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@@LittleWicketRailway The product safety authorities in my country (Denmark) have performed several tests on products bought from TEMU. A lot of them, especially children's toys and electronics, are deemed not up to the standards of the EU. This tells me that TEMU do not care about your safety. Cheap knockoffs for profit. Also, their reviews (e.g. on Trustpilot) are not the best. This is enough for me to stay away; I will not support a company like that.
@@LittleWicketRailwayI got a tool set with some bits missing and others rusted. Asked for a refund and when they refused, I posted a bad review. Within two weeks my bank started reporting dozens of phony transactions on my card coming from overseas. I had to have my card cancelled. The bank says there have been over $1500 worth of attempted bank charges with the same routing number as the TEMU transaction for the bad tools.
@@LittleWicketRailway The product safety authorities in my country (Denmark) did some tests on products bought on Temu. They failed to meet the standards of the EU. Especially the children's toys and electronics. That is enough for me to stay away.
If you buy electrical connectors from somewhere like Temu just be sure your home insurance is paid up! In a recent test of 19 toys ordered from them, 18 failed basic child safety tests. This stuff is made SUPER cheap by cutting every corner available. Some foliage or wood cut buildings might be ok, I'd avoid ANYTHING that has electricity passing through it. Shame on you Rob, you've always been one of the good guys in this community. I hope the amount they paid you was worth it
Hi @@VictoryWorks do you have a link to that research on the toys? I would always recommend that work done on main electrics or high voltage is performed by a qualified electrician. The connectors shown in the video pose a low risk for model railway wiring.
@@LittleWicketRailway I've replied to this 3 times and UA-cam keeps deleting it. Just Google "BEUC shopping on temu" and read about toys and heaters. The fact you haven't done this already says a lot
Not only is Temu collecting your data and handing it over to the Chinese government, but since factories are shipping the goods directly to the customer, the customer becomes the importer of the goods. The importer is responsible for the safety of the products and will be liable for any damage caused by a product bought from Temu. @LittleWicketRailway please do your research before getting a sponsorship deal like this. I really enjoyed your videos so far but I won't consider product recommendations from your channel any longer.
Hi @@aberfordwest4003 the layout build will restart in November. People seem to be making a big deal about AI. I've used it in 2 thumbnails out of 200+ videos. I personally didn't like the DCC EX one, but thought I'd try it. I'm likely to change it in future when I have time. I actually like the Hornby one. I could possibly have made this myself, but it would have taken me hours. Regards the Temu sponsorship, I will address all the comments/concerns in another video, but the occasional paid partnership really help to keep the channel going. My videos very rarely have sponsorship, when they do I try to make sure it's relevant and interesting. It's always clear when a video is sponsored and any review in these videos is honest. Couple of videos coming out this week, I hope you enjoy those more 🙂
I think you’ve already got the message but I can’t support anything that promotes Temu. I hope this is temporary insanity and you return to normal programming
Should've done your research on temu instead of just blindly going ahead with a sponsorship. You should know that if the price is too good to be true then something is probably unsafe or off about that product.
I'm sensing some dissatisfaction with Temu as a company/brand and I'm keen to understand what concerns there are as I'd like to look into them. Do you have personal experience or is it a general concern?
@@LittleWicketRailwayso I have a mixed bag with Temu, I’m not 100% sure if their history, but they do seem to ‘rip off’ companies… I bought what is branded as a brush rinser by greenstuff world, they sell for £15 direct from GSW, but I got one on Temu for £2 exactly the same thing it seems, but i have noticed after about 6 months, the screws are very rusty and the rubber seal has been repaired, it was more a purchase to see if the concept works and im looking to buy the real deal as when it was new i loved it. there is a lot or snobbery about Temu, but thinks like cutting matts, metal cloths pegs, stuff that cant really go wrong i dont see why not
For goodness sake! People calm down! Half the stuff on Temu and other Chinese mail order sites is available in most towns "cheapy' shops but at twice the price. You have to be discerning and take some responsibility. I wouldn't recommend you rewire your kitchen with stuff from these companies but use some common sense. The tool sets he has won't be good for car repair or fixing the washer but on light applications should suffice. We can't all afford to buy top end tools. Wooden kits, scatter material, low voltage electronics. No it won't be as good as the stuff costing four times as much but that's the point. Use your brain and make your own choices. Don't blame the Chinese for offering lower quality stuff at affordable prices.
I've made about 10 orders from TEMU now spending around £20 a go on items between one or 2 pounds each. Great for stocking filler kids items and have got some good paintbrushes, metal rulers and scenery items too. Some stuff has gone straight in the bin though. It's all a bit of fun.
It's always worried me about using Temu. After all, why is your first order free of as good as. If something sounds too good to be true, then it's probably best avoided. Data is what they are after. Keep your channel going, and do not delete this video.
I’ve replied to another comment on here I hope you see, it will be very good to see a follow up in 6 months to see how long these last, Temu has abit of a rep and I’m not convinced most would of tried them, but no smoke without fire, they seem abit like the B&M/home bargains of the internet… be interested in how their scenics last, simple products should be fine and could save a fair abit, but would need to see how they do over time
It might be a case of you get what you pay for, but there's not much that could fail in the products I ordered. Maybe the LED light? The Arduino? The Servos? When I get servos on eBay or Amazon I expect about 1 in 10 to be faulty unfortunately, so a failure there wouldn't be uncommon. I don't think we can say the bridge failed, that was me not knowing my own strength 💪🏼
@@LittleWicketRailwaythat probably fair, I imagine kits are a slight risk of them not being cut properly or pieces missing, yours seems fine, I wouldn’t have a problem buying static things, things with low parts count you should be ok, will let us know how they last?
Seriously? A Temu sponsorship. Disappointing. The only people I've heard being happy with Temu are sellouts. A controversial, data mining company is not where I want to get stuff from, no matter if it is cheap or not.
I'm sorry you're not a fan of the sponsor. I'm trying to learn more about the concerns people have. Have you personally had a negative experience or are you aware of issues from another source? Is there something specific with Temu that makes them different to Amazon or Chinese sellers on eBay for example?
@@LittleWicketRailway Could've sworn I left a reply yesterday.. Anyway the controversy I'm talking about is the fact that Temu's parent company is under investigation by the US government
I personally wouldn't mess with mains electrics and would advise anyone thinking of doing so to use a qualified electrician. I consider these connectors low risk for model railway wiring.
@@Thedclasstank because he needs money but a sponsorship from a crappy Chinese company isn't the way to do it, all to fund purchasing model railway locomotives
Hi Rob! I’ll be one of a few to back and support you on this video. For all of TEMU’s foibles, I use a “burner” debit card and have my details registered to a PO BOX, so I can enjoy the absolute bargains to be found here. Additionally, I ordered a heap of modelling trees from there too which I note you have some on your workbench and assume will feature in a future video. These are great if you spray some adhesive on them and sprinkle some Woodland Scenics foliage on them, they look a treat! Anyhow, good video, at the same time, your audience hopefully won’t back away from you after this!
Hopefully that's long enough. Just be careful with the hinges, a proper hinge would have been better. The wood seems ok though and the acrylic had no scratches or marks.
