• Influenster

Influenster

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Overview

Influenster has a rating of 2.6 stars from 71 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Influenster ranks 34th among Advertising sites.

  • Service
    21
  • Value
    20
  • Shipping
    16
  • Returns
    11
  • Quality
    20
15
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How would you rate Influenster?
Top Positive Review

“Great sample site, if you have patience.”

Olivia R.
11/12/15

I see so many reviews here, and elsewhere, about how this site doesn't give them enough samples, or doesn't give them to them often enough. Jeez people, they're FREE samples, be grateful you get any and don't sound spoiled! I've been with this site for about 2 years and have received 3 sample boxes. They had a fun mix of products, and typically are geared toward me based on survey answers (one was a school related one, and I am a college junior, so that was fun!). Just check regularly for any new Virtual VoxBox (no physical sample, but often coupons and fun activities), and keep up with the survey questions. Be patient, and you'll get one eventually, and when you do I guarantee it'll be great! Usually 5-8 products, some VERY expensive normally like a Covergirl foundation I once received, and a good amount of time to sample and review before the event expires.

Top Critical Review

“Scam artists.”

Rhiannon S.
7/1/22

Influenster is a pack of liars. They tell you you're getting this great product, only to have it not show up. They're scumbags, their customer service absolutely sucks and they've left me embarrassed and upset. Avoid at all costs, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

Reviews (71)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

products (22) box (27) impact score (4) reviews (24)
Thumbnail of user alav1
California
1 review
8 helpful votes
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March 16th, 2018

This company is a nightmare!. The quality is so so bad so I had to return those items back, BUT BE AWARE THAT YOU WON'T GET YOUR MONEY BACK!
So they have the clothes and your money!
I am going to sue this company, this is a total scam!

Thumbnail of user tangelab
Tennessee
7 reviews
31 helpful votes
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January 3rd, 2019

I used to like this site very much, but now when they claim I'm getting a product or a box I never get it at all, I'm just not going worry about this anymore.

Tip for consumers:
Be careful you may or may not get a box

Products used:
Nothing at all

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user mbl1
New Jersey
1 review
22 helpful votes
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March 8th, 2017

When I first saw marketing for Influenster, everything was about makeup, hair and face products. When I signed up and received my first VoxBox, I was so excited! But immediately disappointed after finding French's fried onions, a bottle of Frank's Red Hot sauce and a few other food items. Definitely not what I was expecting! But hey, I'm a good sport and used everything in the box (even though I've tried everything before) and left reviews on it. Then, boom! Here's my second box about 2 months later. Crossing my fingers I might get a lip balm or something, this go round it was little bags of chips, a tongue scraper, Febreze, coupons and some other little things I've already forgotten. Needless to say, I let my kids have a go at this stuff and ended up using the scraper to scrub some stuff off my bathroom sink. Not worth my time writing reviews on things I was never interested in to begin with. ALSO, I realized that MOST of the reviews on products (received in a VoxBox) had positive (some over the top) remarks, when in reality I knew better. So you pretty much cant trust the reviews on all of the products people received for free:-I I guess this is fine for people with crazy extra time on their hands and like writing reviews and advertising products for free (most of which you don't really care about, but might mean you'll get another box in the future). And for everyone's reference, I'm a 30 year old mom of two with all social accounts. Apparently, falling into a certain category means I only cook and clean and have no interest in my appearance...

Thumbnail of user marychristinev
Oregon
1 review
8 helpful votes
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October 9th, 2021

I have been a member of Influenster for almost a full month. I have an impact score of 2519 and 141 followers. Since Day One, I have posted a ton of reviews and pictures, asked questions, answered questions, filled out all of my snaps, linked all of my accounts, shared with my friends, got my friends to join, and answered every survey that they sent to me. I'm active with YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and recently created a TikTok account. I've spent hours upon hours on this site, and still haven't qualified for a VoxBox. I truly believe that I'm "too old" to be included in this program. I looked up reviews about this company, and others have stated that they feel like if you're over 35, you're not going to get anything. I've filled out everthing completely. Everything. I'm giving it two more days to see if things change (giving it one whole month), but right now I'm about ready to give up. I belong to some other groups that send me wonderful products for free for my honest reviews, and they don't mind that I'm 57 years old. It's just disheartening, as even though I'm older than a lot of people in this group, I take care of myself, like to look nice, wear lots of makeup and cologne, and buy lots of nice clothes and products. I feel like I'm being discriminated against because of my age. I wish I could get those hours back that I spent reviewing products on something productive.

