Welcome to...
The Rush Initiative
Skip the pitch and start unboxing with our creator-first collaboration program.
Learn MoreThe "No-Awkwardness" Promise
Hi I'm Bill, aka RiverBilliam, and I'm a creator too! I know how uncomfortable it can be to DM a brand out of the blue and ask for free products for a partnership or collaboration. It's an extremely awkward process that, in my experience, left me feeling unsure and sometimes a little gross. My goal with the Rush Initiative is to be clear, concise, and creator-driven, here's how:
Collaborator Selection Based On Merit
Monthly Budget Allocations for Collaborators
Quarterly Check-Ins to Gauge Success
Honest, Concise and Professional Communication
Join the Rush Initiative...
Once you've reviewed the details of the program, click the button below to apply. You'll be taken to a Google Form where you will fill out your application. After we've had time to review applicants, we'll notify you via email if you've been selected and we'll set you up with your budget allocation and discount code.
Apply NowApplications are now closed for the remainder of the quarter.
The Rush Initiative
The Application
Collaborators will be selected, initially, based on the merits of their social media performance and ability to build a strong community. We want to reward the hard work that creators have put in, by selecting the most qualified applicants to join the program. If selected, you will receive a dedicated coupon code that you can share with your followers.
To ensure we can support our partners with meaningful budgets, we can only accept a limited number of collaborators at a time. If you aren't accepted immediately, it doesn't mean your content is lacking, it simply means our roster is currently full.
Timeframe & Budget
The program refreshes on a quarterly basis, so once you are selected to be a collaborator you are in the program until we complete our quarterly review. You will receive your monthly budget on the 1st of the month in the form of an Unboxing Rush gift card. The gift card is meant to be spent at your discretion on the figures you want and the content you feel will perform with your audience, for the benefit of your platform and Unboxing Rush.
Collaborator budgets will vary depending on the size and performance of the creator, and the number of creators accepted into the program. Not all collaborators will receive the same budget.
If your gift card covers 80% or more of the total transaction (including shipping and taxes), that purchase is considered an official "Collaboration." You are required to post content for it.
Content & Performance
This is a performance-based partnership that gives creators the control to purchase products and create content however they see fit. However during the quarterly review, your performance will determine whether you remain in the program or not.
At minimum, you must create at least one post with any products that you purchase as a collaboration, as outlined in the section above. All posts featuring collaboration products must include the following: mention Unboxing Rush by name on screen or in the voice over and tag '@unboxingrushtoys' in the description. If you want to engage with Unboxing Rush in other positive and meaningful ways (reposting videos, promoting new products, sharing your discount code) that is optional but highly encouraged, and will be taken into consideration during the Quarterly Review.
Other than the requirements listed above, we do not want or request any creative or editorial input on your content. We are partnering with you for your creativity, not a scripted advertisement.
Quarterly Review
Near the end of the quarter, we will discuss (via email, phone call, or video chat) the performance of the collaboration to date. This review is not meant to be intimidating, but rather an honest conversation about whether the collaboration is working or not. Metrics to be considered in this discussion include, but are not limited to: view count, engagement rate, follower growth, and sales.
Because this program operates on a tiered budget system, the outcomes of the review can include budgets being adjusted up or down, or removal from the program, if necessary.
Code of Conduct
We want you to be you. If accepted into the program you are free to do or say anything you wish, as long as it isn't directly slandering Unboxing Rush. However, if you engage in hate speech, racism, sexism, bigotry of any kind, harassment, or illegal activity you will be removed from the program immediately, and permanently banned from participating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my monthly budget roll over if I don't use it?
Yes, the budget rolls over and multiple gift cards can be combined to purchase higher cost products. However, here's a word of advice from a fellow creator: Social media performance can be very unpredictable, so if you choose to stack your gift cards to buy one big ticket item, for example, and the video doesn't perform the way you hope, you Quarterly Review may be affected. This is a flexible, but performance based, program so use your budget in the way that you think will generate the best performance.
Can I use my gift card to buy a figure that costs more than my budget?
Yes! You are welcome to use your gift card as a discount on a more expensive item. However, remember the 80% rule: If your gift card covers 80% or more of the total purchase price (including shipping and taxes) then it will count as a collaboration product.
Can I buy multiple products with my gift card?
You are welcome to purchase as many products as you can with your monthly budget allocation, and are encouraged to do so! Typically, the more you post, the better your performance will be, which will positively impact the Quarterly Review.
Can I place pre-orders with my collaboration gift card?
It would be best not to, unless you reach out to us first. Pre-order date estimates can be very unreliable, so if you use your collaboration budget on a pre-order and then the figure doesn't arrive during your collaboration cycle, you may not have enough content created to justify a renewal for the next cycle.
Do I have to pay for shipping?
Your gift card is essentially cash. It can be used for products, taxes, and shipping. We recommend factoring shipping costs into your selection so you don't have to pay anything out of pocket.
Can I run a giveaway as part of my collaboration?
Giveaways can be a great way to encourage engagement and give back to your followers, so absolutely you can do a giveaway! The giveaway prize will need to be purchased with your monthly budget, the same as any other collaboration product, but once you receive the figure you are free to use it as you see fit.
What if I honestly hate the figure I bought?
Be honest. We are partnering with you, not the toy manufacturer. If a figure has loose joints or a bad paint app, say so! We value your integrity more than a fake positive review. Just keep in mind that Unboxing Rush is not responsible for the quality of the manufacturing.
What happens after my 3-month collaboration ends?
We review your stats! If you've been consistent and your channel is growing, we will likely renew your contract or even promote you to a higher budget tier. If you need a break, you can step down with no hard feelings.