Really don't think this is the way to go. Firstly it just being one big add. Secondly Temu and the like are not that know for quality. If you buy for sites like these, remember, its most likely not regulated quality. And you are not always getting what you think you are.
Hi Tcuel. Thanks for commenting. You might be right, but I'd like to provide more information. Yes, this is a paid sponsorship and I hope that's clear from the disclosure at the start and the UA-cam paid promotion disclosure. However, I've tried to make it relevant by selecting products that I thought would be genuinely interesting. Plus, to make it feel less like an ad I built the train info display board, built the bridge and showed what the display case looks like with locos. I regularly turn down offers from potential sponsors that are completely irrelevant (menopause tea bags anyone??). This is why hardly any of my videos have sponsors. Many channels always have a sponsor and often it's completely unrelated to the channel. I've explained my reasons for taking this sponsorship in other posts, but hopefully you've noticed that the quantity of videos produced has increased significantly recently and that's because a change in circumstances has allowed me to focus a lot more time on doing what I love, making videos. However, UA-cam is now my primary source of income and paid sponsorships are really important to supporting the channel at this stage and allow me to continue. I'm collating all the concerns and I'm very grateful to everyone for raising them. I will look into them before putting them to Temu. I can then address them and make a decision about the second video. Before making this video I'd not used Temu, but understood them to be similar to Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, etc. They were recommended by friends and family as a good place to buy cheap modelling supplies. So when they reached out specifically asking me to show off their modelling supplies I thought that was the perfect opportunity to try them out. I must say they've been great to deal with so far and they are one of the most creator friendly companies I've dealt with. Regarding quality I think this is definitely a "you get what you pay for" element to it. For the price, everything I got was acceptable. I try to show products on screen for viewers to make their own decision too. For example, you could obviously pay double and get a nicer display case, but for under £20 I thought the one in the video was ok. Remember though, if the quality is poor then you can return it within 90 days and there are reviews that can help identify poor quality products in advance. Also, Temu are a "middle man", they just link manufacturers with consumers, so it's not directly their fault if a product is rubbish, but there's an argument that they should take responsibility for vetting products for quality and safety before they're listed. There are examples where they've remove sellers or products if they're found to not be up to standard, but obviously this is reactive rather than proactive. Their defence seems to be that they don't have the resources to test millions and millions of products in advance. They trust the manufacturers to meet the required standards. Based on what I've read so far, as things stand I would probably avoid buying anything for kids, anything with high power batteries or anything with mains electrics. None of the products in the video fit into those categories. I'm comfortable they're safe for my intended use. Do you have any personal experience with Temu? Sorry for the long reply, but this video has produced quite a few negative, and sometimes upsetting (not you), comments and I want to address them thoroughly.
@@LittleWicketRailway For starters you can google "TEMU dark patterns" and learn what dirty tricks they use to manipulate their customers. It's an online shop designed like an online casino and has nothing to with Amazon or Ebay. You're right that TEMU is just the middleman between the factory and the customer. But this makes the customer the importer of the goods and therefore the customer is responsible for the safety of the product. Let's say you buy a kettle from TEMU, gift it to a friend and now that kettle causes a fire, burning down the house. You will be held responsible for that damage. I really hope you will reconsider this sponsorship deal and you'll do your due dilligense that goes beyond a recommendation of a friend.
Less than 1% of my thumbnails have AI generated content. Genuinely interested to know what your concern with Temu is so that I can look into it and maybe address it?
@@LittleWicketRailway The number should be 0%, it’s obvious that no human made those thumbnails and that kind of technology scrapes visual reference from art & photographs others have made, so it can also be interpreted as cyber-plagiarism. Temu are a Chinese company who sell direct from manufacturers in China to the consumer. They have come under fire for issues including (but not limited to) factory workers working 9am to 9pm 6 days a week (sometimes made to work longer), the products people purchase being nowhere near the quality or appearance as advertised, resulting in their breakage after short periods of use, leading to excessive waste/landfill, addictive games within the apps which have a psychological effect on the consumer akin to gambling to coerce more purchases, and harvesting user data for the Chinese government, whether the user is a Chinese citizen or not. If you want more information to look into Temu, I recommend the video by Future Proof: Why Temu Is A Nightmare. That will explain why you’re getting the reaction you have been receiving in your comments section.
All the best of luck with using TEMU. If you use any of their lipo batteries. I suggest you keep a fire extinguisher handy and store the batteries in an ammo box! Also make sure to have home insurance. I wouldn't trust TEMU as far as I could throw them! Sorry Rob, but the moment I saw this video is the day that all the respect I had for this channel is now thrown out of the window. I cannot support anyone that is a sellout to a company like TEMU that makes goods that are not safe and fail a lot of the UK and EU standards and with exploding batteries that are a fire risk. I am no longer going to support this channel and its time for us to part ways. I support channels with honour. No hard feelings from me mate but I wish you well on your new ventures with TEMU and their questionable integrity. I hope it is a solid one. All the best mate and cheerio.
I'm sorry you feel this way and that the negativity you feel towards this video outweighs any positivity generated by the many others. I understand you have concerns. Have you personally had a bad experience or could you please direct me to the information that has led you to form this opinion? Links, articles, research, etc. ideally, particularly around safety. Personally I don't consider any of the items I ordered or the applications I suggested to be dangerous. I would like to address the comments, but need to understand what has made a few people feel the way they do with the sponsor? I had never used Temu before and had heard positive things from friends and family, so wanted to try them. I selected products that I felt were relevant to my audience and reviewed them honestly. I was concerned that the video might feel like too much like an ad which is why I created the train display board, built the bridge and filled the display case with locos. Currently UA-cam is my primary source of income so, unless I gain hundreds of Patrons overnight, sponsorships and paid partnerships are a necessity for the channel to continue as it currently is. Very few of my videos have sponsors and I regularly turn down sponsors that aren't relevant to my audience which is why I don't consider this a "sellout". I chose items that I believed my audience might have interest in.
I've ordered scenic stuff, tools (non electrical) and scratch building materials off them with no problems. If you are careful in what you order, Temu does have some good bargains.
A superb little video, Rob. I've been buying loads of stuff from Temu for modelling this past year. They have many great things at fantastic prices. I also leave reviews to help others pick out items to get and what I think about the product. The only downside is that the post bag packaging gets tossed about, and one ends up with damaged products with cracks, don't work, or they are just useless items. I mention my thoughts on the items in my honest reviews to use as possible, usable modelling tools, loads, kits, and as equipment, etc. As for your current bought items, they will be a great help. They are great priced products and things. So, for any layout, Temu products like the yard floodlights or station lamps, etc, are really great. The electronic modules to control models and lights, etc, are amazing. There are a number of dodgy things o 14:41 n the site, too, but Temu offers refunds and replacements, if these service are neededr a needed. 🕊❤️🎵🚂🙏 Jay
I'm sensing some dissatisfaction with Temu as a company/brand and I'm keen to understand what concerns there are as I'd like to look into them. Do you have personal experience or is it a general concern?
