The complete voted Product of the Year process,
from entry to award
Eight-stage process
1. Eligibility
The participating product/brand must meet one or more specific criteria to be considered eligible to enter the competition.
2. Submission of application file
Once the rules are accepted, the candidate must complete the application form.
3. Participation, testing & experience fees
After submitting the application, the product receives a detailed quote outlining the participation fees for the research – including experiential costs, as well as the mandatory contractual licence fee amount in the event of a win. Once the quote is approved research fee and experiential costs are invoiced.
4. Definition of the Competitive Universe (CUS)
The competitive universe (CUS) of participating products is defined and described by the organizer.
5. Perception & experience research
Studies are conducted by global research leaders, producing a detailed report to identify the winning product based on the CUS (Competitive Universe Studied).
6. Results announcement
To announce results, POY provides the report to clients. Winners receive an invoice for logo usage rights and a usage guide to ensure proper application.
7. Expert committee audit
To ensure the legitimacy of the competition, an independent expert committee, composed of industry professionals with no ties to the participants, reviews the winners and publishes an audit report on the website. Their recommendations are taken into account in the final validation process.
8. Award ceremony
An official and prestigious ceremony to honor awardwinning products and brands.