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Here’s the thing…
There’s a particular upscale car rental company that I’ve been eager to try out. And, as luck would have it, I’ll be traveling to one of their supported cities over the holidays. And, I’ll need a rental car. And, all of the other rental car companies are outrageously expensive during that time so this company’s fixed pricing scheme works out nicely. Perfect!
But…
A representative from this particular company made me an offer: they would cover my rental car rate if I would agree to write about my experience afterwards. This is a new one for me. Should I accept the offer?
I know that many bloggers get similar offers all the time from hotel chains, airlines, and more. Some of these bloggers routinely turn down these offers. Many accept thes offers and fully disclose the arrangement in their subsequent posts. Some accept the offers, but do not tell their readers.
The problem with accepting offers like these, whether the arrangement is disclosed or not, is that the relationship can bias the blogger in favor of the company in question. Even if you try hard to remain unbiased, I imagine that its hard to give bad reviews to those who have paid your way. So, I should clearly say “no”, right?
On the other hand…
If I’m aware of the potential bias (I am), I should be able to counteract it. In fact, if I accepted this offer I would probably over-correct: I would try harder to find fault than I would have if I paid my own way. Plus, I most likely would have written up my experience with this rental anyway, so why not get the car for free?
Except…
Agreeing to write a post in exchange for a free rental is basically the same as being paid to write a post. I have been approached a couple of times before by companies that asked to pay me to write about their products or services. I’ve always turned down those offers without hesitation. Isn’t this the same thing?
What do you think?
I’ve already made my decision, but I’m not going to tell what it is… yet. I’m curious what you think. I don’t want to bias your input by declaring my decision.
Please comment below. Should I or shouldn’t I? Why? Why not?
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[…] Should I or shouldn’t I? (accept a comp rental from Silvercar) […]
I got your email synopsis today regarding this situation. 2 of the comments stood out to me the most:
“You hack travel for a living right? Whats the difference here?” Yes, I guess it’s called “travel hacking” to some but I see your writing in a more ethical vein than some travel hacking bloggers. That’s why I refer to your blog more than others. “Anything goes” is not your style.
The other quote: “Whenever there’s a doubt, there is no doubt.” That’s comparable to the one I would tell our babysitters when they questioned what the kids would ask to do “if in doubt. . .don’t”.
Your decision was a good one and this thread has been a reminder to many that ethics and discernment matter. Thanks.
Last Monday we returned home from a trip to Italy to see our daughter. If you remember I had emailed you asking for any suggestions regarding rental car. Our car was a memorable experience. It wasn’t my first choice, it wasn’t the offered upgrade to an elite brand. It was silver ;-). I loved the size, room for luggage, the feel of the gear shift, the backseat was comfortable, easy to park, pick up when passing. It became part of the good trip memories.
Big deal if you take it. If readers are only going by your comments alone, then they shouldn’t be traveling anyways. Take advantage of the freebies when they come your way. This is America, it doesn’t happen that often. No disrespect to you, but when I read your deals that are of interest to me, I do my homework and look for more reviews or tips to confirm. Comfort rests with the majority.
[…] Dan says no: […]
I don’t really understand the reasons for doing it, unless you are really short on cash, which I doubt you are. At which point, you should then sell your reputation like Gary Leff and publish a post with top 10 credit cards every week, littered with your affiliate links.
You hack travel for a living right? Whats the difference here?
Take it
Be consistent and stick to your principles.
I have no problem with you getting free stuff in exchange for reviews, but if you drew a line in the past, I would hate to see that the thought of a free luxury car rental caused you to cross your personal boundaries.
I continue to appreciate that you take your job seriously enough to regularly think through the ethics of a particular situation. Thanks
This is standard practice in the Mommy Blogger world. To keep your readers’ respect disclose, disclose, and disclose again. If you’re transparent, it shows. If you’re shady, it shows.
You have a deep base of credibility. As long as you’re straight with readers, you’ll be fine.
Greg,
If I’m not mistaken you actually did do something like this a few years ago with the award booking services from Milevalue so this would not be the first time. No matter how objective you are going to be, it can never be a true unbiased review because Silvercar is going to do everything in their power to make sure it is a topflight experience, and not just some everyday rental that wouldn’t have the same amount of concern attached to it.
The rental price is small potatoes compared to the value of the brand you have created. Pay the rental fee. Write the blog post. Keep your integrity without question. If you have to ask, you already have your answer. Looking forward to your sessions this weekend.
Your “except” says it all:
“Agreeing to write a post in exchange for a free rental is basically the same as being paid to write a post. I have been approached a couple of times before by companies that asked to pay me to write about their products or services. I’ve always turned down those offers without hesitation. Isn’t this the same thing?”
With that principle, I say definitely do not accept it.
I have appreciated your “independence” in the past and I know others have too. You might start to taint it by accepting such gifts (though there would be nothing wrong with doing that if it is how you wanted to operate).
Go for it. If/When you write it up, just make sure its disclosed that they covered the rental fee and as long as they don’t bribe you one way or the other to give them an extra good review (AKA be unbiased), you’ll be good. I would enjoy reading it.
I would advise not accepting a free rental. You had written a few years ago about not having credit card links because you didn’t want to get accused of pushing these links whether the offer is a good one or not. I feel the same way about this rental. As much as blogger say that their opinion is their own, you can’t help but wonder if they are being influenced subconsciously because it is a free gift. I’m sure you’ll think about it quite a bit and come to a conclusion that works for you.
Don’t do it. This blog is provides for your way of life. You earn plenty of income from this site to afford a car rental. Have them place an ad on your site in exchange for the free rental.