😂😂😂 oh Rob! that went badly. Could make a good follow-up video fact checking some of the statements made mind you. Id certainly expect that temu wouldnt be allowed to trade in the uk if there were such blatant non conformity issues as suggested, trading standards would be all over them like a rash. Please, anyone who has just scalped Rob provide any evidence to backup the statements made or are we just expected to simply accept what people put out as fact now? Id bet that half the stuff on amazon will be of the same quality, and likely factories, just cus temus new why does it make one ok not the other, and i would bet some of you wouldnt bat an eyelid using amazon ... lining the pockets of a millionaire to send himself and mates to space and back for 5 mins 😂
Your first sentence summed that up 🤣 I definitely won't ignore the concerns and would like to address them, but I need to understand them better first.
@@LittleWicketRailway fact is most the products in the UK come from the same place, and anything made here is ridiculously priced. So... Hence.. People now use temu, Amazon, eBay, AliExpress. Just because you do doesn't make you a worse human being like some would want to believe.
This was informative and well put together Rob, trying to put the questionable nature of the company aside and see it as more of a look into the tools and items that can enhance a model railway. Looking forward to seeing the quality of the scenics you grabbed. Ps. When will we see work on the layout? I’m hoping soon! 😊keep well, Hylt
Okay, I'm a bit of a luddite. I still think using blocks of foam for scenery is an unnecessary innovation and I only used ebay for the first time a couple of months ago. But I view Temu with some doubt, and the emphasis on having to install an app (and alleged benefits from installing an app) don't do much to allay those doubts. Why would anyone need to install an app to buy a pack of screwdrivers for £1? There must be a reason why it's all so cheap (or if you believe all the interminable adverts) free: they must be rubbish, produced in questionable conditions, or ripped off IP, or all combined. Or at least that's what my cynical side says. One tiny thing in your video that puts me off a lot of these online cheapo stores is the phone repair kit: what you got isn't what you showed in the screenshot - it was a different colour, and who knows if there were any other differences. I think it's a shame you accepted a sponsorship, but that's your business decision. It would be really interesting if in a a year or so, when Temu have forgotten about you (or sold your data on...), you could come back to some of those tools, waygos etc to see how they've stood up in regular use, and possibly more importantly how they compare to other sources. Though I suppose it's largely impossible to know whether 's sprue cutters actually came from the same factory as the Temu ones.
Can you link to it please? Edit: I believe I have found the report you're referring to. My biggest concern is the allogation of forced labour. Although I don't particularly rate the report, there's no original research in it.
Hi Rob I have bought quite a few things from Temu and I have been very pleased with them. Nothing electrical but scenery stuff etc Thanks for your video. Chris P
I did see the metal wheels, but thought they were actually quite expensive compared to those available from Dapol.or Hornby for example. Maybe I misread. Thoughts on Temu?
Hi John. I'm contracted to do a second video, but am looking into where I should try to get out of it. What are your concerns with the sponsor? I'm collating them and will ask them for comment.
Have never used TEMU, was always suspicious of the incredibly cheap prices, and the need to load an app. Prices too low to be true (or cheap crap, or cheap labour, or dumping to destroy competition, or the like). App from an unknown Chinese company, very suss, maybe on a dedicated old phone, connected at free wifi at Maccas and using a dedicated online sales only debit card that is checked daily. All the comments so far are suggesting my suspicions were true. So how does it compare to AliExpress, eBay, Amazon and Kogan which are similar type of shopping sites that don't need an app? I have used these and they seem OK, even very good with support, replacements for missing parts, damaged on receipt etc - just contact, send a photo and they send a replacement. I have received refund for the one time I received a crappy product (which they still sell).
Hi Rob I normally enjoy watching your videos but was like watching QVC. I hope this isn’t the way your channel is going but if it is, all the best to you!
Hi PrideParkway, firstly, thanks for saying you normally enjoy the videos. And you're not alone in disliking this one. Please see the previous comments for further clarification. But in summary, this is the first paid partnership in over 200 videos, I tried really hard to choose items that were relevant and not just show them but actually build/use them. I didn't know Temu had a bad rep. Sorry if you feel let down.
I have bought a lot of my hobby tools and bits from Temu. so cheap but also great tools. I also have quite a bit of scenery stuff from there. Great to see these items too. I look forward to the second part.
Dear Rob, this video made me sad and end my membership to your channel. I even feel ashamed that my name shows up at the end. Firstly, as this video is clearly sponsored by Temu. Secondly, as your ignorance in the comments about the problems with Temu made me really decide to stop my contribution. I would urge you to rethink your sponsorship choices. I might even go back to sponsoring if you do.
Hi Ruud. I'm sorry you feel this way, I'm very grateful for your support to date and I really hope that it can continue even if you choose not to be a member. I think I will be addressing all the comments in a video and will be asking Temu for their response too. However, before I can do that I need to fully understand what these are. I will do my own research into the areas highlighted, but it would be very helpful if I could be directed to reports, articles, etc. with information that will help to inform me. The video is sponsored by Temu. This is declared at the start on screen and via the paid promotion disclosure within UA-cam. This should be clear. I tried to select items that I felt were relevant to my audience and I thought would be interesting. Rather than just unbox them I tried to demonstrate them (the LCD screen demo, the bridge build, the display case and light combo). They tried to steer me towards other products which were not relevant, but I refused. Very few of my videos are sponsored and I regularly reject partnerships that aren't relevant to my audience or where I don't think the product is good. My reviews in this video are honest and not influenced. I also try to show products so that viewers can form their own opinions. With previous partnership where I couldn't say much positive about a product I've refused to publish the video. When I accepted the sponsorship I was not aware of the concerns that some people have raised. I considered them to be similar to Amazon or eBay. Many of the products appear identical. Friends and family had recommended them and I saw this as an opportunity to try them out. Temu was the most downloaded app in the USA in 2023. It seemed pretty legit. On the subject of sponsorship, affiliate links, partnerships, etc. as I said, I don't do many and I reject a lot, but they really do help. As I explained in the member's video, due to a change in circumstances, UA-cam is now my primary source of income and sponsorship will allow it to be my main focus for as long as possible which I hope in turn will mean I'm able to create more, better content. I'm scheduled to make a second video on the scenic items which I was honestly really excited about. I want to try putting water under the bridge and dress the river banks. However, if after looking into all the concerns raised in the comments I decide that I would prefer not to continue the partnership then I will ask Temu if this is possible and return the unused items. This video must remain up for a period contractually. I do however ask you to consider the possibility that research might reveal that some or all concerns are unfounded or unprovable. Or that the same concerns might equally apply to many other big brands that Amazon, Nike, Primark, Next, eBay, etc. Then what should I do? I hope some of the above helps to explain. I read every comment and consider each of them. When people say thev've lost all respect for me, that I'm a sellout or hope I'm proud of myself, it does hurt. I'm not perfect, but I try to do my best. Please continue to comment, drop me a message or email. Rob
@@LittleWicketRailway Don't apologize to that guy, Rob. He can get fu**ed. His entire comment is nothing but ignorant garbage. There's valid criticism, there's invalid criticism, and then there's whatever the hell this dude is doing. Trying to low-key extort you with the promise of re-subscribing is pathetic..."I might even go back to sponsoring if you do." I'd happily say goodbye to a "fan" like this. Your community would be better for it. You do a lot of great stuff, Rob. Don't let the noise get to you.