Tip for consumers:
If you are over 30, don't join.

Products used:
None

Thumbnail of user tonyam30
Illinois
2 reviews
23 helpful votes
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July 30th, 2017

I've really wanted to like Influenster. The idea of getting complimentary products to honestly review is great, however it seems that it is getting harder to do just that. The chances of actually getting full sized quality products to review is getting further and harder to obtain. I have been an Influenster for some time now and had some products that I was excited about but mostly not. My main issue and the reason I went as far as reviewing here is that the reviews are biased. I am vegan and conscious of my impact. That being said I already know that products might not align with my values. I still try and accurately review the products and when necessary enlist a non vegan friend to try out for me. I've had some fairly recent products that I found that they were misleading in their ingredients. I stated that in my review and went as far as chatting with the company over this. I was disappointed that my honest review was not honored and was not able to be posted when I stated clearly why I wasn't a huge fan of the product and thus leaving a 3 star review and never named called cursed etc. I simply stated why I could not recommend due to x, y and z. I find it a waste of an Influenster's time if all they can do is rave about products no matter what and not be able to legitimately review a product. I hope this gets improved because I am a strong believer in basing my potential purchases on fellow reviewers input and will continue to do so in hopes of it not effecting my odds of continuing to Influence with Influenster.

Thumbnail of user trinac67
Oklahoma
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 18th, 2021

I see a lot of reviews of people not getting boxes and listing what they think the reasoning is and a lot of them are not true. I don't know how they select who gets what but I can say that I'm 43 years old, I joined Nov2020 and since then I've received over 23 boxes. Some boxes have one item some have multiple. I have received $65 ABH eye palette,$200 worth of makeup from Valentino, hundreds of dollars in amazing face care products, Biolage shampoo, conditioner and shine spray, redken hair care, hair dye, dog products, soups, deodorant, drugstore quality cosmetics, cold/allergy meds, Clorox wipes, oxiclean laundry stuff, coach perfume and the list goes on. Recently a lot of people received a Keurig machine and full box of cooking pans, electric yard tools, clothes, shoes, I've seen where people have gotten refrigerators that costed thousands…basically the opportunities are endless. Yes, u do have to do the reviews on the products u get for free, that a fair exchange for free quality products. But I DO NOT spend hours on the app doing random reviews or interacting with people. You do have to fill out ur personal profile so they know ur interests and you MUST do the surveys that come to ur email asking if u want to participate in a box campaign, that's how u sign up for specific items you are interested in testing. This is a great company that gives great products! Currently I have 3 active campaigns meaning I have gotten 3 boxes of products in the past month to review. It's definitely worth it!

Tip for consumers:
MAME SURE TO DO CAMPAIGN SURVEYS IN YOUR EMAIL

Products used:
Cosmetics, skincare, hygiene, food, pet food, cleaners, otc meds

Thumbnail of user cardinalr
California
6 reviews
65 helpful votes
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July 11th, 2015

Influenster is nothing but a scam. It took them over a year to send me a tea bag I'd signed up to review. One tea bag -- over a YEAR. All they want to do is collect your information and sell it to other companies. I'm glad I gave them little to work with, let me tell you.

Now they've redesigned their site so it's EXTREMELY difficult to contact them. They also don't explain things, such as exactly how the 'program' works. Why? So they don't have to deal with people -- it's obviously a distraction for them when they're very busy selling your information.

My advice to you is to STAY AWAY from these people. Unless you *want* to have someone profit from your information or you'd like to spend endless hours shilling for the companies that pay THEM, not YOU.

I'm very glad I never went back to that site after I initially signed up and requested a sample of Runa tea. Considering how stale it was when it finally arrived, no way was I about to drink it -- and after waiting so long I certainly wasn't going to review it.

I should write Runa about Influenster and ask them if they knew the ill will their deal with them was going to generate -- on so many levels.

