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BzzAgent FAQs
Non-member FAQs/Intro to BzzAgent
What is BzzAgent?
We're an international network of consumers who voluntarily participate in word-of-mouth (WOM) programs for a variety of products and services. Basically, we're a community of communicators.
What's "Bzz"?
It's what we call word of mouth. It's what we all do every day. It's the sharing of honest opinions about a product or service between two or more people.
What do BzzAgents do exactly?
You get to learn about new stuff and influence some of the biggest companies in the world. You try products and services and share your honest opinions with people you know. Then you fill us in on those conversations to help companies improve their products. There's no obligation, no nonsense and no pressure.
Is there a cost to join?
Nope, there's no cost to join BzzAgent.
How much time will I have to devote to being a BzzAgent?
Being a BzzAgent won't take up a lot of your valuable time. Still, the more effort you put into participating (for instance, letting us know about your conversations or writing reviews), the better your experience will be (we reward active and informative Agents priority access to upcoming campaigns).
What do I get for being a BzzAgent?
- The chance to have your opinions make a real difference
- Access to products and services, sometimes before the general public
- Complimentary product samples or access to services so you can experience them for yourself
- Exclusive perks, including privileged access to campaigns and other fun thank you gifts
- Oh, and some cool bee stickers (we knew that would get you!)
Can I earn cash for being a BzzAgent?
Nope. We never offer money as a thank you. That's because Bzz (what we call word of mouth) is sincere and voluntary. But here's what you can earn:
- Improved Status, reserved for active and informative Agents — including access to more campaigns and the ability to receive Early Invites to campaigns before other Agents
- Cool Stuff, including a wide variety of thank you gifts from popular merchants
Do you offer perks to Agents because they spread Bzz?
No, we thank them for letting us know about their Bzz. For any word of mouth to be credible and powerful, it needs to be voluntary and not due to compensation of any kind. Since Agents volunteer their time to submit reports and answer polls to let us know about their real word and online Bzz, we think it's only fair we show our appreciation with Status and Stuff.
Is BzzAgent a freebie site?
Nope! While Agents often receive complimentary product samples or access to services, we're not a freebie site. We give everyday consumers the chance to learn about new products and services and make their voices heard by sharing those opinions with others, including our clients.
If I join BzzAgent, am I obligated to do anything?
Not at all. You only join word-of-mouth programs that you want to actively participate in — we would never pressure you to participate. The only thing we ask is that you follow the BzzAgent Code of Conduct if and when you choose to spread the word as part of one of our programs.
Will BzzAgent script things for me to say?
Nope, we leave the dialogue to Shakespeare. So be yourself — share the positive and the negative. While we won't provide you with a script, we will provide you with info on the product and some suggestions and tips. What you say is totally up to you, though you should make sure the people you talk with understand that you're an Agent and that we provided you with a means to try the product or service.
If I sign up for BzzAgent, will you spam me?
No way, we're absolutely against spam. We never let anyone contact our members without their advance consent. The only e-mails you'll receive from us will be about BzzCampaigns or other BzzAgent-related information.
What do you do with the information I provide to you?
All personal data are kept strictly confidential, and are only used as a way to help us:
- match you with the right programs
- create better experiences for you and other Agents
- improve our current or future programs
For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
What should I do when I join?
After you've selected a BzzAgent username and password, you'll be prompted to set up your Agent profile. Once you do that and confirm your e-mail address, your account will be created and verified. Next, a good idea would be to visit your My BzzAgent page, where you can:
- check for fun campaigns you can join
- discover new websites in the Frogpond
- take polls that help us match you with the right campaigns
- learn more about BzzAgent via tutorials and info in the Agent Training tab
How many BzzAgents are there?
As of March 2010, there are 650,000 Agents across the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.
I live outside the USA, Canada and the UK. Can I still sign up as a BzzAgent?
Sorry, BzzAgent is currently open only to US, Canadian and UK residents. We're working on an international platform, though, so check back later.
Contact Us
How do I get in touch with BzzAgent?
We're into word of mouth, so obviously we love talking with folks and hearing what they have to say. No matter who you are or how you contact us, we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Agents:
- Use the Agent Support form
- E-mail BzzAgent Jono, your Agent contact
- Instant Message us at screenname: bzzagent (Yahoo/AOL)
Press:
- E-mail press@bzzagent.com
Companies & Marketers:
- Learn more about how Bzz can help your brand's word of mouth marketing.
If anyone would like to write us a letter (or send us some homemade cookies):
BzzAgent, Inc.
500 Harrison Avenue
3rd Floor Rear
Boston, MA 02118
Toll Free Phone: 1-877-BZZAGENT
How do I find out the latest BzzAgent news and get super fast responses to questions?
Stay in touch with BzzAgent Jono, your friendly expert on all things Bzz. To stay up to date, friend BzzAgent Jono on Facebook and follow him on Twitter. You can also “Like” BzzAgent on Facebook, both to get the latest news and to help spread the word about lil ol’ BzzAgent.