After reading some of the comments I have to apologize for your anguish over making a buck if you do at all. I guess you're only as good as your last video so learn from this and put some busty models in the next one of these you do, LOL.
lots of stuff there ! But do you get it all for free or paid for showing these products then this is only an ad for Temu and how can we then ber sure that the stuff is good products. Don't like that at all. Other UA-cam providers have stopped receiving products and only show those they are interested in and also point out that they don't get any kickback or free products.
Hi Henrik. Hopefully it's clear from the declaration at the start and the notification attached to the video that this is a paid partnership with Temu and the items were provided essentially for free (I was given credit to spend). I was given free range to choose from any modelling product. They tried to steer me towards certain items, but I didn't believe they were suitable or relevant to my audience. I've tried to select products that I thought would be of interest. My reviews are honest and I aim to show the products on screen such that viewers make form their own opinions. Previously, with other sponsors, if products were not relevant or not good enough then I've declined the sponsorship or offered to return them. Very few of my videos have sponsorship and currently UA-cam is my primary source of income. These partnerships are extremely helpful in keeping the channel going. As I said at the end of the video, I don't want it to feel like the shopping channel. I hoped that showing the mini electronics project, the bridge build and what the display case looked like with locos would help it make it feel like less of an ad. I appreciate questions have been asked about Temu specifically and I'm looking to address those separately, but regarding sponsors, paid partnerships and affiliate links, these are a necessity of making a small UA-cam channel viable. Unless I suddenly gain 1,000 patreons then I will have to occasionally include them, but I will always try to make it clear to the audience that this is the case and will always be honest.
@@LittleWicketRailway thanks for you answer. Please be careful when giving any advise on products that might be harmful i e electrical. You don't want to get a lawsuit . Anyway good luck with your videos. I am looking forward to the next one.
Hi David, I'm sorry you feel like this video overshadows the last 4 years and 200+ other videos. I now understand there are concerns with Temu and I will address them. Sponsorships are essential to fund the channel at the moment.
@LittleWicketRailway If you don't consider it to be a spell out, that's beteeen you and your conscience. In which case there is no point in me trying to explain the obvious to you.
@@steveluckhurst2350 I wouldn't ask if it wasn't clear. Do you object to all sponsorship or just this particular one? If it's just Temu then I'm trying to work out why. Bad experience or something you've heard?
@LittleWicketRailway I have no objection whatsoever to you gaining sponsorship from a reputable company. Unfortunately you haven't. Is this a genuine lapse of judgement from yourself, or a calculated risk? As for asking me for my reasons, well that is just deflection isn't it? In my opinion you've messed up badly. You have lost the trust of your viewers. You seem unable to "read the room" and hold your hands up for an apology. Why is this? You started this channel because of your love for model railways and your desire to share. Collaborations like this show that things have moved on. We are simply a cash cow, to be manipulated and sold on to the highest bidder. Not me, I'm off. Thanks for the great stuff you have put out in the past, but you should look up "integrity" if you have a few minutes.
@@steveluckhurst2350 this seems extremely harsh given that in over 200 videos there have only been a handful of sponsored videos and I wasn't aware of the concerns with Temu. There are another two videos scheduled at the same time as this one (one out tomorrow, the other Saturday) that don't have a sponsor. The vast majority of the content and my motivation hasn't changed since day 1. I'm sharing my journey back into the hobby. Obviously things will evolve, the core of the channel is the same. I've explained in multiple replies now that I wasn't aware of Temu's reputation when I agreed to work with them. To me they were an Amazon, eBay, etc. I will look into all the concerns raised, put them to Temu and respond once I have more information. If I've made a mistake then I will apologise and attempt to break contract for the second video, but only when I've got the full picture as this is a big decision to take. Currently the allegations of forced labour are a big concern. I certainly don't see my viewers as cash cows. Sponsorship enables me to focus on making videos. I love making videos. You may have noticed that I've been able to upload a lot more frequently recently, this is only because my circumstances have changed and UA-cam is now my primary focus, but also my primary income. I would like this to continue for as long as possible. I'm not getting rich from UA-cam and it can't be my full time focus for very long unfortunately because in reality it's pretty much impossible to live off the ad revenue, but every sponsorship helps to keep it my focus for longer. Hopefully this overall results in more quality videos. I turn down a lot of silly sponsorship offers that are completely irrelevant. Why would you want to hear about headphones, supplements or tea bags? I thought this one was actually relevant. In the next video I wanted to do scenics around the bridge with a resin river, I honestly thought it would be interesting. I've never used resin before. If you are aware of a relevant, reputable company willing to sponsor the channel then please do put me in touch or suggest one so that I can reach out to them. Implying I have no integrity is actually very hurtful and upsetting if you truly mean it. I am a real person. I'm glad you've enjoyed the videos until now and you're always welcome at Little Wicket.
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Please don't sell out like other UA-camrs. Please consider your sponsorships more carefully, it might backfire. Temu's reputation is not great.
TEMU is cheap for a reason. I will never accept sponsorship from them - EVER!
Have you personally had a bad experience or is it something you've heard?
@@LittleWicketRailway The product safety authorities in my country (Denmark) have performed several tests on products bought from TEMU. A lot of them, especially children's toys and electronics, are deemed not up to the standards of the EU. This tells me that TEMU do not care about your safety. Cheap knockoffs for profit.
Also, their reviews (e.g. on Trustpilot) are not the best.
This is enough for me to stay away; I will not support a company like that.
@@LittleWicketRailwayI got a tool set with some bits missing and others rusted. Asked for a refund and when they refused, I posted a bad review. Within two weeks my bank started reporting dozens of phony transactions on my card coming from overseas. I had to have my card cancelled. The bank says there have been over $1500 worth of attempted bank charges with the same routing number as the TEMU transaction for the bad tools.
@@LittleWicketRailway The product safety authorities in my country (Denmark) did some tests on products bought on Temu. They failed to meet the standards of the EU. Especially the children's toys and electronics. That is enough for me to stay away.
If you buy electrical connectors from somewhere like Temu just be sure your home insurance is paid up! In a recent test of 19 toys ordered from them, 18 failed basic child safety tests. This stuff is made SUPER cheap by cutting every corner available. Some foliage or wood cut buildings might be ok, I'd avoid ANYTHING that has electricity passing through it. Shame on you Rob, you've always been one of the good guys in this community. I hope the amount they paid you was worth it
Hi @@VictoryWorks do you have a link to that research on the toys? I would always recommend that work done on main electrics or high voltage is performed by a qualified electrician. The connectors shown in the video pose a low risk for model railway wiring.
@@LittleWicketRailway I've replied to this 3 times and UA-cam keeps deleting it. Just Google "BEUC shopping on temu" and read about toys and heaters. The fact you haven't done this already says a lot
Temu... wouldn't touch any of their products with a 10ft barge pole. This is a sponsored video, and they've a Chinese company which data mine
Not only is Temu collecting your data and handing it over to the Chinese government, but since factories are shipping the goods directly to the customer, the customer becomes the importer of the goods. The importer is responsible for the safety of the products and will be liable for any damage caused by a product bought from Temu.
