolate for the kids). Setting the mood will make the experience even more enjoyable.

Judging and Prizes

To add an element of excitement, appoint a judge or have everyone vote on their favourites in each category. You could offer small prizes for the winners, such as a box of chocolates, a festive mug, or even a homemade certificate for the “Most Creative” or “Best Effort.”

Share Your Creations

Don’t forget to document the fun! Take plenty of photos and videos and share your creations on social media to spread the festive cheer. You might even inspire others to start their own Christmas crafting competitions.

Christmas crafting competitions are a wonderful way to bring people together, celebrate the season, and create something truly special. So gather your supplies, invite your loved ones, and let the crafting begin! This year, make the countdown to Christmas as memorable as the day itself.

Hand-Painted Ornaments: A Unique Christmas Gift for a Truly Special Tree

Christmas is a time for tradition, warmth, and personal touches, and what better way to make your festive season stand out than with a gift that adds a unique, artistic flair to your Christmas tree? 

Hand-painted (or custom-printed) ornaments are the perfect choice for anyone looking to give a thoughtful and creative gift this holiday season. 

These bespoke decorations are more than just tree trinkets – they are small pieces of art that can become cherished keepsakes for years to come.

Why Hand-Painted, Bespoke Ornaments Make the Perfect Gift

Personal Touch

In a world full of mass-produced items, hand-painted ornaments stand out for their personal touch. Each ornament is crafted with care and attention to detail, making it a one-of-a-kind gift. Whether it’s a delicate snowflake, a festive reindeer, or a custom design that holds special meaning, the effort and creativity behind hand-painted ornaments make them a memorable gift that shows you’ve put thought into your present.

A Unique Decoration for the Tree

For many families, decorating the Christmas tree is one of the most beloved traditions of the season. Hand-painted ornaments bring a unique charm to the tree, adding personality and style that mass-produced ornaments simply can’t match. These one-of-a-kind pieces create a visually striking display and can be used to reflect your recipient’s interests, memories, or even their favourite colours. From vintage-inspired designs to modern, minimalist creations, hand-painted ornaments can suit any style or theme.

A Keepsake to Treasure

Unlike standard Christmas tree decorations, hand-painted ornaments often become cherished keepsakes. As the years go by, these ornaments can take on sentimental value, reminding the recipient of past Christmases and the joy of giving. 

Many people hold onto special ornaments for decades, passing them down through generations, making hand-painted ornaments not just a gift for this year but a family heirloom for the future.

Customisation Options

One of the greatest benefits of hand-painted ornaments is the ability to customise them. You can commission an artist to paint something that is meaningful to the recipient, such as a family portrait, a pet’s likeness, or a special memory from the past year. Personalised ornaments add an extra layer of thoughtfulness, turning a simple decoration into something truly meaningful.

Where to Find Hand-Painted Ornaments

Many talented artists and artisans offer hand-painted ornaments through local craft fairs, online marketplaces, or their personal websites. Etsy, for example, is a treasure trove of unique, hand-painted ornaments from independent creators. Alternatively, you might find artists at Christmas markets, where you can view their work in person and perhaps even request a custom piece.

A Gift for All Ages

Hand-painted ornaments make an ideal gift for people of all ages. For young children, a whimsical, colourful ornament featuring their favourite animals or characters can be a delightful addition to the tree. For adults, you can choose elegant designs, such as intricate glass baubles or minimalist, modern art-inspired pieces. And for grandparents or other family members, custom ornaments featuring names, dates, or family photos are a wonderful way to celebrate the love that binds your family together.

This Christmas, consider gifting something truly special – a hand-painted ornament. It’s more than just a decoration; it’s a piece of art that will brighten their tree and their hearts for years to come. Whether you opt for a custom design or a beautiful piece by a local artist, hand-painted ornaments are a unique, thoughtful gift that captures the spirit of the season. They’re sure to become treasured keepsakes, adding to the joy and magic of Christmas year after year.

