Product matching

Learn how Bazaarvoice performs product matching and the data requirements for this process.

How Bazaarvoice performs product matching

The guidelines for product matching are in place to ensure an authentic consumer experience in accordance with Bazaarvoice's Authenticity Policy and definitions. It is important to make sure that matches and content are relevant. This means that the content should be applicable to and match the product or service being reviewed as best as possible and in a way that consumers would generally agree with. These guidelines and definitions are available in the Authenticity Policy .

Bazaarvoice performs product matching based on the product information provided by the syndication sender and syndication receiver. The amount of time needed for matching varies based on the quality of the data provided by both the syndication sender and receiver. Automatic, algorithmic matching happens daily. The better the data quality and the more data provided, the higher the confidence level of the match. If only partial information is available, Bazaarvoice will attempt to manually verify the match. Manual verification for low confidence matches occurs through a queue-based process with the Bazaarvoice matching team, which will extend the time necessary to create matches.

Because of the dependency on product data coming from multiple parties, Bazaarvoice cannot guarantee successful matching or matches within a particular time frame. We will use our best efforts to successfully match products. Additional fees may apply if manual verification is needed.

It is not possible to explicitly outline detailed criteria for every product, service, or product type. This criterion has been written to best address the majority of product matching needs and to ensure an authentic consumer experience for our clients, and it is reviewed and updated on a recurring basis. While Bazaarvoice will make reasonable efforts to be flexible and address exceptional situations, the final criteria are managed and defined by Bazaarvoice.

Data requirements for product matching

Sufficient data is required to match products that, when provided, will be matched if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The products are identical, meaning the products are the same in all aspects.
• Review syndication depends entirely on matching product identifiers-such as UPC, EAN, GTIN, MPN, or model number — between the source and destination products. Missing or mismatched identifiers prevent reviews from syndicating. 
  
• The only difference between the products is size, AND the size does not affect the functionality of the product or the consumer experience. For example, we would match a small shirt to a large shirt when the material/composition is the same in every other way.
• The only difference between the two products is the color, AND the color does not affect the functionality of the product or the consumer experience. For example, we would match a black metal toaster to a white metal toaster that is otherwise identical.
• The only difference between the two products is packaging, packaging size, or quantity included in the package. For example, we would match a package of 10 diapers with a package of 50 diapers, assuming the individual diapers themselves are identical.

Products will not be matched if they differ in a way that affects functionality or consumer experience, their intended uses differ, or if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The products differ in scent. For example, different scents of perfume or scented candles.
• The products differ in flavor. For example, different flavors of toothpaste or candy.
• The products differ in component materials. For example, a down pillow versus a cotton pillow.
• The products differ in dimensions or size in a way that alters the user experience or the functionality of the item. For example, a 10-liter garbage can versus a 50-liter garbage can.
  • Televisions may be matched despite differences in size if the following conditions are met:
    • The components critical to the functionality of both televisions are the same or similar enough that functionality is identical.
    • The televisions are the same brand and model.
    • The user experience for the average consumer could reasonably be considered the same with either television.
  • If the differences between items is enough that functionality or the user experience could be affected, the items may not be matched.
• The products differ in their intended users or use. For example, men's shoes versus women's shoes or a vacuum designed specifically for hard surfaces versus one for all surfaces.
• One product is merely a component of another product. For example, a computer chip in a computer.
• The products are not sold as being in identical conditions. For example, a new product versus a refurbished product.

Product bundles

Bundles present a special challenge to product matching since they contain more than one product. The products could be identical, similar, or completely different. When a product is reviewed as a standalone item, the reader of the review can reasonably assume that the content is specific to the one product being reviewed. If this product is offered in a bundle, the same cannot be said since the other products within the bundle could influence the review. Matching a review of a product with a review of a bundle that contains that product, but also contains other products, requires more specificity.

Packages that contain parts that are essential to the product itself should not be matched. For example, a camera lens contributes to the overall effectiveness of a camera. Determine if a review written on one product almost certainly applies to the other and vice versa. If not, it is likely that these products should not be matched.

Matching is acceptable if one product is being sold as a component of a bundle and the other products are likely to have little to no influence on the consumer experience. For example, we would match a 50-shade eye shadow set with a bundle that includes a 50-shade eye shadow set and a bag to hold it in, assuming the eye shadow in both sets is the same formula and brand. Regardless of whether the bag functions well, one can reasonably assume that the consumer's experience with the eye shadow will be the same.