@LittleWicketRailway please do your research before getting a sponsorship deal like this. I really enjoyed your videos so far but I won't consider product recommendations from your channel any longer.
I hope this isn’t the advent of Temu infiltrating the hobby through sponsorships… is nothing sacred anymore? ./ sigh
Come on mate, lets get the actual videos in again, no crappy temu or ai stuff, I want to see how you’re building that layout behind you
Hi @@aberfordwest4003 the layout build will restart in November.
People seem to be making a big deal about AI. I've used it in 2 thumbnails out of 200+ videos. I personally didn't like the DCC EX one, but thought I'd try it. I'm likely to change it in future when I have time. I actually like the Hornby one. I could possibly have made this myself, but it would have taken me hours.
Regards the Temu sponsorship, I will address all the comments/concerns in another video, but the occasional paid partnership really help to keep the channel going. My videos very rarely have sponsorship, when they do I try to make sure it's relevant and interesting. It's always clear when a video is sponsored and any review in these videos is honest.
Couple of videos coming out this week, I hope you enjoy those more 🙂
@@LittleWicketRailway looking forward to that layout build video
I think you’ve already got the message but I can’t support anything that promotes Temu. I hope this is temporary insanity and you return to normal programming
@@damianinCanadaTT-OO apparently he's due to put out another video with them and their products again
What is your concern with Temu? Genuinely interested to learn why they have this reputation?
Should've done your research on temu instead of just blindly going ahead with a sponsorship. You should know that if the price is too good to be true then something is probably unsafe or off about that product.
I'm sensing some dissatisfaction with Temu as a company/brand and I'm keen to understand what concerns there are as I'd like to look into them. Do you have personal experience or is it a general concern?
@@LittleWicketRailwayso I have a mixed bag with Temu, I’m not 100% sure if their history, but they do seem to ‘rip off’ companies… I bought what is branded as a brush rinser by greenstuff world, they sell for £15 direct from GSW, but I got one on Temu for £2 exactly the same thing it seems, but i have noticed after about 6 months, the screws are very rusty and the rubber seal has been repaired, it was more a purchase to see if the concept works and im looking to buy the real deal as when it was new i loved it. there is a lot or snobbery about Temu, but thinks like cutting matts, metal cloths pegs, stuff that cant really go wrong i dont see why not
For goodness sake! People calm down! Half the stuff on Temu and other Chinese mail order sites is available in most towns "cheapy' shops but at twice the price. You have to be discerning and take some responsibility. I wouldn't recommend you rewire your kitchen with stuff from these companies but use some common sense. The tool sets he has won't be good for car repair or fixing the washer but on light applications should suffice. We can't all afford to buy top end tools. Wooden kits, scatter material, low voltage electronics. No it won't be as good as the stuff costing four times as much but that's the point. Use your brain and make your own choices. Don't blame the Chinese for offering lower quality stuff at affordable prices.
Do the items come with a free live scorpion?
Just checking that you're aware that it was a completely different company providing free scorpions?
@@LittleWicketRailway Maybe they will be your next sponsor?
I've made about 10 orders from TEMU now spending around £20 a go on items between one or 2 pounds each. Great for stocking filler kids items and have got some good paintbrushes, metal rulers and scenery items too. Some stuff has gone straight in the bin though. It's all a bit of fun.
Good to know you've had relatively good experiences. This is how I imagined it might work.
It's always worried me about using Temu. After all, why is your first order free of as good as. If something sounds too good to be true, then it's probably best avoided.
Data is what they are after.
Keep your channel going, and do not delete this video.
The question is do they store and use data differently to other companies? Do you have a link to more info on how they manage data?
Oops, sorry I'm off
Was it the fact that the video was sponsored or because it was Temu specifically?
I’ve replied to another comment on here I hope you see, it will be very good to see a follow up in 6 months to see how long these last, Temu has abit of a rep and I’m not convinced most would of tried them, but no smoke without fire, they seem abit like the B&M/home bargains of the internet… be interested in how their scenics last, simple products should be fine and could save a fair abit, but would need to see how they do over time
It might be a case of you get what you pay for, but there's not much that could fail in the products I ordered. Maybe the LED light? The Arduino? The Servos? When I get servos on eBay or Amazon I expect about 1 in 10 to be faulty unfortunately, so a failure there wouldn't be uncommon. I don't think we can say the bridge failed, that was me not knowing my own strength 💪🏼
@@LittleWicketRailwaythat probably fair, I imagine kits are a slight risk of them not being cut properly or pieces missing, yours seems fine, I wouldn’t have a problem buying static things, things with low parts count you should be ok, will let us know how they last?
Seriously? A Temu sponsorship. Disappointing. The only people I've heard being happy with Temu are sellouts. A controversial, data mining company is not where I want to get stuff from, no matter if it is cheap or not.
@@treinenliefde agreed mate!
Sad really, considering I had respect for this channel until today.
I'm sorry you're not a fan of the sponsor. I'm trying to learn more about the concerns people have. Have you personally had a negative experience or are you aware of issues from another source? Is there something specific with Temu that makes them different to Amazon or Chinese sellers on eBay for example?
I honestly can't trust this with the controversies that Temu is currently in unfortunately
Interested to learn more. Can you direct me to some information?
@@LittleWicketRailway From what I've heard their parent company is under investigation by the US government
@@LittleWicketRailway Could've sworn I left a reply yesterday..
Anyway the controversy I'm talking about is the fact that Temu's parent company is under investigation by the US government
@@stained36 got a link to more info please?
Temu is great for certain items. However, electrical devices are not to be trusted. None branded Wago style connectors, I don’t think so!
I personally wouldn't mess with mains electrics and would advise anyone thinking of doing so to use a qualified electrician. I consider these connectors low risk for model railway wiring.
Why rob please dont give in
@@Thedclasstank because he needs money but a sponsorship from a crappy Chinese company isn't the way to do it, all to fund purchasing model railway locomotives
@@Northerner_Transport_Hub I khow but ther are better options
Rest assured. I will never accept TEMU sponsorship on any of my channels. I've seen enough.
@@BritishRail60062 me 2 I just wish that I could watch a video without these bad sponsors but i agree with you
Money from this video was used to fund the purchase of additional hard drives because I'm running out of space for videos.
Hi Rob! I’ll be one of a few to back and support you on this video.
For all of TEMU’s foibles, I use a “burner” debit card and have my details registered to a PO BOX, so I can enjoy the absolute bargains to be found here.
Additionally, I ordered a heap of modelling trees from there too which I note you have some on your workbench and assume will feature in a future video. These are great if you spray some adhesive on them and sprinkle some Woodland Scenics foliage on them, they look a treat!
Anyhow, good video, at the same time, your audience hopefully won’t back away from you after this!
Temu have certainly divided opinions.
A shame there’s no more display cases at 38.5 cm being sold now. Longest is 32 cm. Oh well hopefully my A4s will look good in them.
Hopefully that's long enough. Just be careful with the hinges, a proper hinge would have been better. The wood seems ok though and the acrylic had no scratches or marks.
Hi Rob. Not a Temu fan, I'm afraid.
All the best, though.