They are available from Amazon, Etsy, eBay retailers, other online shops and some specialist craft shops.

Why Amazon and Etsy Are Ideal for Shut-Ins and Disabled People Sourcing Christmas Gifts

The festive season is a time of joy, togetherness, and giving. 

However, for individuals who are housebound or disabled, sourcing and delivering Christmas gifts can pose significant challenges.

Whether due to mobility issues, health concerns, or other limitations, traditional shopping may not always be feasible. This is where online platforms like Amazon and Etsy become invaluable resources.

1. Convenience and Accessibility

Both Amazon and Etsy provide the ability to shop from the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks, you can browse thousands of products, compare prices, and read reviews—all without the need to navigate crowded shops or carry heavy shopping bags. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly, and many offer accessibility features like screen reader compatibility, ensuring that everyone can shop with ease.

2. Wide Range of Products

One of the key advantages of Amazon and Etsy is the sheer variety of items available.

Amazon is ideal for practical and mainstream gifts, offering everything from electronics to books and toys. Its vast inventory ensures you’ll find something for everyone on your list.

Etsy, on the other hand, excels in unique, handmade, and personalised gifts. If you’re looking for something meaningful or one-of-a-kind, Etsy’s artisan community has you covered.

3. Personalisation Options

Etsy, in particular, shines when it comes to personalisation. Many sellers offer customised items such as engraved jewellery, bespoke art, or monogrammed accessories. Personalised gifts can make your loved ones feel truly special, and the ability to communicate directly with sellers allows you to tailor your purchase to perfection.

4. Delivery to Recipients

Both platforms offer the option to deliver gifts directly to recipients. Amazon’s extensive logistics network ensures fast and reliable delivery, often with the option for gift wrapping and a personalised message. Etsy sellers frequently provide similar services, allowing you to send beautifully wrapped, handmade items directly to your loved ones. This eliminates the need for you to package and post items yourself—a game-changer for those with limited mobility.

5. Budget-Friendly Options

For those on a tight budget, both platforms cater to a wide range of price points. Amazon’s competitive pricing and frequent discounts make it easy to find affordable gifts. Meanwhile, Etsy offers plenty of small, affordable handmade items that carry a personal touch, perfect for thoughtful yet budget-conscious gifting.

6. Support for Independent Sellers

Shopping on Etsy also provides the opportunity to support small businesses and independent creators. This aligns with the spirit of giving, as your purchase directly contributes to the livelihood of artisans around the world.

7. Inclusive Payment and Delivery Options

Both Amazon and Etsy offer multiple payment methods, including gift cards, credit/debit cards, and PayPal. They also provide various delivery options, from express shipping to eco-friendly alternatives, ensuring flexibility to meet your needs.

8. Peace of Mind

For shut-ins and disabled individuals, the ability to shop online reduces the stress and physical strain associated with holiday preparations. Amazon’s customer service and return policies offer added peace of mind, while Etsy’s seller reviews and direct communication foster trust in your purchases.

Final Thoughts

Amazon and Etsy are more than just shopping platforms; they are lifelines for those who face challenges accessing traditional retail. Their combination of convenience, variety, and accessibility makes them ideal for sourcing and delivering Christmas gifts. By leveraging these platforms, you can ensure that the joy of giving remains at the heart of your holiday season, no matter your circumstances.

This Christmas, let technology and creativity bridge the gap, bringing smiles to your loved ones and making the season bright for everyone.

Stuck for That Special Christmas Present? Then Ask Amazon for Suggestions!

Christmas is just around the corner, and while it should be the season of joy, gift-giving can bring a fair share of stress. 

Finding something unique for your loved ones is no small feat – especially when everyone seems to have everything they need! 

But, thankfully, Amazon is here to make your holiday shopping a breeze. If you’re looking for inspiration, Amazon’s suggestion tools and vast gift range can help you find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.