Thumbnail of user ashleyb225
Maryland
1 review
36 helpful votes
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November 10th, 2017

So, when I first started Influenster I loved it. I have a large following and received 2 or 3 boxes of products. Recently though, I ran into a snag. They have Influenster Twitter Parties, I won a "Gloskin Mega Voxbox" which is a high end brand. It took 8 weeks to receive the box and it had 3 drugstore products in it. I thought, I had gotten it by mistake so I reached out to them... no response. I asked them nicely a few more times then tweeted at them to. Finally, I tweeted at Gloskin. They responded immediately and gave me a $200 gift card as well as saying that they were promised by Influenster the Gloskin Mega Box would contain THEIR products. A few weeks later I won another box, it has been 12 weeks and I haven't received it. They ignore my emails and I am almost positive they cancelled my box because I complained about them being deceiving with their prizes. I don't bad talk brands, ever and I know that things like this could just be a mistake but when you continue to be shady and not respond to me... that shows what kind of company you are running!

Thumbnail of user neomaf
Tennessee
2 reviews
25 helpful votes
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February 18th, 2017

I've been on Influenster for some years now and it was all fine before they made the app. The way it goes is the more your outreach is (facebook, instagram, twitter, etc. following) the more voxboxes you will be chosen for. Having said that, ever since the app was made influenster has become pretty ridiculous. Everything has to be done through the app, which is fine, but they aren't counting tasks that have been done. If the task hasn't been done, you don't get the badge. If you don't get the badge, you don't have a chance to receive a voxbox. I have finished multiple badges just to have tasks ignored and stay "in review" throughout the whole campaign. That is if my tasks where counted at all. Here recently I finished tasks for a badge through the influenster app and it was not counted. I did everything that was required in order to finish the badge, but it was not counted. I had to open 3 different tickets to get any help with this issue and even then, nothing. Now, after a few exchanged messages, I have not heard from them about why it isn't registering that I did the task. I've commented on their facebook, instagram, and twitter as well as emailed them and STILL nothing. I'm not the only one they've been screwing around like this. I wouldn't waste my time if I were you. My account has been deleted. They've gotten really ridiculous.

Thumbnail of user dawnw391
Florida
1 review
15 helpful votes
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January 24th, 2021

Bunch of games, stupid surveys. Amateur reviewers. A big waste of time better spent doing something else!

Tip for consumers:
Good luck!

Products used:
Never got anything

Service
Value
Shipping
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Quality
Thumbnail of user rogeriof2
GB
1 review
6 helpful votes
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June 9th, 2019

Rubbish!

Protcts big brands

They are not counting / showing the 1 star reviews to Under Armour.

Can not be trusted.

Thumbnail of user nicop7
Massachusetts
61 reviews
129 helpful votes
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April 2nd, 2019

I haven't received any voxboxes, but I love being able to review almost anything and a lot of the other users on the site are very friendly.

Quality
Thumbnail of user caelim
Pennsylvania
3 reviews
19 helpful votes
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January 15th, 2016

Yes, this site is real and its not a scam. This company sends out what they call voxboxes, which have, most of the time, full sized products of what ever they are reviewing at the time. To get a voxbox, you must post reviews on their site. The more reviews you post the higher the chance you will be chosen for a voxbox. I have received 2 voxboxes since Ive been on the site. Ive been on influenster for about 3 months. When a box comes out the will send you a survey if they think you might qualify. You fill out the survey and if you qualify you will be picked to be sent that particular box. Just a fyi, just because you get a survey doesn't mean you will automatically get the box. Once the box arrives you will need to review the products and do the other tasks they are asking you to do. So, yes, this is a time consuming process. Yes, you do get products to try but the review process can be quite lengthy. I received a coergirl box which had a eye shadow palette, lip product, and mascara in it. I also received the jingle voxbox which had quite a few items in it. You won't be sent products you won't really use. It goes off of what you are reviewing. So if your a male your not going to get tampons. They do send out some high end cosmetics at times. I have seen them send out YSL and Marc Jacobs.

Thumbnail of user selenac63
Michigan
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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August 6th, 2022
Verified purchase

Absolutely outstanding and very impressed with the products and the reviews and the returns backs I appreciate their business and help

Tip for consumers:
Try before you buy or check reviews

Products used:
Cosmetics, hair products

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user lisab3334
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 21st, 2021

Simple -easy - and very happy to cash out!
I decided on Amazon-because I shop there nonstop!
And I needed ink for my printer and dog food asap!

