A few years ago, giving away tool review samples became very time consuming, and I always felt bad when I couldn’t answer questions about a tool after it left my hands.
Which can drive in 3/8″ hammer drill bits faster, Bosch’s 12V Max hammer drill, or Milwaukee’s M12? That’s something that you need a tool in-hand to answer.
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But while in theory it’s a good idea to hold onto test samples until all editorial potential is exhausted, this has become less practical.
My schedule has changed recently, for the better, and I have started working on a few projects, my testing and review backlog, and have been establishing good working practices for 2018.
One of my goals for this quarter is to greatly reduce my backlog, but also my test sample archive. It will take me a few months to do this, but the wheels have been set in motion.
So, it’s nearly time for me to give away some tools! Lots of tools. And in as fast and least-effort a way as possible, without costing me a fortune.
I’m still working out details about how to streamline giveaways of the smaller stuff, things like hand tools and small power tools.
I have an order of Priority Mail boxes on the way, as I anticipate that Flat Rate and Regional Rate boxes will help cut down on shipping costs for a lot of things.
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I am also considering shipping out certain tools in Bosch L-Boxxes. I no longer transfer a lot of tools back and forth in L-Boxxes, and so I could stand to give some away – if I can pack tools securely within them, and can find a cardboard box size that won’t add too much to the dimensional cost.
As much as it will hurt my wallet, I will be creating an account at my local UPS Store. Being able to hand them something with a shipping label attached to it, and have them handle boxing and packaging will help me move certain things out sooner.
That is what has delayed me in the past – waiting for a sufficiently-sized box to reuse for a giveaway, or buying a box of approximately the right size.
I’ve been thinking that a lot of tools will be best grouped together for giveaway. It’ll be more economical, when it comes to shipping costs, not to mention easier for me to send out fewer boxes. Moving forward, I’m thinking I could group tools together and send out giveaway bundles every month or two.
I will have “final thoughts” about some of the tools that will be given away. A lot of these tools have been tested and posted about, even if they weren’t featured in a full-photo review. But I’d be a little happier giving them a final moment in the spotlight before sending them off forever.
I’ve been trying to think of a good way to do this. Quick videos? A photo and quickie mini new review post? A less formal mini mention on the ToolGuyd forum or Instagram? YouTube?
I also need to work out giveaway logistics details. Each giveaway might require the usual “leave a comment” entry component, but I will likely also ask for a Google Form to be filled out, with full shipping details. That way, I can pick a winner, pay for a shipping label, and then send a quick “you’ve won” email, rather than have to ask for shipping details in an email. I can create a single giveaway recipient list, so that you only have to fill it out once.
Thoughts? Preferences? Ideas? Objections?
James R.
Streamlined and simple.
Make a post on the website, have the Google Entry form and have it the entry close at the designated time.
I’ve entered with you before and when it is the “Post a comment” I’ll get reply notification emails for months afterwards, because people don’t read and can’t figure out the giveaway ended.
Vernon
How do I enter?
Stuart
Time machine.
Yadda
Sounds like a great plan. I suggest also checking out FEDEX postage rates and regular USPS. In most cases flat rate via USPS will be your best bet and you can also print labels and postage and have pickup for those parcels via the usual mail service. FEDEX via certain parcels will be useful. Good luck and happy new year!
Henry H.
Glad you figured out ways to streamline your workflow, and provide giveaways for your readers! Love the site, and wish you the best in your new year.
If you choose to go with a Google Form, there’s a great add-on that I use in my classroom, called FormLimiter, which will automagically close a form after certain conditions (number of responses, time/date, etc.). Might be worth looking into.
John Blair
The important one is how to review lots of little items. I really like, “here are some tools I’ve tried and my thoughts on them.” You can run through 5-10 tools at a time. If they fall into themes (cordless tools, hand tools, etc.) all the better.
Logistically, contests have got to be a nightmare anything you can do that will make that easier so you give us more stuff is always welcome. So a form with address is probably better than “Gimme Stuff” comments.
Toolfreak
I liked the post awhile back where you just packed up all the giveaway tools in a bundle and sent them to a deserving shop teacher for use in the classroom.
Maybe you could do the grouping together thing and have a giveaway each month, so just 12 total over the year, with the entry post for that giveaway also being the final review for the tools in the bundle, with links to the initial review or other posts about those tools in the past. I think it’d be both fun and easier to just make the entry post be whenever during the month you finish making it, rather than some set schedule, with the entry period just being however short or long that makes it.