1. Discover Amazon’s Gift Finder Tool

One of Amazon’s best-kept secrets for holiday shopping is the Gift Finder tool. Available right on the website, it helps narrow down choices by age, interests, and budget. Whether you're looking for gifts for your nan, a gadget-loving teen, or a picky friend, the Gift Finder offers a selection of hand-picked suggestions based on your search criteria. It's a lifesaver if you’re in a rush or simply overwhelmed by choice.

2. Explore the ‘Most Wished For’ and ‘Trending Now’ Lists

Another way Amazon simplifies gift shopping is through its Most Wished For and Trending Now sections. The 'Most Wished For' list compiles popular items that people have been adding to their wish lists, so it's full of trending gift ideas that are guaranteed to be a hit. Meanwhile, 'Trending Now' highlights the season's hottest items, including Christmas-themed goodies, new releases, and limited editions that make for thoughtful, up-to-date presents.

3. Utilise Amazon’s Personalised Recommendations

For those of us who tend to forget birthdays, let alone personalise every holiday gift, Amazon’s Personalised Recommendations can be a real blessing. Based on your past purchases and browsing habits, Amazon offers tailored suggestions that are perfect for finding unique and relevant gifts without hours of scrolling.

To make the most of it, try looking through your loved ones' interests and habits. For instance, if your dad is a coffee enthusiast, Amazon might recommend the latest coffee gadgets or speciality beans that would brighten up his Christmas morning.

4. Try Amazon’s Handmade and Customised Options

For a truly special touch, the Amazon Handmade section is where you’ll find personalised, artisanal items that feel genuinely heartfelt. From monogrammed jewellery and hand-poured candles to one-of-a-kind artwork, Handmade is full of gift ideas that support small businesses and add a personal flair.

You can also explore the Customisable Gifts section, which offers items you can personalise with names, initials, or dates. Perfect for showing you put extra thought into the present, these custom gifts are ideal for partners, family, or close friends.

5. Set Up Gift Cards with a Twist

If you’re still stuck or worried about choosing the wrong item, Amazon Gift Cards are a failsafe. They may sound a bit plain, but Amazon now offers e-gift cards with video messages, animated gift wraps, and digital greeting cards that feel far from basic. And with Amazon's selection, your recipient can pick something they truly want – and thank you for the freedom to choose!

6. Stay Organised with Amazon’s Holiday Deals Calendar

Amazon’s Holiday Deals Calendar is a great way to snag deals on high-quality gifts throughout the festive season. With discounts on everything from tech gadgets to luxury beauty products, this feature allows you to stay on budget and organised. Check back regularly to see the latest deals and grab those big-ticket items on sale – it’s like having Santa’s workshop on your phone!

Make This Christmas Special, Not Stressful

This holiday season, let Amazon help you take the guesswork out of gift-giving. With so many options tailored to your needs and budget, finding that special something has never been easier. Whether you're shopping for your family, friends, or even yourself, Amazon’s suggestions can turn a frantic holiday shopping spree into a relaxed online browse.

So, if you’re stuck for ideas, don’t fret – hop onto Amazon and let their recommendations guide you to the perfect Christmas presents!

The origin of this blogpost? I was using Amazon's Christmas Gift Guide function and I thought: "Hey! This is a great idea for a blogpost on That's Chirstmas!"

Why Charity Shops are a Hidden Gem for Amazon Returns and Overstock Deals at Christmastime

Image courtesy Jill Wellington & Pixabay

If you’re on the hunt for bargains, you may have heard about the increasing trend of buying Amazon returns or overstock pallets. 

These items, often returned by customers or unsold inventory, are sold off at significantly reduced prices. 

What many people don’t realise is that charity shops are becoming a prime spot for finding these deals. Charity shops often receive consignments of Amazon pallets, offering returned or overstocked goods at a fraction of the original cost. Here’s why you should check them out.

1. Affordable Prices on High-Quality Items

One of the biggest draws of charity shops is their affordability. Items that come from Amazon returns or overstock are often still in great condition, sometimes even brand new or in their original packaging. Whether it’s electronics, homeware, clothing, or toys, these products are sold at much lower prices than you’d find online or in high street shops.

