TERMS, TRANSPARENCY, AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Last updated: January 2026

Gears & Gadgets exists to create honest, experience-based content around vehicles, gear, technology, and the tools people actually use. This page sets clear expectations for the creator, the audience, and any brands or partners involved. It is not written as legal jargon. It is written as a practical outline of how this platform operates.

1. Guiding Principles

Gears & Gadgets is built on trust, transparency, and real-world experience.

Opinions are based on real use, not talking points
Long-term credibility matters more than short-term wins
Trust is the foundation. Everything else supports it

2. Editorial Independence

Most content on Gears & Gadgets is editorial by design. Opinions are formed through real-world use. No brand has the ability to dictate conclusions, require positive coverage, restrict criticism, or limit disclosure. If that is a condition, it is not a fit.

A partnership can support production, but it cannot purchase the outcome.

3. Advertising and Sponsored Content

Paid advertising may appear in two forms: ad reads and sponsored content. Both are disclosed clearly so viewers can immediately understand the context.

Ad reads are advertising by design. They are not reviews and should not be interpreted as independent endorsements.

Ad reads are included only when:

The ad is clearly identified as advertising
The ad segment is separated from editorial opinion
Any provided talking points are treated as advertising copy

Sponsored content may sometimes be the primary focus of a video. When that happens, it is disclosed up front and treated as advertising. Sponsored content is not presented as an independent review, and no attempt is made to blur that line.

4. Disclosure and Content Labels

Gears & Gadgets follows Section 5 of the FTC Act regarding endorsements and testimonials. Content is identified on-screen or in descriptions to provide clear context and reduce ambiguity. Identification may include one or more of the following:

Independent Review The product was purchased independently. No product or payment was provided and there is no obligation or expectation of coverage.

Product Provided for Review The product was provided at no cost for evaluation. No payment was received. Coverage is not guaranteed and opinions reflect real-world use.

Affiliate-Linked Content Content may include affiliate links. If a purchase is made through those links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to the viewer. Affiliate links do not influence editorial conclusions.

Paid Sponsored Video / Ad Read The brand paid for placement or an ad read. This is advertising and should not be interpreted as an independent review.

Incidental Product Appearance Products previously reviewed, purchased, or provided may appear incidentally in future content as part of normal use or the filming environment. Incidental appearance is common and is not intentional product placement or endorsement unless explicitly stated.

5. Products, Sponsorships, and Affiliations

Gears & Gadgets may work with brands through paid sponsorships, products provided at no cost, and affiliate links. These relationships are not equal and are not treated the same.

Disclosure does not mean endorsement
Affiliate links do not mean editorial control
Free products do not guarantee coverage

Some products may take months to appear, or may never appear, if authentic experience cannot be formed. Shipping a product does not create an obligation to publish. Coverage will not be forced due to timelines, return logistics, or sunk cost.

6. What Viewers Should Expect

Content reflects personal experience and opinion, not professional advice
Products and services may perform differently for different users and conditions
Viewers are responsible for their own purchasing decisions, use, and safety
Content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes

7. Giveaways and Community Promotions

Occasional giveaways may be offered as a way to give back to the community. Giveaways are intended to be informal and community-focused, not contractual.

Items are provided as-is with no warranties
Participation is voluntary
No purchase is required unless explicitly stated
Gears & Gadgets is not liable for shipping delays, loss, or damage
Gears & Gadgets is not responsible for defects, performance, or suitability

8. Sponsor Expectations

Brands considering collaboration should understand:

Transparency and disclosure are non-negotiable
Honest feedback includes positives and negatives
Editorial control remains with Gears & Gadgets
Content timelines are not guaranteed
Extended real-world use may be required before publishing

If these expectations do not align, it is likely not a good fit.

9. No Guarantees

Gears & Gadgets makes no guarantees regarding product performance, outcomes, or individual results. Real-world use involves variables beyond control.

10. Updates

These terms may be updated as content, partnerships, or regulations evolve. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the current version.

11. Contact

Questions, partnership inquiries, or concerns can be directed to:

dan@gearsandgadgets.com