My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

This topic is for sponsored discussions. If you'd like to run one with us, please email [email protected].

MNHQ have commented on this thread

Sponsored threads

NOW CLOSED: Insight Annual Round-up 2012: Join our panel or let us know what you’ve enjoyed this year and what you’d like us to do next year. FAB prizes up for grabs (again)

289 replies

AnnMumsnet · 21/12/2012 13:07

The time has come for the insight team at MNHQ to do our annual round up of the year, to plead for those of you not yet on our panel to sign up and to thank you all for taking part in some amazing projects this year!

(In case you don't know insight covers surveys, product tests and sponsored threads on MN, as well as bloggers reviews, and reviewers recruitment)

Let us know what you think on this thread and you could win another prize!
We've got:

A Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 worth c£180 courtesy of the team at TalkTalk more details here

A whole years' supply of Aldi nappies from the folks at Aldi - worth c.£500

And thanks to the Royal Academy we have two x 4 adult tickets to their new exhibition showcasing Manet early next year. There are two prizes each of 4 tickets (if children under 12 they will go in free so the winner can invite another 2 adults) - worth £120. More info here

In 2012 we have given away over £25,000 worth of prizes in the form of vouchers, books, beauty products, hampers and technology.
You have tested nearly £70,000 worth of products - including having your DCs put My Little Pony, Chicco toys and Wonderbook Book of Spells to the test.

We've surely made (some of you) look younger or slimmer with product tests for Garnier UltraLift, Origins Plantscription and M&S shapewear. Xmas Wink

We've helped feed the family by trying out the HomeCooker from Jamie and Philips, scoffing Kingsmill Fruit and Fibre bread and helped make dishes tasty by introducing Bisto Stock Melts.

We've got you talking about a range of topics - from baking for the Big Fair Bake, visiting National Trust properties with the family and cleaning with Ecover.


What have you enjoyed taking part in this year? Or appreciated reading about? What would you like us to product test next year?

Most of the product tests are on site but we also do a lot of projects with our lovely research panel. If you are not yet on our panel please see this link for more info or to sign up. You can select how often you get emailed and you can leave at any time if it?s not for you.

So to win one of the lovely prizes please do one of the following:
~ Post on this thread about what you've enjoyed doing insight-wise this year or what you've appreciated reading about
~ Post on the thread any suggestions for product tests etc you'd like to see next year (no promises but we can try!)
~ Post on the thread to say you have joined the panel

Thanks as ever for your time and feedback - all very much welcome Xmas Grin
AnnMumsnet, TheOtherHelenMumsnet and KatieBMumsnet
x

OP posts:
Report
FoofFighter · 21/12/2012 13:17

I've just signed up :)

I would like to put myself forward for intensive product testing of Johnny Depp.

Report
craftynclothy · 21/12/2012 13:24

Well I've really enjoyed getting a Dyson this morning Grin. Looking forward to testing it.

I'd like to see more car test drives and more technology/gadgets testing. Also kitchen gadgets - perhaps some stuff from Lakeland?

Report
SevenSnapespearesSwimming · 21/12/2012 13:27

I really appreciated taking part in the m&s shapewear earlier this year. Was scathing in my review, but having since lost a bit of weight can now accept that they didn't scrimp on the sizing and I was, in actual fact a fat sod. :) I tried link lady apples as well and they were scummy, although we were a bit sick of the sight of them by the time they were finished.

Next year? Umm... Given my shape wear will be bursting at the seams again by January 1st, how about some 3 month (trial) memberships with virgin active or David Lloyd (or both!) :)

Report
WowOoo · 21/12/2012 13:32

I liked testing the Plantscription serum. I got it and thought it would be crap, but it was actually marvellous stuff.
I'd like to try any chocolate based new products or any new apps.

Report
EauRougelyNight · 21/12/2012 13:48

I love being on the MN panel, I've had loads of freebies lots of opportunities to give meaningful feedback to various companies.

My favourite part was definitely getting my Hoover Grin I've loved all the product tests.

Next year I'd love some camping or gardening themed surveys or product tests.

Report
Macdog · 21/12/2012 14:31

I'd like to see tests for excema/psoriasis products.
I'm fed up spending ££££ for products that don't actually work Sad

Report
totallydot · 21/12/2012 14:31

I only recently joined so have only tried the washing liquid so far, but it was a very mighty product and washed well.

Any product that my family can try would be great or eat (even better).

I joined so I could help the companies have meaningful feedback on their products.