Because charity shops receive these goods in bulk, they can sell them at incredibly low prices, allowing you to get a great deal while also supporting a good cause.

2. Supporting a Worthy Cause

When you buy from a charity shop, you’re not just snagging a bargain—you’re also contributing to a charitable cause. Charity shops raise funds for a wide range of initiatives, from medical research and supporting the homeless to caring for animals and providing community services.

So, while you’re finding great deals on Amazon returns or overstock items, your money is going towards helping those in need. It’s a win-win situation: you save money, and your purchase helps make a difference in someone’s life.

3. Sustainable Shopping

Shopping at charity shops is also an eco-friendly choice. By purchasing Amazon returns or overstock items from these stores, you’re helping reduce waste. Many of these products might otherwise end up in landfills if not sold. By giving these goods a new home, you’re contributing to a more sustainable way of living, reducing demand for new items, and minimising environmental impact.

This kind of shopping not only benefits your wallet but also aligns with the growing trend of sustainability and conscious consumerism.

4. A Wide Variety of Items

Because charity shops receive such varied stock from Amazon pallets, you never know what treasures you might find. The selection could include everything from kitchen gadgets and beauty products to tech accessories and clothing. It’s an exciting experience because each visit can bring new and unexpected finds.

This element of surprise keeps many shoppers coming back regularly. It’s a bit like treasure hunting—you might walk in looking for one thing and leave with something completely different but equally useful or desirable.

5. How to Find Charity Shops Selling Amazon Pallets

Not all charity shops sell Amazon returns or overstock, but many larger or well-established ones do. If you’re specifically looking for these kinds of deals, it’s worth doing a bit of research. Visit or call charity shops in your local area and ask whether they receive Amazon pallets or similar consignments. Some stores may even advertise when they get new stock, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their social media or in-store announcements.

Another tip is to visit charity shops in higher-income areas, where donations tend to be more frequent, and there may be more stock coming from major retailers like Amazon.

6. Tips for Shopping Amazon Returns at Charity Shops

While shopping for Amazon returns and overstock items at charity shops can be exciting, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of the experience:

Inspect Items Carefully: Some returns may be open-box or slightly used, so it’s a good idea to check for any signs of wear or damage. Many charity shops will label items accordingly, but it’s always worth having a closer look.

Visit Regularly: Stock at charity shops turns over frequently, and Amazon pallets are often snapped up quickly. Visiting your local charity shop regularly increases your chances of finding the best bargains before they’re gone.

Ask About Return Policies: While charity shops generally don’t offer the same return policies as major retailers, it’s worth checking if they allow exchanges or returns on certain items. This is especially important if you’re buying electronics or more expensive goods.

Shop with an Open Mind: Because charity shops depend on donations and consignments, the stock can vary from day to day. Go in with an open mind, and you may just find something unexpected that fits your needs.

If you’re looking for Amazon returns or overstock bargains, don’t overlook charity shops. These stores are often stocked with consignments of Amazon pallets, offering high-quality goods at a fraction of their original price. 

Not only will you find great deals, but you’ll also be supporting a charitable cause and making a sustainable shopping choice. So, next time you’re on the hunt for a bargain, take a trip to your local charity shop—you might just be surprised by what you find!

Why Buying Christmas Gifts on Amazon Supports Small Traders

As Christmas approaches, many of us turn to Amazon for the ease and convenience of finding gifts for loved ones. 

What you might not realise is that a significant portion of the gifts available on Amazon aren't sold by the corporate giant itself, but by small traders and independent businesses. 

In fact, when you browse the extensive range of Christmas gifts on Amazon, you're often supporting small-scale sellers who rely on the platform to reach customers.

