Using customer comments on flyers

[sm9ai]

Hi,

We are getting some information flyers printed and would like to use some customers comments on them.

We have lots available on Amazon, Google Play, Apple App Store, eBay. But are we allowed to reproduce these in print?

I cannot find any information on this either way.

Thanks
Matt

 

[T_Easton]

I have know companies use customer comments on websites and flyers, and I think there's no harm in doing that providing you don't give the full details of the person who made the comment. For example, you could just identify the person as "M.J from London". The key is not to be too specific. You could of course always ask permission if it's someone you are still in contact with - and of course doing that would also serve to remind them of the great job you did for them, which never hurts!

However, comments quickly become outdated, so use recent ones if you can.

I hope that helps.

Tereasa (From Shropshire)!

 

[Hoppimike]

I don't see why not... maybe ask the customers who wrote them?

 

[Maxwell83]

I have know companies use customer comments on websites and flyers, and I think there's no harm in doing that providing you don't give the full details of the person who made the comment. For example, you could just identify the person as "M.J from London". The key is not to be too specific. You could of course always ask permission if it's someone you are still in contact with - and of course doing that would also serve to remind them of the great job you did for them, which never hurts!

However, comments quickly become outdated, so use recent ones if you can.

I hope that helps.

Tereasa (From Shropshire)!

I don't see why not... maybe ask the customers who wrote them?

I don't think that the question was about the customers giving permission, the OP's issue is that these comments are published on Amazon, eBay or whatever and the OP is concerned about any breaches of IP in comments posted on their site. Which I guess they probably claim as their own.

I don't know the answer to the question of infringing any IP they might have, however if you don't copy the comments but simply paraphrase the customer's sentiments, I would not see them ever coming after you...

 

[joeptsearle]

I would crack on with it because your only going to use comments of praise so its basically testimonials Amazon and the like aren't going to even worry about something like that, its negligible really.

 

[jeremy50]

Can you uses reviews about your product or service posted on Amazon for your website and leaflets?

Clearly using copyrighted material of another business is illegal. Your reviews on the Amazon website is their material, but I feel it is is like speeding on the motorway. Many of us speed along the motorway because :


We are unlikely to get caught
If caught we might get a telling off


Not likely to get caught
Most people travel just over the speed limit and most of the time the police just turn a blind eye. And so it may be with Amazon, if you are only copying reviews about yourself. If the review source is properly cited such “Here are some of our reviews on Amazon.co.uk”, you are in effect providing them with free advertising.

It is when you start copying whole chunks about someone else’s product, that Amazon may get annoyed. In this situation you are speeding at 85 in 70 mph speed limit and may attract the attention of Amazon’s lawyers. They might start by telling you off.


You might get a telling off
If Amazon do take exception to you using their reviews about you, their lawyers will probably tell you to stop and that may be the end of the matter. After all what damage are you doing to the Amazon business that they could claim damages from you? Even if they pursue the matter in court, you may be found guilty. But just like a speeding fine, it is unlikely to stop your business.




In summary I would be inclined to speed up to 75mph use the reviews on Amazon that are about my business. More than that and I would suggest that you are risking more than a telling off if caught.


Warning, I am no lawyer or have had Amazon tell me to stop using their material. But I would be inclined to make hay while it sunshines, and use the reviews effectively to promote your business.