What if I have a suggestion for BzzAgent?
We love suggestions. We learn from your ideas and comments, and implement the best ones. To send us your suggestion, use the Agent Support form or e-mail bzz@bzzagent.com. Thanks for helping us improve BzzAgent!
Can I really Instant Message BzzAgent?
OMG, you sure can. Feel free to chat with us on Yahoo or AOL Instant Messenger. Our screenname is “bzzagent” (we’re clever like that).
Why don't you answer your Instant Messenger all the time?
We do our best to respond to every IM we get. Sometimes we're away from the computer (we do sleep...sometimes). If you IM us while we're out, we'll try to respond when we're back. Please be patient with us!
How can I hire BzzAgent?
We'd love to talk to you about your potential BzzAgent word-of-mouth campaign. Please e-mail us at sales@bzzagent.com and let us know how we can help!
How do I close my BzzAgent Account?
To close your BzzAgent Account please go to the Close Account Page. Word of warning! Once you shut your account it will be deleted immediately. As they say in the schoolyard, "no takebacks".
Disclosure
What is disclosure?
Disclosure is about being completely open and honest about your BzzAgent status. When you share your opinions about a BzzAgent-related product or service, you should let everyone know that you're an Agent and that we provided you with a means to experience the product or service.
Should I disclose to people that I'm a BzzAgent?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage you to share your relationship with BzzAgent to everyone with whom you share Bzz. Like our Code of Conduct says:
BzzAgents always tell others they are part of a word-of-mouth campaign.
Be proud to be a BzzAgent. When Bzzing others, you must first let them know that you're involved with BzzAgent and that we've supplied you with the opportunity to experience a product or service. If you genuinely like something (or even if you don't!), it's your open, honest opinion that counts most.
What is the disclosure checkbox on the BzzReport submission page all about?
We simply want to determine whether you disclosed your relationship with BzzAgent to the people mentioned in your report. Participating in BzzAgent is totally voluntary, but we do ask that you disclose your relationship with BzzAgent each time you Bzz.
I received a message saying that I can't submit any further BzzReports until I take Disclosure Training. Why is that?
We believe that good Bzz begins with making sure everyone knows that you're a BzzAgent and what that means. If you submit three (3) reports without clicking the disclosure checkbox to affirm that you were open and honest during your Bzz, before you can submit BzzReports again you're required to complete Disclosure Training so you understand the importance of Disclosure Training.
Account and Profile
Why can't I log in?
Please remember that your username and password are case sensitive. If you're having trouble logging in, click the forgot-your-password link on the log in page. Enter the e-mail address you signed up with, and we'll send you your password. Still not working? Use the Agent Support form or IM us at bzzagent (Yahoo/AOL).
Can I change my username?
Nope, once you create an account you can't change your username. There's a chance we may set up a system to do this in the future, but we can't guarantee anything.
How do I change or update my contact information?
To update your contact information, simply go to your Agent Home page and click on My Account in the sub-navigation. Then make your changes and click Save. NOTE: You cannot change your Agent username. Always try to keep your contact information up to date, since we can't notify you of new campaigns or other important news if we can't reach you.
How do I update my personal and demographic information?
Same as above: Click the Profile link in the sub-navigation of your Agent Home page. Make the changes and hit Save. To help ensure that you're offered the right campaigns, always try to keep your profile accurate. If there's demographic information you gave us during signup that's changed since then but isn't updatable from My Account, look for periodic polls on your Agent Home. We regularly ask you to notify us of any changes using those polls.
How do I update my personal info and demographics, like my profession and whether or not I have children?
We periodically give you the opportunity to update any old information we have on file, to help you remain eligible for as many relevant campaigns as possible. To do that, look for polls on your Agent Home and update any changes in situation. The more accurate your information, the more likely you'll be offered your dream campaigns.
How do I close my BzzAgent Account?
To close your BzzAgent Account, please go to the Close Account Page. Word of warning! Once you close your account, your BzzAgent Account will become deleted immediately.
BzzCampaigns
What do I do once I join a BzzCampaign?
Visit the campaign’s homepage for lots of helpful product info, news and links. You’ll also find a variety of activities, like Bzzing on Facebook and creating video reviews, to help spread the word and influence not just other consumers, but also the brand itself. However you want to spread Bzz, we make it easy and fun.
What if I don’t see any BzzCampaigns to join?
There may not be any available for you at the moment. Sometimes certain campaigns are only open to certain Agents. For example, men might not be eligible for a campaign for a woman's perfume. Visit Campaign Eligibility in Agent Training to learn more.
We may need to know more about you (especially if you only completed an abridged Profile as a part of joining the Frogpond). Check to see if you have any polls or surveys available in your Profile or on your My BzzAgent. Take any polls or surveys to complete your Profile and become eligible to sign up for BzzCampaigns.
When will I get new BzzCampaign choices?
