What Happened to Wirecutter? How does Wirecutter Reviews Work?
by Reshwanth A | Updated Aug 23, 2023
What Happened to Wirecutter?
In 2015, The Wirecutter partnered with The New York Times and was later acquired by them for $30 million in 2016. The acquisition, led by Ben French, was fueled by his connection with Brian Lam. Integration with Sweethome followed in 2017. Jacqui Cheng became editor-in-chief in 2013, succeeded by David Perpich in 2017. Staff grew from under 10 to over 100 after Cheng's departure in 2018.
Ben Frumin took over in 2018. The Wirecutter Union was formed in 2019 with 65 employees, and by 2020, the company had about 150 employees working remotely. The New York Times introduced a paywall in August 2021. A strike occurred later that year, advocating for fair pay under varying scales. The Wirecutter Union secured a three-year agreement in December, bringing immediate wage hikes per employee.
What Happened to Wirecutter Review?
Wirecutter, once a beacon of trust and convenience in the world of product reviews, faced a formidable challenge in an era dominated by Reddit, YouTube, and other user-generated content platforms. While it once held a solid reputation for offering reliable insights into consumer goods, its decline highlighted the evolving landscape of online product research.
The problem with Wirecutter became apparent as consumers increasingly turned to platforms like Reddit and YouTube for product reviews. These user-generated sources offered a level of specificity and authenticity that professional reviews struggled to match. When seeking advice on niche or specialized products, sifting through comment sections often yielded superior and more tailored information.
This shift in consumer behavior makes sense. It's impractical, if not financially unfeasible, for any professional team of writers and editors to test products to the same depth and variety as a collective community of users. Wirecutter's reviews, though well-researched and curated, began to pale in comparison to the wealth of crowd-sourced insights available elsewhere.
Wirecutter
Originally named The Wirecutter, this influential platform that reviews products holds a prominent spot in The New York Times Company's collection. It was started by Brian Lam back in 2011, with the main goal of giving thorough and insightful evaluations of a wide range of products.
However, a crucial turning point occurred in 2016 when The New York Times Company acquired Wirecutter, a strategic move that reportedly cost around $30 million. This purchase not only highlighted the importance of Wirecutter but also solidified its reputation as a trustworthy and respected source for product recommendations. This further emphasized its impact in the vast world of media outlets.
How does Wirecutter Reviews Work?
The functioning of Wirecutter Reviews revolves around the provision of valuable assistance to individuals in their quest for well-informed buying choices that resonate with their unique lifestyles. This intricate process entails the involvement of committed specialists who embark on rigorous research, comprehensive testing, and meticulous evaluation of an extensive array of products spanning diverse categories.
What sets this evaluation apart is the real-life scenarios in which the assessments unfold, permitting the extraction of practical insights. Through this approach, the overarching aim is to furnish recommendations that impeccably match the distinct tasks or needs at hand. As a result, consumers are empowered with a trustworthy compass that aids them in navigating the market and opting for products that are ideally suited to their particular requirements.
What Happened to Wirecutter - FAQs
Wirecutter, a once highly respected platform for product recommendations, has undergone significant changes and challenges in recent times.
The landscape of product reviews has evolved due to shifts in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and changes in how products are made and marketed.
Following the acquisition, Wirecutter continued its commitment to providing trustworthy product recommendations. It integrated with Sweethome in 2017, expanded its team, formed a union, and adapted to changes in revenue models, like introducing a paywall in 2021.
In 2021, Wirecutter staff went on strike, coinciding with the busy Black Friday shopping season, to advocate for fair pay. The strike reflected differences in pay scales and concerns about equitable compensation within the context of Wirecutter's affiliation with The New York Times Company.
The Wirecutter Union's three-year agreement with The New York Times Company, established in December, led to immediate wage increases averaging $5,000 per employee. This agreement marked a significant step toward addressing wage disparities and fostering improved working conditions for Wirecutter staff members.