The rest of the tools that aren’t in a bundle, maybe do the same thing as before and find a shop class teacher than could use the tools and throw together everything else and send it off. It’s not as fun as lots of smaller tool giveaways, at least from a reader perspective, and it really sucks when there’s one tool you’d really want and winning it would be amazing, but readers are also pretty sympathetic to the hassles of packing and shipping out lots of packages when you’re busy with other things in your life. Maybe smaller tool bundles or tools that are easy to fit in flat rate containers can have shorter contests on the forum, with the understanding they won’t ship out until later when you drop off everything else for the month for shipping/packing.
When it comes to shipping, I’ve found FexEx Ground shipping rates are usually lower than UPS, and FedEx office stores also offer the packing and shipping services, so depending how close your local FedEx is, you may want to compare the two for total cost.
For smaller stuff that weighs more than a pound, the USPS Padded Flat Rate shipping envelope is a decent value for flat-rate shipping. You could ship multiple hand tools that weigh a lot together but easily fit inside across the country for pretty cheap. The Regional Rate boxes can be pretty good for items that fit but are pretty heavy. Plus, you can schedule a USPS delivery driver pickup, so you don’t even have to go anywhere to ship the stuff out once you have the shipping materials.
fred
Good to get rid of the clutter. While Norm Abrams and other said “you can never have too many clamps” – you can have too many tools – if the storage of them gets in the way of actually using them. For those things you’ve purchased and now wish to give away, why not make a run to a local charity’s thrift store – and get a tax write-off. For other items that you may have received at no cost – I would check with your accountant – but suppose that the cost of shipping giveaways – could qualify as an advertising business expense.
As far as secondary reviews – maybe just links to the old reviews or citations would be enough to go along with a picture (cornucopia style) of all the stuff and their shipping boxes.
Good luck. I hope you have fun doing it.
Chad
google form and streamlined always helps makes things less stressful !!
you should start a great migratory tool share box where you ship some tools to a person they take a tool or 2 and put a tool or 2 in and ship it off to another person ( small hand tools or tool related stuff would prob work better ) did this with electronic components years ago and using a google form for all to see where it was and where it goes !
looking forward to seeing the giveaways !
Brian
Here’s a thought, why not take frequent readers and do a giveaway with a remote review? I used to do that with the hockey equipment samples I got when things got too cluttered up. I’d do my review then I’d hold onto it and keep using it after I stopped I would pass it to a friend with the condition that they reviewed it in the same place I reviewed it. The companies got more feedback, I got rid of things and made a friend happy.
Stuart
I’ve tried that before. Generally, “no strings attached” is the best way to go, because that is usually what happens anyways.
I am happily open to post-giveaway feedback, but I won’t require it.
Lynyrd
Regardless of the method and logistics, much thanks for the consideration to your readers. Most sites and youtube reviewers couldn’t be bothered to give back. Thanks again and Happy New Year!
David Zeller
No, please no videos! Your site is great for being text/picture based. You can read it any time, anywhere. You skip and skim. You go back and reread a sentence or scan for a nugget you want to recall. You can search for information later on when you later on interested in some type of tool.
As you can tell, I have no opinion on the matter.
David
Nathan
whatever makes your life easier works for me. I’ll admit I liked the idea of giving stuff to shop teachers that you did in the past but I can also see the liability of that for the school becoming an issue these days. (I know the HS near me gets their stuff from a distributor new in box)
Anywho on the shipping side I would ask you to take a moment and shop around maybe even call up the big 2 and ask them if a business account would work out for you. FOr multiple reasons not just this giveaway.
And maybe that will be better than the postal service – there is a reason the big 2 make money every year. So it might be advantageous for you to consider them, both.
Otherwise good luck and look forward to the reviews. And I’m ok with the occasional video.
Stuart
I have a UPS account, had a FedEx one but closed it due to weird fraud alerts.
You only get shipping discounts with quantity. Same at my local store. Quantity per month or in a short time will get you discounts. Otherwise you pay the regular rate.
Adam
Only discounts I see on shipping ever are 10% off UPS thru Staples, bulk shipping rates, or shipping thru eBay using USPS.
John fal
On free gifts we would be happy to just pay the shipping. We are just excited to win stuff. 🙂 thanks for doing this for us. You make it fun. ????
Steve Cecil
Love the streamlined idea, less work for you too.
MT_Noob
I’d say do whatever makes it easiest on you, that way you can then go back to work on the awesome reviews and tests.
Chris
Sounds like a great time to employ the kids!
Darth
While I love that you ask readers for input, please make it 1) easy and 2) profitable. Once something takes a loss and becomes difficult, it generally gets pushed aside until later, forgotten, or stopped.