Really don't think this is the way to go. Firstly it just being one big add.
Secondly Temu and the like are not that know for quality.
If you buy for sites like these, remember, its most likely not regulated quality. And you are not always getting what you think you are.
Hi Tcuel. Thanks for commenting. You might be right, but I'd like to provide more information.
Yes, this is a paid sponsorship and I hope that's clear from the disclosure at the start and the UA-cam paid promotion disclosure. However, I've tried to make it relevant by selecting products that I thought would be genuinely interesting. Plus, to make it feel less like an ad I built the train info display board, built the bridge and showed what the display case looks like with locos.
I regularly turn down offers from potential sponsors that are completely irrelevant (menopause tea bags anyone??). This is why hardly any of my videos have sponsors. Many channels always have a sponsor and often it's completely unrelated to the channel.
I've explained my reasons for taking this sponsorship in other posts, but hopefully you've noticed that the quantity of videos produced has increased significantly recently and that's because a change in circumstances has allowed me to focus a lot more time on doing what I love, making videos. However, UA-cam is now my primary source of income and paid sponsorships are really important to supporting the channel at this stage and allow me to continue.
I'm collating all the concerns and I'm very grateful to everyone for raising them. I will look into them before putting them to Temu. I can then address them and make a decision about the second video.
Before making this video I'd not used Temu, but understood them to be similar to Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, etc. They were recommended by friends and family as a good place to buy cheap modelling supplies. So when they reached out specifically asking me to show off their modelling supplies I thought that was the perfect opportunity to try them out.
I must say they've been great to deal with so far and they are one of the most creator friendly companies I've dealt with.
Regarding quality I think this is definitely a "you get what you pay for" element to it. For the price, everything I got was acceptable. I try to show products on screen for viewers to make their own decision too. For example, you could obviously pay double and get a nicer display case, but for under £20 I thought the one in the video was ok.
Remember though, if the quality is poor then you can return it within 90 days and there are reviews that can help identify poor quality products in advance.
Also, Temu are a "middle man", they just link manufacturers with consumers, so it's not directly their fault if a product is rubbish, but there's an argument that they should take responsibility for vetting products for quality and safety before they're listed. There are examples where they've remove sellers or products if they're found to not be up to standard, but obviously this is reactive rather than proactive. Their defence seems to be that they don't have the resources to test millions and millions of products in advance. They trust the manufacturers to meet the required standards.
Based on what I've read so far, as things stand I would probably avoid buying anything for kids, anything with high power batteries or anything with mains electrics. None of the products in the video fit into those categories. I'm comfortable they're safe for my intended use.
Do you have any personal experience with Temu?
Sorry for the long reply, but this video has produced quite a few negative, and sometimes upsetting (not you), comments and I want to address them thoroughly.
@@LittleWicketRailway For starters you can google "TEMU dark patterns" and learn what dirty tricks they use to manipulate their customers. It's an online shop designed like an online casino and has nothing to with Amazon or Ebay.
You're right that TEMU is just the middleman between the factory and the customer. But this makes the customer the importer of the goods and therefore the customer is responsible for the safety of the product.
Let's say you buy a kettle from TEMU, gift it to a friend and now that kettle causes a fire, burning down the house. You will be held responsible for that damage.
I really hope you will reconsider this sponsorship deal and you'll do your due dilligense that goes beyond a recommendation of a friend.
Jesus Christ Rob…using AI for your video thumbnails and now taking sponsorship from Temu? What’s going on? This isn’t what I subscribed for.
Less than 1% of my thumbnails have AI generated content. Genuinely interested to know what your concern with Temu is so that I can look into it and maybe address it?
@@LittleWicketRailway The number should be 0%, it’s obvious that no human made those thumbnails and that kind of technology scrapes visual reference from art & photographs others have made, so it can also be interpreted as cyber-plagiarism.
Temu are a Chinese company who sell direct from manufacturers in China to the consumer. They have come under fire for issues including (but not limited to) factory workers working 9am to 9pm 6 days a week (sometimes made to work longer), the products people purchase being nowhere near the quality or appearance as advertised, resulting in their breakage after short periods of use, leading to excessive waste/landfill, addictive games within the apps which have a psychological effect on the consumer akin to gambling to coerce more purchases, and harvesting user data for the Chinese government, whether the user is a Chinese citizen or not.
If you want more information to look into Temu, I recommend the video by Future Proof: Why Temu Is A Nightmare. That will explain why you’re getting the reaction you have been receiving in your comments section.
All the best of luck with using TEMU. If you use any of their lipo batteries. I suggest you keep a fire extinguisher handy and store the batteries in an ammo box! Also make sure to have home insurance. I wouldn't trust TEMU as far as I could throw them! Sorry Rob, but the moment I saw this video is the day that all the respect I had for this channel is now thrown out of the window. I cannot support anyone that is a sellout to a company like TEMU that makes goods that are not safe and fail a lot of the UK and EU standards and with exploding batteries that are a fire risk. I am no longer going to support this channel and its time for us to part ways. I support channels with honour. No hard feelings from me mate but I wish you well on your new ventures with TEMU and their questionable integrity. I hope it is a solid one. All the best mate and cheerio.
I'm sorry you feel this way and that the negativity you feel towards this video outweighs any positivity generated by the many others.
I understand you have concerns. Have you personally had a bad experience or could you please direct me to the information that has led you to form this opinion? Links, articles, research, etc. ideally, particularly around safety. Personally I don't consider any of the items I ordered or the applications I suggested to be dangerous. I would like to address the comments, but need to understand what has made a few people feel the way they do with the sponsor?
I had never used Temu before and had heard positive things from friends and family, so wanted to try them. I selected products that I felt were relevant to my audience and reviewed them honestly. I was concerned that the video might feel like too much like an ad which is why I created the train display board, built the bridge and filled the display case with locos.
Currently UA-cam is my primary source of income so, unless I gain hundreds of Patrons overnight, sponsorships and paid partnerships are a necessity for the channel to continue as it currently is. Very few of my videos have sponsors and I regularly turn down sponsors that aren't relevant to my audience which is why I don't consider this a "sellout". I chose items that I believed my audience might have interest in.
I've ordered scenic stuff, tools (non electrical) and scratch building materials off them with no problems.
If you are careful in what you order, Temu does have some good bargains.
Thanks :-) good to know and glad you had a good experience.
I've never got anything modelling related of Temu yet but I've used them many times with no problems.
Any products you'd recommend?
Edit: cool username btw
A superb little video, Rob. I've been buying loads of stuff from Temu for modelling this past year. They have many great things at fantastic prices. I also leave reviews to help others pick out items to get and what I think about the product. The only downside is that the post bag packaging gets tossed about, and one ends up with damaged products with cracks, don't work, or they are just useless items. I mention my thoughts on the items in my honest reviews to use as possible, usable modelling tools, loads, kits, and as equipment, etc. As for your current bought items, they will be a great help. They are great priced products and things. So, for any layout, Temu products like the yard floodlights or station lamps, etc, are really great. The electronic modules to control models and lights, etc, are amazing. There are a number of dodgy things o 14:41 n the site, too, but Temu offers refunds and replacements, if these service are neededr a needed.