The Amazon Marketplace: A Hub for Small Businesses

Amazon may seem like a colossal online retailer, but its marketplace is a gateway for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products. Many independent traders use Amazon's infrastructure to sell their goods, as it provides access to millions of potential customers across the world. Amazon takes care of the heavy lifting – handling payment processing, shipping logistics, and customer service – allowing these smaller sellers to focus on creating quality products.

For small businesses, setting up their own website and managing the complexities of shipping and marketing can be a costly and time-consuming endeavour. By listing their products on Amazon, they gain access to tools and services that streamline the process, making it easier for them to operate and grow. As a customer, this means that when you shop on Amazon, especially during busy periods like Christmas, you're not only purchasing a gift but often helping a small business thrive.

Spotting Small Traders on Amazon

If you're keen on supporting small businesses, there are ways to identify whether a product is sold by a small trader on Amazon. Look for the "Sold by" information beneath the product listing. If it says something like "Sold by [Business Name] and Fulfilled by Amazon," this indicates that the product comes from an independent seller. Amazon's "Fulfilled by Amazon" (FBA) programme is widely used by small businesses, allowing them to store their goods in Amazon's warehouses while Amazon handles delivery and returns.

Additionally, Amazon has introduced features like the "Support Small" section, which highlights products from independent and local businesses. This can be a great way to intentionally support smaller sellers during the festive season.

The Benefits of Supporting Small Traders

When you purchase Christmas gifts from small traders on Amazon, you're contributing to more than just a single transaction. Small businesses often pour passion, craftsmanship, and personal attention into their products, and your purchase helps them continue to innovate and thrive. You're also contributing to local economies. Many of these small businesses are based in the UK or other local regions, meaning your support directly impacts individuals and communities.

Moreover, small traders tend to offer unique, handcrafted, or niche products that you may not find from larger retailers. This can make your Christmas gifts more personalised and special, perfect for those seeking something different.

A Meaningful Way to Shop This Christmas

While Amazon's name is synonymous with large-scale retail, it's important to remember that the platform is home to thousands of small traders who rely on your support. By choosing to shop from these independent sellers, you can make a big difference this Christmas. So, as you browse through Amazon for gifts this year, take a moment to check if you're buying from a small business – you might just find the perfect present while supporting someone’s dream at the same time.

Happy shopping, and here's to a Christmas that supports small traders!

Buying Christmas gifts online? Here are some tips

A new investigation conducted by Which? has uncovered that, over the past year, as many as four million Amazon shoppers may have been offered an incentive in exchange for leaving a five-star review on the site. 

Nick Drewe, who is a retail expert and Founder of online platform Wethrift, discusses exactly how the practice has become commonplace amongst brands and sellers on the site, as well as guidance for consumers on how to spot if a positive write-up for a product is genuine or potentially fake. 

“Review incentivisation, using bribes of vouchers, free products, or refunding the cost of an item - is nothing new among ecommerce sites. Yet, the findings revealed in this recently published Which? study indicates that, worryingly, it is occurring in even higher levels than before. 

This is across different brands and sellers using Amazon to market their products, and stay one step ahead of their competition in an entirely unethical manner. This practice, in turn, could be misleading millions of consumers each year into purchasing items they falsely believe are being honestly reviewed and recommended by like-minded consumers. 

“Many businesses will use the ratings they boast on Amazon as an incentive to persuade shoppers into believing their products are far superior to their competitors. What’s more,  when browsing for items they're looking to purchase, many shoppers will naturally gravitate towards those with the highest number of five-star ratings, in order to ensure they're receiving the best quality product, regardless of how much extra it may be costing them price-wise. 

“Whilst it can be hard to identify if a review is genuine or if one has been incentivised by a business into leaving a not entirely accurate review, there are certain things savvy shoppers can look out for online that may indicate they have been falsified: 

Does the reviewer have a strong historical profile history?

If a particular review has caught your attention and you're questioning whether or not everything included within it can be trusted, be sure to delve into the profile history of the individual who has left the write-up. This is to see if their previous reviews on a site, the tone of voice they’ve used and their general purchasing habits seem to correlate. 