I want this website to continue, so whatever you do, make it easy and make it profitable for you.
While I prefer text and pictures, no videos for me, I can’t, nor think I should suggest that you don’t move into that platform because of the potential increase in exposure and new income to you.
Stuart
I can’t make tool samples profitable, it’s against my strictest policies.
I will be doing more videos, but as a complement to regular written content, not a replacement.
But for the giveaway items, some have been on hold for full photos for a while. I don’t want to delay final coverage any longer if I can help it.
michaelhammer
I enjoy reading your blog everyday. I’m happy that you would be so generous with your time as to consider doing giveaways again. Thank you, Stuart. May I respectfully suggest that you do what is most economical in time and money for you.
michaelhammer
Ps.
Why is there a giant vagina on your home page?
Stuart
Where? In an advertisement spot? I have “potentially sensitive” categories blocked in the Google ad settings, but sometimes ads make it through Google filtering, such as auto-playing, and I report and block them if or when I come across them.
Mosh
THANKS
I think everyone likes free TOOLS
Maybe the tool company would want to sponsor the shipping cost.
And we can have them writing on the forum do we can follow up reviews.
THANKS
Nathan L
I saw a cost comparison of FedEx, UPS and USPS recently and UPS was the most expensive in every category. I’m sure they can be cheaper with special plans because Amazon uses them a lot but it’s something to keep in mind.
Please don’t do video reviews of the assorted tools on their way out. A post with a few blurbs and a photo of each maybe is what i’d prefer.
Mike McFalls
Just an idea, but why not enlist help from some of the sites active readers and forums posters? I honestly wouldn’t mind helping you in some capacity as a repayment for the quality and quantity of the articles and posts on Toolguyd. Whether you need our help with handling the giveaways (if you want to do many), selecting winners or a radical idea, bulk ship the prizes out to a few folks to the handle the smaller shipments for individual giveaways- I think a few folks here would agreed to volunteer some of their time.
I recognize the complications that could arise and trust is a huge factor- but if it’s this or future needs- I think it’s safe to say there are a bunch of us who would be glad to pitch in.
Thanks as always for an awesome site and all that you do for this community.
Stuart
Bulk shipping would simply result in 2x shipping fees. Sending medium-sized packages, and larger ones when needed, will be costly, but reasonably cost efficient and more time-efficient.
Sending samples to other people would create a lot of work for me. I prefer “send and forget” for a number of reasons.
Mike McFalls
One more thought- perhaps to cut down on the expense side of the giveaways- I am not sure it’s out of line to ask that the winner cover shipping expenses (obviously within reason and not for giveaways where shipping would cost more than the item)
Stuart
I won a wooden tool box contest a few years back, thanks also to ToolGuyd readers’ help, and had to pay for the freight fees.
Not only does it suck to have to pay shipping for a prize, but it’s against certain prize laws.
If I’m gifting away personal tools, then maybe I’ll consider it, but probably not.
Once I’ve culled samples, I might consider selling lesser used cameras, photo equipment, or personal tools. But lower value items I’d rather just give away – it’s just easier that way.
John fal
I, like most of us would be happy to pay the shipping on any large items. I’m just excited about this and I think it’s AWSOME that you take your time and money to do this for us. I know places like acme and cpo ect. Ship large items free.
But on samples and demo stuff, I think charging a small shipping fee would be very fair.
Ps. I just love reading about all the new stuff you show us everyday. I have a whole list of stuff I want now. LOL
Scott K
I really enjoy the format of your site. I typically prefer to read an article with some pictures over a video. With that said, a quick clip of a tool’s unique feature could be an interesting supplement. I am grateful for your generosity as I have benefited twice.
I think an interesting giveaway structure could be to group tools by trade or level of quality: Electricians’s/mechanic’s bundle, entry-level/higher-end handtool set.
At the end of the day, whatever you do to streamline the process will benefit all parties. Hopefully your generosity doesn’t cause a burden.
Gino Bogliuni
Any chance of sending things to Canada? I love the text based site I still prefer print format and still buy magazines.
Stuart
There’s a very small chance. I’ve sent things to Canada before, but it can add to the complexity of giveaways.
Jim Felt
Stuart.
Happy New Year and what a nice reinforcement as to why so many of us love the time we get to spend on your site.
Integrity and a nice sense of what the heck might your readers actually like to see.
And, yeah, I’m also in the less videos crowd.
Just don’t make any of these freebie issues too much trouble for yourself.