🕊❤️🎵🚂🙏
Jay
Thanks Jay. Yeah, the packaging looked like it had a rough ride, but everything inside was ok thankfully.
Sponsored by temu ⚠️
I'm sensing some dissatisfaction with Temu as a company/brand and I'm keen to understand what concerns there are as I'd like to look into them. Do you have personal experience or is it a general concern?
@@LittleWicketRailway it's a general concern
😂😂😂 oh Rob! that went badly. Could make a good follow-up video fact checking some of the statements made mind you. Id certainly expect that temu wouldnt be allowed to trade in the uk if there were such blatant non conformity issues as suggested, trading standards would be all over them like a rash. Please, anyone who has just scalped Rob provide any evidence to backup the statements made or are we just expected to simply accept what people put out as fact now? Id bet that half the stuff on amazon will be of the same quality, and likely factories, just cus temus new why does it make one ok not the other, and i would bet some of you wouldnt bat an eyelid using amazon ... lining the pockets of a millionaire to send himself and mates to space and back for 5 mins 😂
Your first sentence summed that up 🤣 I definitely won't ignore the concerns and would like to address them, but I need to understand them better first.
@@LittleWicketRailway fact is most the products in the UK come from the same place, and anything made here is ridiculously priced. So... Hence.. People now use temu, Amazon, eBay, AliExpress. Just because you do doesn't make you a worse human being like some would want to believe.
This was informative and well put together Rob, trying to put the questionable nature of the company aside and see it as more of a look into the tools and items that can enhance a model railway. Looking forward to seeing the quality of the scenics you grabbed. Ps. When will we see work on the layout? I’m hoping soon! 😊keep well, Hylt
Thanks bud. This sponsor certainly has people talking. Work on the layout will restart in November.
Okay, I'm a bit of a luddite. I still think using blocks of foam for scenery is an unnecessary innovation and I only used ebay for the first time a couple of months ago. But I view Temu with some doubt, and the emphasis on having to install an app (and alleged benefits from installing an app) don't do much to allay those doubts. Why would anyone need to install an app to buy a pack of screwdrivers for £1? There must be a reason why it's all so cheap (or if you believe all the interminable adverts) free: they must be rubbish, produced in questionable conditions, or ripped off IP, or all combined. Or at least that's what my cynical side says.
One tiny thing in your video that puts me off a lot of these online cheapo stores is the phone repair kit: what you got isn't what you showed in the screenshot - it was a different colour, and who knows if there were any other differences.
I think it's a shame you accepted a sponsorship, but that's your business decision. It would be really interesting if in a a year or so, when Temu have forgotten about you (or sold your data on...), you could come back to some of those tools, waygos etc to see how they've stood up in regular use, and possibly more importantly how they compare to other sources. Though I suppose it's largely impossible to know whether 's sprue cutters actually came from the same factory as the Temu ones.
Have you thought about a built it Vid for the electronic display with the code so we can do one please?
Yes. I'll probably do it with a smaller OLED display for OO gauge if I can find a suitable screen.
Please read the 'Which' report on Temu.
Can you link to it please?
Edit: I believe I have found the report you're referring to. My biggest concern is the allogation of forced labour. Although I don't particularly rate the report, there's no original research in it.
Did you see the link, I've posted twice but it seems to disappear?
@@KevinSheppard-nb1ln it might be held for review if it's an external link. Will check. Thanks for finding it.
That might explain it!!
Hi Rob I have bought quite a few things from Temu and I have been very pleased with them. Nothing electrical but scenery stuff etc Thanks for your video. Chris P
Good to know. I think it's a case of knowing what to buy from where.
Were those files made from aluminium?
Not sure what they're made of. Wouldn't have thought aluminium. Isn't that quite soft?
Hi Rob, I'm not sure about Temu?? I think they have metal wagon wheels, now that is what id like to buy, Hornby ones are so darn expensive.
I did see the metal wheels, but thought they were actually quite expensive compared to those available from Dapol.or Hornby for example. Maybe I misread. Thoughts on Temu?
I was disappointed to see what is an advert for Temu.
If you do one like this again I cant see myself watching your videos
Hi John. I'm contracted to do a second video, but am looking into where I should try to get out of it. What are your concerns with the sponsor? I'm collating them and will ask them for comment.
Please dont support Temu.
Actual slave labour went into making these products. I hope your proud
Wow, do you believe everything in the MSM?
@jamescollins3647 the evidence doesn't lie mate the people who made Temu made a dodgy app before this
@@jamescollins3647 I beleive the undeniable evidence of this company's shady illegal activity. Maybe do your own reasearch and find out.
Have never used TEMU, was always suspicious of the incredibly cheap prices, and the need to load an app. Prices too low to be true (or cheap crap, or cheap labour, or dumping to destroy competition, or the like). App from an unknown Chinese company, very suss, maybe on a dedicated old phone, connected at free wifi at Maccas and using a dedicated online sales only debit card that is checked daily. All the comments so far are suggesting my suspicions were true. So how does it compare to AliExpress, eBay, Amazon and Kogan which are similar type of shopping sites that don't need an app? I have used these and they seem OK, even very good with support, replacements for missing parts, damaged on receipt etc - just contact, send a photo and they send a replacement. I have received refund for the one time I received a crappy product (which they still sell).
@@Northerner_Transport_Hub What evidence?
Hi Rob I normally enjoy watching your videos but was like watching QVC. I hope this isn’t the way your channel is going but if it is, all the best to you!
Hi PrideParkway, firstly, thanks for saying you normally enjoy the videos. And you're not alone in disliking this one. Please see the previous comments for further clarification. But in summary, this is the first paid partnership in over 200 videos, I tried really hard to choose items that were relevant and not just show them but actually build/use them. I didn't know Temu had a bad rep. Sorry if you feel let down.
I have bought a lot of my hobby tools and bits from Temu. so cheap but also great tools. I also have quite a bit of scenery stuff from there. Great to see these items too. I look forward to the second part.
That's reassuring.
Like the display case 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I've recently use Temu and I enjoyed the experience. Love the things you bought. 😊
Thanks :-) glad you had a good experience 😊
Dear Rob, this video made me sad and end my membership to your channel. I even feel ashamed that my name shows up at the end. Firstly, as this video is clearly sponsored by Temu. Secondly, as your ignorance in the comments about the problems with Temu made me really decide to stop my contribution. I would urge you to rethink your sponsorship choices. I might even go back to sponsoring if you do.
Hi Ruud. I'm sorry you feel this way, I'm very grateful for your support to date and I really hope that it can continue even if you choose not to be a member.
I think I will be addressing all the comments in a video and will be asking Temu for their response too. However, before I can do that I need to fully understand what these are. I will do my own research into the areas highlighted, but it would be very helpful if I could be directed to reports, articles, etc. with information that will help to inform me.
The video is sponsored by Temu. This is declared at the start on screen and via the paid promotion disclosure within UA-cam. This should be clear. I tried to select items that I felt were relevant to my audience and I thought would be interesting. Rather than just unbox them I tried to demonstrate them (the LCD screen demo, the bridge build, the display case and light combo). They tried to steer me towards other products which were not relevant, but I refused.