Report
Fillybuster · 21/12/2012 14:46

I love being on the MN Insight Panel, and this year in particular there have been some fantastic trials...even when I haven't been selected (the amazing 'chop/cook/everything', iron, hoover and dyson trials spring to mind ) I read all the feedback threads

This past year has been amazing - there has been a really good range of companies interested in getting the MN Seal of Approval, and I was a jammy so and so lucky enough to get chosen for quite a few things.

Highlights....well, tea with Davina, of course Grin and the lovely selection of Garnier facecreams we went home with (although tea with Davina was all I needed,really GrinGrin). In reality, the cream wasn't great, but that was ok, as I got to compare it with the Origins Plantscription serum a few months later, which was fantastic (sadly too expensive to buy on a regular basis). More of these trials would be good, as participating, or reading the feedback, is much more effective than advertising or a freebie sample size, especially with more expensive products.

The Fillyfamily take their testing responsibilities seriously, and we worked hard (hah!) to make sure our Xbox Kinnect feedback was as thorough as possible. Seriously, thank you again MN for that - we would never ever ever have bought a games console, but have been having a lot of fun with it this year :) Thanks

Tesco eco-spray was good, despite the leaking bottle, and the recent Method detergent was fantastic; the chocolate porridge didn't really work for us, but the Kingsmill Fruit and Fibre was a hit!

I'd like to see more of the book review/trials for dcs of the type you ran with Pearson last year, more food trials (not just 'things aimed at children' please), more electronics (household and personal care, but maybe also e-book readers and handsets/tablets?) and more cosmetics. Although if you wanted anyone to trial a 2 week holiday in the Maldives (with or without dcs) I'd be happy to volunteer for that as well Grin

Report
cheekydino · 21/12/2012 14:54

I joined this year, and got to test some shapewear, which was great! I've filled out a few surveys which was no bother, and I am hoping to get to test something fun soon...preferably a magic Christmas-tummy removing suit in January.

Report
Indith · 21/12/2012 15:05

This year I have had Aldi nappies, Origins serum and the recent Method one. It has been lovely to try these things out, in particular the Origins one as I would never spend that amount of money on something. I liked actually being able to see for myself how much better (or not) an expensive product can be. I think testing stuff can open your eyes to something new that you might not have considered, case in point being that I now have a cupboard full of refills for my Method bottle. I never seem to get pick for the big ticket items though :( Wink.

I like reading about the every day tests mostly, the ones where I might actually change my shopping habits or try a new product off the back of the thread, stuff like the stock melts or something. I think we all like to try for the big ones like the current Dyson or the bugaboo one there was but I'm not sure how effective they are since most of us say things along the lines of "oh yes I'd love one because I could never actually afford to buy one".

I don't know what I'd like to see. I'd quite like to know how much they listen to feedback though, do they actually make changes based on what we say (is Method going to start having a clear bit in the bottle to see how much is left?) or is it really just a way to get more publicity by making us think they want our opinions?

All in all though I've enjoyed the bits I've done.

Report
ln1981 · 21/12/2012 15:06

I have e been lucky to test several things for the Insight panel this year- from the Aldi face serum (with lovely snake venomy stuff in it!), to my favourite, and my dcs, the xbox!! That was wonderful and their faces when it arrived were priceless! We had a great time playing it.
It would be great if you could do more product testing involving the children, whether its technology or toys or books as my dcs really enjoyed being let loose on the xbox.
Thank you for picking me and my family to try out the things we have been able to!

Report
iloveshortshorts · 21/12/2012 15:13

I recently signed up and was lucky to test a chicco toy and the method washing liquid. I hope i can test more things in the future. Smile

Report
gazzalw · 21/12/2012 15:17

Hi, we've been incredibly lucky to test a variety of stuff although nothing over-domesticated which is a surprise because our home could do with a major overhaul Xmas Grin. We particularly enjoyed the PS3/Wonderbook one so a big thank you! I also am now a convert to the Aveda Invati products!

We do actually read the feedback for most of the product testing threads which are relevant - it's insightful and useful particularly with foodie products! Do also find that testing products does open one up to buying different stuff sometimes.

Hmmm, for 2013 what about some school related stuff for older children. For example DS (in Year 7) has already ruined one reasonably good quality rucksack by over-filling. But it might be useful for product trials of school bags and related kit? Also maybe sewing machines? Possibly YHA stays or overnighters at Butlins/Centre-Parcs? Or even trips to museums/art galleries (as with the Royal Academy for families?