We need you continuing to do what we like about Toolguyd not sorting, packing and shipping random tools etc. to us.
10-4
dcustar
I realize that REQUIRING a prize recipient to pay shipping does violate some rules. Does allowing a voluntary contribution toward shipping do so?
Stuart
It’s simply easier to avoid it entirely. I have found that it’s best to avoid grey areas, and even the potential for grey areas.
MacLean
Much as I would love some free tools I like the idea of donating them to shop and tech Ed classes.
That and you’ll get some great feedback on how well they handle abuse and use.
If you do give some away be sure to reward your frequent posters and favorite viewers. That’s a gift and not a giveaway.
Joel
I like the idea of a photo and a quickie mini new review. When I search for tool reviews for a specific tool that I need, some of them are quite old, and it would be nice to have a more recent review to go along with the original that mentions if your view of the tool has changed over time, or how the tool fares alongside more recent tools. I also like the idea of utilizing the ToolGuyd forum.
Thanks for all your work, Stuart.
avi
Just wanted to say thanks.
Mark
USPS Tyvek or Padded Envelopes, some of these are flat rate. Also for 3# and up FedEx Smart Post is an excellent deal.
Tom
I would say you should keep it as easy as possible for yourself. The logistics of doing a bunch of different packages is enough trouble. Having to email back and forth with people seems like a big time-waste for you.
I think you could box things up and send them out almost randomly–like a mystery box type giveaway.
MBF
Wonderful new – I so enjoy your guide reviews and the forum and related knowledge I learn on this site – a “GIVEAWAY” and to WIN (perhaps anyway??) would be a wonderful BONUS. I find the reviews lead me to future purchases and aided me in a lot of “self” holiday gifts. Still – need much more…..the wealth of knowledge I learn from YOU and EVERYONE is irreplaceable. YES- from time to time I see the “bias” of branding…..but I can sight that – and take it for what its worth. I truly only subscribe to this site……and feel thats all I need!
I wasn’t around for the first time giveaway period…..but hope in an order to self-promote you do link it with the ToolGUYD forum…..more people need to know of this site. Selfishly….too many more lowers chances of loyalists’ winning and additional B.S> postings….. but it will sort itself out.
I would be glad to help ponder issues OR aid you in anyway possible….I have a Master’s in Business and have done marketing work in my time. Retired now…enjoying the craft hobby and learning woodworking.
May I suggest that perhaps in lieu of “Giveaways” that will bring out the “Sweepstake Trolls” – that maybe a selection of an item would be based upon a particular comment you may like or some other method of selection? Just a thought….that I believe would likely reward those that make the site what it is….
YOUR efforts in all YOU do….. are clear and I thank you deeply. I’m certain others feel the same…..
Stuart
Thanks!
In 9 years of running ToolGuyd, and maybe 2 dozen giveaways or so, I’ve never really seen much from “sweepstake trolls.” Entries tends to be comment-based, and there’s not much exposure or entry requirements tied to social media.
Joe
I enjoy toolguyd every lunch break. I actually look forward to it. While I may not agree on some views, I respect you and the readers. I run my company and everything is a write off. While I enjoy free gifts ( who doesn’t) I’d love to see you just donate everything to highschools or trade schools..
MtnRanch
Objections? Sure, I think you ought to send them all to my shop for a review second opinion 🙂
Really, I think donating them to school shop classes is the best idea; less shipping and they’ll go to people who can really use them. I’d bet anyone reading “ToolGuyd” already has a lot more toys than any school shop class.
Stuart
Don’t worry, certain tools will be heading out to STEM or shop classes.
Javier M.
Can I participate if I put the address of my courier in florida ?(they would take care of the international shipping and I will pay for it), I ask this because you put No PO boxes in your address form, as far as I understand this isn’t a PO box, is a private company that ships the items to my country, I do all of my online shopping on amazon or ebay this way without issues.
Cheers.
firefly
I love this site for the content and for the crowd that you attract. If it’s not evident already I am a big fan of fred and a few others. I don’t mind the video as long as they complement and not replace your regular content. I have a bad habit of checking your site multiple time a days :)))
Stuart
I used to do that too – check my favorite sites multiple times a day. When my schedule allows for it, I try to post in the morning, and the schedule something else for later in the day. That way, there’s something new for afternoon visitors. =)
I hope to get back to that, when I can sustain a 3 posts per day schedule. Right now, it’s usually 2 per day, and they’re usually published as soon as I’m done.