We try our best to frequently launch new campaigns that interest our Agents, including you. Agents who've earned higher status through participation will get advance notice for most new campaigns. Visit the My Status and My Stuff FAQ sections to learn more.
How do I find out about new BzzCampaigns?
Sometimes we e-mail about new campaigns, but your best bet is to login and check your My BzzAgent page as often as you can. Any new campaigns that you're eligible for will be listed there or the BzzCampaigns page.
After I sign up for a BzzCampaign, how long until I get my BzzKit in the mail?
You should expect to receive your BzzKit in the mail about 14 days after you sign up for a campaign. If it's been longer than 14 days, and you've double-checked that the shipping address you have on file with us is up-to-date, you can check your Agent History for a status update. If you think your BzzKit is lost, e-mail us at shipments@bzzagent.com.
What if I do not receive my BzzCampaign BzzKit?
Tell us! Sometimes things get lost in the mail. If you don't receive your BzzKit for a BzzCampaign within a couple of weeks of signing up, please let us know by emailing shipments@bzzagent.com.
What if I try a product or service as part of a BzzCampaign and don't like it?
Being an Agent is about voluntarily forming and sharing your own opinion. If you don't like the product or service, you're not obligated to go out and create Bzz or submit BzzReports. Still, it's a good idea to take the Post-Campaign Survey to share your opinion so the client can consider your feedback.
Where does the money go when a BzzCampaign requires a participation fee?
The money goes right back to the client, to help reduce their costs. We may also charge a not-for-profit handling fee to cover additional costs on our end — offering some campaigns mean we incur larger than normal expenses. The handling fee covers extra costs, including shipping and fulfillment, taxes and credit card processing.
How do I submit my Bzz?
To submit Bzz for a particular BzzCampaign, click the campaign’s link on your BzzCampaigns tab and then click on “Submit a BzzReport”. Please remember to provide as many details as possible when reporting Bzz!
What should I include in my BzzReports?
Thanks for asking! Share as many key details as you can, so we can really picture what happened. Give us the who, what, where, when and why. To really make your report shine, include some direct quotes.
What should I include in my product reviews?
Since the goal is to help other consumers make informed decisions, include at least 3 things:
- The product’s full name, to help people find your review and make sure it’s for the product they’re interested in
- What you like (or didn’t like) about the product
- Your personality – don’t be afraid to throw in some creativity, humor or personal anecdotes about the product
Do you really read each and every BzzReport?
We sure do — and we personally respond to every single one, too. After all, BzzAgent is founded on the premise of honest communication between people. Word of mouth doesn't mean much if there's not a sincere two-way exchange, right?
My Status
What is Status?
Every Agent starts at level one, Solitary Bee. As you contribute to BzzCampaigns, BzzScapes and the Frogpond, your Status improves and you earn benefits like early invitations to campaigns
How do I improve my Status?
There are four fun ways to help improve your Status level:
- Have at least 2 BzzReports approved in a BzzCampaign
- Complete a Post-Campaign Survey
- Complete at least 3 Frogpond opinions & polls per month
- Add at least 10 reviews to BzzScapes per month (can be across multiple BzzScapes)
Can I lose Status?
Only if you don't earn a honeycomb for a full year. Just stay active and all will be copacetic!
Miscellaneous
Who is BzzAgent Jono?
BzzAgent Jono is your primary Agent contact. If you have a question about a BzzCampaign, a Frog, your account or BzzAgent in general, he's your man. If you'd like to reach him and his team, e-mail BzzAgent Jono for a timely response. You can also become Facebook Friends with BzzAgent Jono and follow him on Twitter.
What's up with this Central Hive stuff?
We nicknamed our BzzAgent staff headquarters the "Central Hive." Yeah, we're dorks.
Can I tell friends about BzzAgent?
Be proud to be a BzzAgent. Be totally open about being an Agent, especially when you're spreading Bzz. We're not about misleading or stealth marketing — we're about honest and respectable word-of-mouth marketing. Disclosure shows that you're credible and sincere, you know? And if some of your friends want to join BzzAgent too after learning about us, hey, that's just a bonus. If you'd like, you can use our Tell a Friend e-mail to invite them to join BzzAgent.
How can I learn to be a better BzzAgent?
What a wonderful question! Chances are you're already familiar with spreading word of mouth, since it's something we all do naturally. But there are things you can learn to become a more informed and informative Agent — go to Agent Training for helpful tutorials and slideshows, including tips on how to write a good BzzReport.
What is a pest?
A pest is an Agent that tries to take advantage of the BzzAgent system. They do this by creating multiple accounts, creating fake BzzReports, selling product on eBay and doing other sneaky tricks to try to fake our system. The worse part is that these dishonest Agents can end up taking slots that honest BzzAgents could be occupying. To make things better for all sincere members of our community, we work hard to identify and remove all unscrupulous Agents.
How do I know if I am a pest?
In simplest terms, if you are, you'll be hearing from us. But as long as you are an honest Agent you have nothing to worry about.
