Are There Any Product Testing Jobs That Aren´t Scams?
While there are scams that promise unrealistic compensation or require you to pay money to land a gig — legitimate product testing jobs are available if you know where to look.
Companies always want to make data-driven decisions before launching a product. So they usually seek the opinion of a section of the target demographic. That’s where a product tester comes in.
A product tester is a person who tests a product and provides feedback to the designers of the said product. This is one of the easiest remote jobs because you don’t need special skills or experience to get hired.
In this article, you will learn how to become a product tester and where to find product testing jobs.
Table of contents
How to Become a Product Tester
1. Choose the Product to Test
To increase the chances of your application’s approval, you must decide which product you want to test. Trying every product out there can be tempting, but the more specific you are, the higher the chances of being hired as a tester.
Companies only want people whose demographics align well with their products’ target audience to review their products. For instance, a company will prefer to offer beauty products to a young female reviewer than a male.
A rule of thumb to decide which product to test is to list your hobbies and interests and then research which products are related to them.
Some examples of products you can test are:Product Categories Product Types Beauty Products Makeup, skincare, and hair care Fitness Products Gym equipments, gym clothing Gaming Products Video games, apps Baby Products Baby Care Products like diapers or toys Household Products Cleaning products, kitchen utensils. Fashion Products Clothes and accessories Technology Products Smartphones, smartwatches, tablets/laptops/desktops. Food Products Food products, snacks, beverages Pet Products Pet products and accessories like toys or food Health Products Supplements, medicine, nutrition products
2. Register for Product-testing Sites
Once you’ve decided on the product you want to test, it’s time to sign up for relevant product testing sites. For example, join a platform offering beauty trials if you plan to become a beauty tester.
13 best product testing websites to consider:
1. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is one of the most popular product testing sites. It pays between $5 and $50 per testing survey you complete. The site offers the option of cashing out via PayPal or bank transfer and e-gift cards to Amazon, Walmart, Target, Sephora, and Starbucks.
During the registration process for Survey Junkie, you must be as specific as possible, as this can affect your earnings. So, tell the company as much about your interests and hobbies as possible.
2. Swagbucks
You can find the latest free samples, deals, and product testing opportunities on Swagbucks Discover. New opportunities constantly appear on the site, so you’ll always find new projects.
When you access these opportunities through the Swagbucks portal, you’ll earn Swagbucks, which you can redeem for cash or gift cards. You can end up making even $100 per day.
3. Influenster
Influenster is a community of over 6 million product reviewers. The user registers on this app and connects all their social media accounts (and blogs).
To encourage influencers to promote their products on social media, Influenster sends out free boxes called VoxBoxes. VoxBox is a box filled with free, full-sized products sent to influencers to review and keep.
Influenster does not compensate influencers with free products. Influencers receive them in a VoxBox, and if they like what they get, they post a review or not.
4. UserTesting
This product testing platform is available to users anywhere in the world as long as they have a computer and a reliable internet connection. However, to join UserTesting, you must pass a sample test based on your profile and demographics. You will receive paid product testing opportunities only after you correctly answer the sample test.
For each 20-minute video, you’ll earn $10; for an interview, you’ll receive up to $120. Once you complete the test, you will receive a payment within a week.
5. BzzAgent
BzzAgent is an excellent platform for testing products, connecting with other reviewers, and sharing feedback. You will receive invitations to complete online surveys for BzzScore. Your score will determine whether you receive free products for personal use and review.
You must live in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Brazil, or the UK to become a BzzAgent. Upon signing up, you will have to take a few surveys so that the company can match you with products.
After you sign up, you can start collecting Bzz that are added to your BzzScore. You can then review the product, upload your BzzReport, and Bzz about it on your social media accounts.
6. LifePoints
If you’re looking for an easy way to get paid to give your opinion, consider joining LifePoints. Providing insights and answers allows you to improve products and services for users worldwide.
Simply sign up, complete your profile, and start earning points for each product you test. One great thing about LifePoints is that you can try many products — from consumer electronics and beauty products to apparel and food.
On average, tests take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. It’s always better to be honest and unbiased.
7. Toluna
Toluna is a leading online consumer opinion panel with over 21 million members in 50 countries and 28 languages. The company offers panelists opportunities to participate in quick surveys about products they purchase or use daily. Members can then redeem their points for gift cards and cash rewards.
Toluna’s surveys are short and easy to complete, and they pay between $1 and $10 per survey. For every survey you complete, you will receive points that add up to redeemable rewards.
8. Nielsen Consumer Panel
Nielsen Consumer Panel is a subsidiary of Nielsen that provides market research through surveys of consumer products.