Greg B
These giveaways are pretty impressive, both in quality and volume! I’ve enjoyed this site for quite a while, especially the hesitation to rush to judgement on most items. First impressions are certainly valuable, but every time you mention that you need to do more testing (or haven’t used things enough to form an opinion yet), your recommendations carry more weight. Thanks!
Stuart
Thanks! Part of my problem, though, is that I want to be completely thorough, but I don’t always have that ability anymore.
Moving forward, there will have to be more “quicker” reviews, otherwise things get backed up and it doesn’t benefit anyone.
A lot of times, when I mention reserved first impressions, it’s because I know the final judgement will take a while longer, but feel it’s beneficial to share current thoughts and insights without much delay.
A lot of these giveaway items could or should have been given away a long time ago, but they’re better given away late than never.
firefly
Stuart,
I didn’t expect there would be so many give away in such a short amount of time! One quick question, I assumed that the address form would only needed to be entered once. How are the entry coming in? If you have a lot of dups it might worth while to mentioned that the same form is being shared for multiple entries.
Stuart
Me neither!
I thought it was clear that the address form only needs to be filled out once, but will try to add clarification in the future. I’m sure some people will still fill it out more than once, just to be on the safe side.
It doesn’t hurt me to have duplicates, it would only be an annoyance for the reader/entrant to fill things out more than once.
Bill K
Thanks Stuart…. your generous giveaway is a huge bonus to your readers, over and above your great daily posts!
Now that the giveaways have started, I just noticed that the comment count on home page articles is less, often much less, than the comment count on the actual article. Strange!
Stuart
First time comments go to manual moderation. Same when someone uses a different email address, such as when there’s a typo, or if someone wants to use a real email address for a giveaway. That’s the only thing I can think of to explain the comment count difference.
Milton Lau
Happy New Year Stuart. I’ve been following your daily posts for quite sometime now but I’ve never entered your generous giveaways nor have I left any comments. Your advice along with the feedback from others really makes a big impression on most of my equipment purchases. I’m not sure if Hawaii qualifies under the Contiguous USA for this giveaway considering we are the 50th State detached from the mainland. If not, I thank you anyway for your generosity to pass on these great tools to someone who can really appreciate them. This giveaway will be a great addition to our FIRST Robotics program since the kids have been pretty rough on my old Milwaukee and Porter Cable stuff. The weight of the Bosch ensemble is also great for us old guys with trigger finger from 18 years of robotics competitions. Mahalo and Aloha!
Stuart
Thanks, Happy New Year Milton!
Things can get complicated when shipping outside the continental 48 states. Flat Rate Priority *shouldn’t* be more expensive, and so I might open up the giveaways to readers in all 50 states.
If you email in with more details about your FIRST team involvement, preferably from an EDU email and with a link to any page that can help verify things, we can talk about a private giveaway or donation. =)
I have a soft spot for STEM teachers, instructors, or mentors, and especially when it comes to robotics.
Milton Lau
Hi Stuart,
Thanks for the quick reply….I don’t know how you do it with all these emails. I’m still catching up on all my correspondence at school from Winter Break!
The USPS Flat Rate Boxes is the same rate for all fifty states. I’ve been using them for years sending care packages to my students on the mainland. It’s a blessing for us Hawaiians from USPS. Everything is high here due to shipping costs!
The email I entered is my EDU email. I’ll be more than happy to provide more details to continue our conversation if you can zip me a notice. Thanks!
Please keep in mind, we’re in very different time zones. I may not be able to respond until I return home from work. Thanks!
Mahalo and have a nice evening with your family! Aloha, Milton
Tom
It’s very interesting to see which giveaways are attracting the most comments. The Craftsman offers don’t seem to get much attention. Really says something about Craftsman when giveaways aren’t really getting much interest.
John Sullivan
Thanks for doing this. One note: it’s not obvious if the google form (for our detailed contact information) needs to be filled out once, or once per post upon which someone is commenting to enter. Maybe a clarification? Or not.
If I know google forms, it’s the former, but not everybody is going to be clear on that. (And I still think that I filled it out twice, so feel free to make fun of me.)
If you wanted to donate anything to a makerspace, I’d like to pitch for the one I’m involved with, at Tulane University. Currently in its first full year of operation, we’re growing and working out the bugs: http://makerspace.tulane.edu
James B
It won’t let me comment on the newest last chance giveaway….
I try and it brings me to a 404 error thingy…..
Stuart
Sorry, that means that something in your comment is triggering the spam filter to block you from posting.
There is no way for me to tell what could be triggering the false positive.
Try to change some words around and try again? Or leave a brief comment and then email me the rest that you want me to edit in.