Very few of my videos are sponsored and I regularly reject partnerships that aren't relevant to my audience or where I don't think the product is good.
My reviews in this video are honest and not influenced. I also try to show products so that viewers can form their own opinions. With previous partnership where I couldn't say much positive about a product I've refused to publish the video.
When I accepted the sponsorship I was not aware of the concerns that some people have raised. I considered them to be similar to Amazon or eBay. Many of the products appear identical. Friends and family had recommended them and I saw this as an opportunity to try them out. Temu was the most downloaded app in the USA in 2023. It seemed pretty legit.
On the subject of sponsorship, affiliate links, partnerships, etc. as I said, I don't do many and I reject a lot, but they really do help. As I explained in the member's video, due to a change in circumstances, UA-cam is now my primary source of income and sponsorship will allow it to be my main focus for as long as possible which I hope in turn will mean I'm able to create more, better content.
I'm scheduled to make a second video on the scenic items which I was honestly really excited about. I want to try putting water under the bridge and dress the river banks. However, if after looking into all the concerns raised in the comments I decide that I would prefer not to continue the partnership then I will ask Temu if this is possible and return the unused items.
This video must remain up for a period contractually.
I do however ask you to consider the possibility that research might reveal that some or all concerns are unfounded or unprovable. Or that the same concerns might equally apply to many other big brands that Amazon, Nike, Primark, Next, eBay, etc. Then what should I do?
I hope some of the above helps to explain. I read every comment and consider each of them. When people say thev've lost all respect for me, that I'm a sellout or hope I'm proud of myself, it does hurt. I'm not perfect, but I try to do my best.
Please continue to comment, drop me a message or email.
Rob
@@LittleWicketRailway Don't apologize to that guy, Rob. He can get fu**ed. His entire comment is nothing but ignorant garbage. There's valid criticism, there's invalid criticism, and then there's whatever the hell this dude is doing.
Trying to low-key extort you with the promise of re-subscribing is pathetic..."I might even go back to sponsoring if you do."
I'd happily say goodbye to a "fan" like this. Your community would be better for it. You do a lot of great stuff, Rob. Don't let the noise get to you.
After reading some of the comments I have to apologize for your anguish over making a buck if you do at all. I guess you're only as good as your last video so learn from this and put some busty models in the next one of these you do, LOL.
lots of stuff there ! But do you get it all for free or paid for showing these products then this is only an ad for Temu and how can we then ber sure that the stuff is good products. Don't like that at all. Other UA-cam providers have stopped receiving products and only show those they are interested in and also point out that they don't get any kickback or free products.
Hi Henrik. Hopefully it's clear from the declaration at the start and the notification attached to the video that this is a paid partnership with Temu and the items were provided essentially for free (I was given credit to spend). I was given free range to choose from any modelling product. They tried to steer me towards certain items, but I didn't believe they were suitable or relevant to my audience. I've tried to select products that I thought would be of interest. My reviews are honest and I aim to show the products on screen such that viewers make form their own opinions. Previously, with other sponsors, if products were not relevant or not good enough then I've declined the sponsorship or offered to return them.
Very few of my videos have sponsorship and currently UA-cam is my primary source of income. These partnerships are extremely helpful in keeping the channel going. As I said at the end of the video, I don't want it to feel like the shopping channel. I hoped that showing the mini electronics project, the bridge build and what the display case looked like with locos would help it make it feel like less of an ad.
I appreciate questions have been asked about Temu specifically and I'm looking to address those separately, but regarding sponsors, paid partnerships and affiliate links, these are a necessity of making a small UA-cam channel viable. Unless I suddenly gain 1,000 patreons then I will have to occasionally include them, but I will always try to make it clear to the audience that this is the case and will always be honest.
@@LittleWicketRailway thanks for you answer. Please be careful when giving any advise on products that might be harmful i e electrical. You don't want to get a lawsuit . Anyway good luck with your videos. I am looking forward to the next one.
After this video i think I'm going to unsubscribe. Shame on little wicket for selling out.
Hi David, I'm sorry you feel like this video overshadows the last 4 years and 200+ other videos. I now understand there are concerns with Temu and I will address them. Sponsorships are essential to fund the channel at the moment.
Temu… ugh
What about Temu do you not like? Want to understand the issues so that I can send them to Temu. Thanks.
Sell out ! Goodbye.
Can you please explain why you consider this to be selling out?
@LittleWicketRailway If you don't consider it to be a spell out, that's beteeen you and your conscience. In which case there is no point in me trying to explain the obvious to you.
@@steveluckhurst2350 I wouldn't ask if it wasn't clear. Do you object to all sponsorship or just this particular one? If it's just Temu then I'm trying to work out why. Bad experience or something you've heard?
@LittleWicketRailway I have no objection whatsoever to you gaining sponsorship from a reputable company. Unfortunately you haven't. Is this a genuine lapse of judgement from yourself, or a calculated risk?
As for asking me for my reasons, well that is just deflection isn't it? In my opinion you've messed up badly. You have lost the trust of your viewers. You seem unable to "read the room" and hold your hands up for an apology. Why is this?
You started this channel because of your love for model railways and your desire to share. Collaborations like this show that things have moved on. We are simply a cash cow, to be manipulated and sold on to the highest bidder. Not me, I'm off. Thanks for the great stuff you have put out in the past, but you should look up "integrity" if you have a few minutes.
@@steveluckhurst2350 this seems extremely harsh given that in over 200 videos there have only been a handful of sponsored videos and I wasn't aware of the concerns with Temu.
There are another two videos scheduled at the same time as this one (one out tomorrow, the other Saturday) that don't have a sponsor. The vast majority of the content and my motivation hasn't changed since day 1. I'm sharing my journey back into the hobby. Obviously things will evolve, the core of the channel is the same.
I've explained in multiple replies now that I wasn't aware of Temu's reputation when I agreed to work with them. To me they were an Amazon, eBay, etc. I will look into all the concerns raised, put them to Temu and respond once I have more information. If I've made a mistake then I will apologise and attempt to break contract for the second video, but only when I've got the full picture as this is a big decision to take. Currently the allegations of forced labour are a big concern.
I certainly don't see my viewers as cash cows. Sponsorship enables me to focus on making videos. I love making videos. You may have noticed that I've been able to upload a lot more frequently recently, this is only because my circumstances have changed and UA-cam is now my primary focus, but also my primary income. I would like this to continue for as long as possible. I'm not getting rich from UA-cam and it can't be my full time focus for very long unfortunately because in reality it's pretty much impossible to live off the ad revenue, but every sponsorship helps to keep it my focus for longer. Hopefully this overall results in more quality videos.
I turn down a lot of silly sponsorship offers that are completely irrelevant. Why would you want to hear about headphones, supplements or tea bags? I thought this one was actually relevant. In the next video I wanted to do scenics around the bridge with a resin river, I honestly thought it would be interesting. I've never used resin before.
If you are aware of a relevant, reputable company willing to sponsor the channel then please do put me in touch or suggest one so that I can reach out to them.
Implying I have no integrity is actually very hurtful and upsetting if you truly mean it. I am a real person.
I'm glad you've enjoyed the videos until now and you're always welcome at Little Wicket.