Members of the panel receive invitations to participate in online surveys that help them improve products and services. By submitting their time and opinions, members earn $50 per year they can redeem for gift cards, cash, or PayPal.
You can track and organize your applications by making a spreadsheet of all the sites you register for. Ensure that the company’s terms and policies are acceptable to you by researching them.
9. OneOpinion
Another fast-growing website for product reviews is OneOpinion. To help companies improve their products and services, it conducts surveys. As a result of your time and honest opinions, you will be able to make better products and earn money while doing so. You can make some extra money through their many consistent opportunities.
The minimum threshold to redeem your points is 25,000, equal to $25. You can redeem your points for gift cards, PayPal, or virtual Visa debit cards once you reach the threshold.
10. SuperSavvyMe
This product testing site is owned by Procter & Gamble. Several Procter and Gamble brands are featured on this website, which also runs an initiative to test new products.
Brands such as Wella, Braun, Olay, and MaxFactor offer a decent haul of beauty and fashion products. You can also sign up for free product testing every week by downloading the SuperSavvy app.
Upon enrollment, you will receive weekly product trial opportunities.
11. Adidas
Managed by Adidas, the second-largest sporting goods company in the world — this program lets you try on Adidas shoes and gear.
Try the latest Adidas sportswear apparel, including the latest designs, for free. You should consider this testing program if you are a sports enthusiast. You’ll be able to test and get your hands on new Adidas products before they’re available.
However, Adidas does not pay for product testing — and after testing the product, you must return it. But hey, you get to test the latest gears before everyone else, so that’s cool.
12. Clicks Research
Clicks Research is a product testing site that also offers surveys. The company claims that it has over 500,000 members worldwide who shape its products and services.
Several products are available for testing on the website, from cosmetics and weight loss products to daily foods and beverages.
You can also earn points by taking paid surveys through Clicks Research. You can withdraw your earnings once you reach the defined threshold.
After submitting your review, you can keep the product.
The only way to withdraw your money (earned through surveys) is by check. You can request a withdrawal once you reach 25 USD or 2500 points.
13. JJ Friends & Neighbors
Johnson & Johnson owns companies such as Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Roc, among others. The organization also runs a program called J.J. Friends & Neighbors. It enables you to test new products and keep them before they are released.
Among the features of the Neighbors program are product testing, focus groups, and online discussions. It provides prepaid gift cards as well.
You can provide feedback on skincare products or health and wellness products through this program, and some studies pay you with prepaid Visa gift cards. In return, you will receive a prepaid card with honorarium points.
3. Complete a Screening Process
After registration, you may need to complete a screening questionnaire and/or take a sample test to determine your eligibility to become a product tester. The screening questionnaire usually consists of several questions about your demographics and hobbies/interests.
This allows the company to narrow the list of applicants to the most suitable testers matching the products’ audience demographics.
For example, a running shoe brand might send a survey to know if you exercise or like running. They may want participants who enjoy these activities.
4. Test and Review the Product
Before testing and reviewing a product, read the instructions carefully. These instructions usually include how the company wants you to use the product and what they expect from the review. Once you know what is required, you can start testing the product.
As you test the product, observe how you feel about it, and write down your observations. The company expects you to provide a detailed review based on your experience using the product. So try to be as explicit and honest as possible.
Final Thoughts
Product testing is a great way to make money from home and can even be a full-time job if you take it seriously. However, it is crucial to remember that companies are ready to spend money to get feedback from real users. So, they expect you to review the product honestly and comprehensively.
Your feedback will help them improve their products and make them more appealing to a broader audience.
Product testing is a win-win for both the user and the company; companies are willing to provide free products to testers who can give helpful feedback.
FAQ
Yes, product testing is legit. Companies are willing to pay people to try out their products and give feedback to help improve their products and sales. However, it is better first to take product testing as a side hustle. After gaining the necessary experience, you can become a full-time product tester.
To get a product testing job, sign up for a product testing website, and fill out your profile. After your profile is approved, you will receive invitations to complete product testing tasks. Complete each test and review the product honestly and comprehensively.
In the United States, the majority of Product Testers earn between $28,000 and $42,500 annually, with the highest earners (90th percentile) earning $53,500.
To avoid product testing scams:
* Research the company: Before providing any personal or financial information, research and ensure the company is legitimate. Check online reviews and the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company is reputable.
* Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true: If a product testing opportunity looks too good, it probably isn’t. Be cautious of offers that promise high payouts for minimal effort.
* Never pay for a product testing opportunity: Legitimate product testing opportunities should never require you to pay a fee or purchase a product to participate.
* Do not provide your financial information.
* Be cautious of unsolicited emails: If you receive an unsolicited email offering you a product testing opportunity, it is likely a scam. Delete the email, and do not click on any links or attachments.
