As an app called Flip began to circulate North High, many students received text messages that read, “Add me on Flip” accompanied by an invitation with a gift card to use on the app.
Flip is a free video discussion app where users can view short videos about products that they may have never tried or seen before. Flip started out with a primary focus on beauty products, but now has a plethora of shopping categories including kitchen and grocery, gadgets, home, pets, baby, and even fashion.
Users are able to send codes to their contacts, giving both themselves and their contacts money to spend on products within the app. When the friend you invited makes their first purchase on Flip, you make money to spend. Don’t be surprised if your friend begs you to use their code instead of somebody else’s.
“My brother got a JBL speaker which was supposed to be $130 but it was $10 by sending people his code,” said junior Rafi Sarraf.
The content shared on Flip often mimics popular unboxing videos on social media. Usually, the only people who can make money from unboxing videos are popular accounts or influencers, but with Flip, all of that changes. The content shared on Flip is spontaneous, as anyone is able to record a review. These short video reviews are created by real customers who are excited to talk about their purchases and not just influencers who are already famous or guaranteed payment.
When you order a product and it is delivered to you, the app automatically provides you with the option to record a review about the product. You are then able to give genuine and honest reviews about the products you receive.
When users watch your reviews and live videos or make purchases through them, you earn money. These earnings can then be redeemed for cash or store credit. You can also earn money from viewing, liking, and commenting on videos. Personally, I have created video reviews on the products that I received. I have only made about two dollars, but other users have made hundreds and even thousands.
Now, you may be thinking, this sounds too good to be true. How can an app like this exist? If you are skeptical about the app, you are not alone.
“At first when my friends would send me the links for Flip I would think it was ridiculous and a scam,” junior Liona Kohansieh said. “Then one day my friend really convinced me and I got it and received 95% off and ended up getting so many things at such a good price.”
Before I downloaded the app, I too did not believe that I would actually get items for just a few dollars. But, I was pleasantly surprised when my products arrived.
“I really do love the app. It allows you to see what your friends have in their carts as well which can give you ideas of what to buy,” Kohansieh continued.
However, Flip is not perfect, and sometimes it is too good to be true.
“It took a long time for my order to come,” junior Odelia Soleimani said.
Some people have also received broken products, ripped packaging, and other damages to their orders.
Freshman Maya Etat said, “I ordered makeup on the app, but what I got did not have a protective seal, so be careful with what you get.”
In-person shopping provides opportunities for social interaction, bonding, and shared experiences. While online shopping offers convenience and efficiency, the drawback is that it takes away from the interactive and social piece of shopping. Now, with apps like Flip, individuals can extend the social aspect of shopping to a broader online community.