Have they only given other products similarly high “gold star” reviews, or have they also documented their more negative or average responses to purchases made? As this would make them seem more genuine in their answers.

Also, please take note of the location of the person who left the review, are they posting from a country or region that doesn’t seem to geographically fit with the item under discussion? If so, it might be an indication that all is not what it might seem to be.

Have a large influx of positive reviews occurred over a short period of time?

If a certain product seems to have experienced a huge amount of 4 or 5-star reviews over an extremely short period of time, despite the fact the item isn't new to the market, then this may indicate a brand or seller is trying to use fake reviews as a way to hide previous low scores. 

Do reviews on the product have a lot of spelling or grammatical errors?

Some brands may outsource the writing of falsified or faked reviews to people in developing countries, so if a product seems to have a lot of reviews with poor spelling, grammatical errors or seem to be unusually descriptive or nonsensical in parts, consider the fact they may have been posted by someone who doesn’t speak English as a first language. 

Are you seeing a lot of similar phrases/words being repeated across different reviews of the same product?

If you are seeing phrases such as, “The best product”, “Great product”, “It saved my life” or, “The best on the market”, being posted more than seems normal on the reviews for a product, this could be a sign that review incentivisation is taking place. 

These are the kinds of reviews that will be lacking in thorough description, and may even read as though the poster clearly hasn’t tested out or used the product themselves.

There may also be phrases that indicate a little too much of an overreaction to receiving certain products. Reading a review about a floor mop or a brand of washing detergent, where the poster describes the purchase as ‘incredible’, ‘a miracle’ or uses a lot of exclamation points and smiley faces, will naturally seem inauthentic to readers, and lead one to conclude the reviews are faked. 

Are the majority of product reviews overwhelmingly positive?

It’s virtually impossible for absolutely everyone to have the same positive experience and love a product so much that they want to give it five stars, so if a product has an overwhelmingly large number of these kinds of reviews, this could suggest some foul play might be in hand.

Some brands and sellers, despite this being against Amazon’s guidelines, will actively seek out and communicate with genuine customers who left 1-3 star reviews on their products, and offer them bribes or incentives in order to boost their scores. So the brand’s average rating will rise. When it comes to this tip, just remember the saying, “If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.”

Also, we at That's Christmas look out for large number of 1 star reviews on a product.

We'd like to thank https://www.wethrift.com for their help in putting this article together.

(Image courtesy of Adam448 from Pixabay)

Don't Yell for Yodel!

Don't yell for Yodel! That's the message that many customers are sending to mail order firms like Amazon, Littlewoods, Early Learning Centre, Homebase, Tesco, etc.

Yodel appear not to acknowledge that they have a problem, diverting attention from problems by saying that they made many successful deliveries.

However, there have been far too many examples of deliveries not being made to the intended recipient for utterly ludicrous and dubious reasons. Typical claims are that people were not in to receive the parcel when they were at home. That a card was put through a letterbox, when it wasn't. That because the home they were to deliver to was in a remote rural location they could not find it. Even though the address was, in reality, quite close to the centre of a very busy town!

If you cannot get any sense from Yodel or the firm that you have bought the item from (after all it is THEIR responsibility to ensure that you receive the goods you buy from them!) you can try contacting Consumer Direct http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm who will be able to help tell you either get your goods or your money back.

Complaints to Yodel can be made at http://www.yodel.co.uk/contact-us.aspx.

Also if you bought your goods by credit card then under the current laws you can get your money back from the credit card company.

Last minute Christmas gifts urgently required? We can help, Read on

Sometimes things go wrong. A present is lost in the mail, we find out we sent a present to the wrong person, or it turns out that the present is broken.

It is not too late to sort this problem out, however. And That's Christmas, together with sister site, That's Books can help you do this.

If you visit http://thatsbooks.blogspot.com/ and use the online That's Books dedicated online Amazon shop search box you can buy emailable Amazon gift certificates there in any amount you want!

Sorted! As we say.

And do have a good Christmas!