Thumbnail of user veronicav169
Louisiana
1 review
9 helpful votes
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March 25th, 2021

Where is my stuff to review after answering 1200 questions?
I spent approximately 3 hours answering questions and nothing.

Tip for consumers:
Yeah, don't

Products used:
Zero bc they don't send anything

Service
Thumbnail of user mitzih21
Connecticut
1 review
8 helpful votes
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April 26th, 2021

This site is ridiculous it isn't even real. I don't understand why it even exists it is totally fake. Don't waste your time.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user tiffanyh740
Georgia
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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July 3rd, 2023

I love this app where you get to try out free products and share about them with all of your followers

Products used:
Baby stuff, make up and lots of others

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user junw9
Wisconsin
8 reviews
22 helpful votes
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April 23rd, 2022

The thing about Influenster is it's legit you can get free products, you can use either there site or app to get things started.

You create a profile ofc hook up Instagram for some reason -_- an get started.

But the issue about "getting started" is the fact that it'll take time for brands to reach out to you so you can be able to get a sample (depending on what you put in your profile) BUT! They made it easier for brands to reach out to you by doing daily task this will help you level up by tiers I'm not sure what's the max but that'll help you get some traffic.

The issue though is people are complaining that there not receiving any news or anyone reaching out to them for awhile so doing daily task seems a bit pointless an all daily task do is give you questions that leads to sample but they don't correlate to what you put on your profile.

And a lot of people are not comfortable with there latest update On the app (not sure what the layout looks on the site) but apparently users enjoyed the previous layout n the update killed the user friendliness.

To get things back on track what they should do as a advertising agency is to reach out to brands do a lil suggestion on there app/site an recommend to certain people who have there profiles n info set up match what the user an brand is looking for. Not saying they don't have anything like that or something similar but to make it more convenient as a user I feel it can stay the same with most things but the whole point is to have samples/products an give it to people for a review.

So naturally I wouldn't really recommend using these guys communication is a big thing for stuff like this an it's not that crazy to see people aren't enjoying this yes it's legit n again free samples n products but it doesn't change the fact where not only have to wait but also grind out daily task.

An even if your maxed tier that doesn't mean someone is gonna reach out to you an you probably wasted a lot of time to get to where you're at now so really what's the point.

Thx for reading my review

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user brandyl4
Canada
4 reviews
18 helpful votes
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March 3rd, 2021

Same here, I registered for almost four or five years, never received any offer from this site. They just simply make sure everyone leaves reviews for tons of stuffs and they can get money from these product companies. From the step where they ask you to review products first is where they start to lure you. Do not expect you will receive medium or high-end level products. They make you "work" for free and that's it.

It's obviously the typical pyramid selling approach. They use your genuine reviews that you spent hours writing to give outsider people illusion- the products they introduce is the best on the market, and you should "purchase" it right away! This is how they create tension and competition. Making you think you are worth nothing if you do not follow their rules! They manipulate your data in order to gain more profits!

They either give dollar value coupon and force you to purchase something you were not actually wanted to purchase. They are just marketing strategy selling company! Only the people who write the most reviews get the opportunity to review new or better products. I'm not saying it's unethical, it's just not worth the time to do it! There are people who got the chance to review new products. Just not me, or you. It's like a person holds one bottle of water in desert. You can see him but when you try to reach him, he disappeared!

I already canceled my account half a year ago. I didn't write many review, I only wrote like 2 or 3. If you don't believe me I've got nothing to say! I'm not the type of person who would like to write reviews for everything that I purchase. What I suggest is control your urge of purchasing products. This way no one can control you.

Anyways, don't risk your health on test products and your time to them!

Why did I stop using their website and refused to write reviews? Because I've seen a lot of people try their best to write reviews, it's like imagine another hundreds of myself trying to "work" this way out, it is just insanely crazy. Luckily I didn't sink too deeply.

For god sake, just search out how many this type of companies are out there. I do not really care about how other people use a product and what's their opinion, even if it's brilliant in their own way, I still do not because this type of companies only cares about profits. They do not improve on their customer service, look how many employee they have. If they really care about customers they would work like other product-testing companies!

Products used:
website.

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