Report
Mrsbirchall · 21/12/2012 15:21

I just joined up :)

Report
TeeElfOnTeeShelf · 21/12/2012 15:27

I think I'm on the panel but I never seem to be contacted to take part. Well, I've done a few things via the regular boards but nothing else people are talking about sound familiar...

I would like to see the incentive prizes spread out a bit, personally. Rather than 1 person winning £150 voucher, maybe 3 could win £50? Just an idea.

Report
LaVitaBellissima · 21/12/2012 15:31

I have recently trialled the method laundry wash which is fab and seems to be lasting a really long time!
I currently am testing c section scar gel, which also seems to be working wonders on my daughter's forehead scar!

I also was hugely disappointed to not get the Jamie chop cook gadget but I actually got. Samsung fridge freezer last year.

I would love to do more food and cosmetics tests, gadgets, toys, books kitchen sinks and I would be a brilliant family holiday travel reviewer if you are interested Xmas Wink

Report
llynnnn · 21/12/2012 15:36

I've enjoyed taking part in the many surveys this year. We've also enjoyed testing the fruit bread, method wash liquid and the antibacterial spray to name a few!

It would be very interesting to have a reply from the companies as to what (if anything!) has been helpful to them based on the feedback they've had.

I also took a part in the 'trying to love on ssp for a week' trial which was interesting for us and gave us a kick to sorting our finances out and planning more!

Thanks mumsnet! Look forward to taking part in more in the future Smile

Report
CMOTDibbler · 21/12/2012 15:38

I've done a few panel things, and we really enjoy doing the testing - but dh says he'd like more bloke testing please.

I hope the companies that use MN for feedback really listen to it, and think about what these real women and families are saying.

Reading the feedback on things I haven't been involved with has been very interesting, and has certainly made me buy/not buy things.

Report
WhatWouldGrandmaDo · 21/12/2012 16:05

I've tested the method laundry liquid (loved it!) and the kingsmill bread (meh, not so much). in general the products do seem to be well-targeted (to me anyway) and it's good to have the opportunity to try something new, I know I get very stuck in my ways with using the same thing (or the thing that's on special offer).

Report
BahSaidPaschaHumbug · 21/12/2012 16:19

I would like to say I've enjoyed taking part in the panel of testers but I've only ever been selected once to try anything so I will hold off my "what I've enjoyed" til I get to enjoy something.

A steam mop would be nice to try.

Report
JustFabulous · 21/12/2012 16:48

I have been very lucky and was picked for the M&S Shapewear, the crisps, the wraps and the Method detergent. I haven't started using any of the items though woud have bought the wraps but can't find them in the shops.

I would like my DD to be picked to be a book tester. She read 21 books in 3 days and it is costing me a fortune in petrol to the library as well as buying books occasionally. She is getting quite a few books for Christmas and I just know they will all be read in about 2 days.

Report
firawla · 21/12/2012 16:55

I've loved being on the panel, my fave thing was testing netflix because I won the tv and console so that was definitely my best one! I enjoyed trying the netflix service too, watched quite a bit of stuff i wouldn't have otherwise got round to watching and enjoyed taking the time to do that.

I have tried quite a few things and enjoyed taking part in all of them that i've done, I also do all the surveys hoping for chance to win vouchers etc! What I like about the surveys is that you do keep them quite succinct so its not too much of a headache to fill them in. Other companies give ones pages and pages long and very reptitive, and sometimes you just can't be doing with it.

All I can suggest is keep it up for next year, there have been some great opertunities on here for testing, and been interesting to have a look at people's feedback on various products, so more of the same for next year sounds good to me, or if you expand it even more then even better!

Someone mentioned to me about expanding it into the local sections too, ie mumsnetters going to review or try out local days out, restaurant etc and give feedback - that could be interesting too

Report

Newsletters you might like

Discover Exclusive Savings!

Sign up to our Money Saver newsletter now and receive exclusive deals and hot tips on where to find the biggest online bargains, tailored just for Mumsnetters.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

Parent-Approved Gems Await!

Subscribe to our weekly Swears By newsletter and receive handpicked recommendations for parents, by parents, every Sunday.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

BeataNoxPotter · 21/12/2012 16:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

snailsontour · 21/12/2012 17:25

Why have I just found out about this lol? Signed up, and keeping fingers, but not legs, crossed I get picked!

Report
fryingpantoface · 21/12/2012 17:31

I've just joined, so fingers cross things will be winging my way

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.