Become a Product Tester in 3 Easy Steps!

A crucial (and invisible) step behind the scenes of a product launch is the initial review by product testers. And this is where you come in. Ready? You can become a product tester to make money all from the comfort of your own home! In this guide, we’ll reveal the secrets of this invisible trade starting with the question that brought you here: “how do I become a product tester?”

What Is Product Testing?

Yes, it’s exactly as dreamy as it sounds – you get to test products from home for brands who need your honest reviews. In exchange for your valuable feedback, you can get cash, gift cards, and even free merchandise!

Why Do Brands Need Customers for Paid Product Testing?

The reason why companies pay people to test their products is to evaluate your opinion on their newest products before they are sent out to stores!

Having consumers give their insights about the brand’s new product will help them save time and money. If the scores are low, then it’s back to the drawing board. But if the reviews are high, then let the rollout commence!

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Who Can Become a Product Tester?

The best part about this side hustle is that you don’t need to put your life on hold to do it. So, whether you’re working full-time at a desk job, by contract as a freelancer, or even studying for a degree, product testing is a great way to make money!

However, you might want to consider expanding your social media base to gain influence, even though you needn’t be an influencer to apply. Why? Because having a decent social media presence makes you an asset to brands as your opinion holds more weight in your community. Additionally, some product testing panels have minimum age and location requirements, as well as the need for fluency in English.

How Much Can You Make As a Product Tester?

In the U.S., the total yearly pay for a product tester is $51,791. Woah, we might just sign up too!

Bear in mind that the above number represents the average of the total income earned by product testers. The more surveys and panels you sign up for, the more money you’ll make – as much as $278K!

Realistically speaking, your product tester salary will see highs and lows depending on the time and effort you put in.

How to Become a Product Tester in 3 Easy Steps

1. Sign Up with a Marketing Research Firm

In order to get paid product testing jobs, you’ll need to sign up with a market research firm. You’ll find a list of the top 5 free product testing platforms below! Once you do this, the market research firm will send you screener emails to fill out to see if you’re qualified for their current jobs. Here, you’ll be asked to answer basic questions such as your current profession, where you live, and your interests.

Therefore, when you sign up, make sure you fill out all the information on your profile. That way, you’ll get the proper opportunities to test products that align with your interests.

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2. Research Brands Whose Products You’re Eligible For

The second step is doing some preliminary research of your own on the marketing firm’s website. You’ll find different brands in separate categories such as beauty, entertainment, and technology, to name a few.

If you’re not interested in makeup or skincare, you won’t be eligible for testing products in that category. On the flip side, if you love gadgets and video games, for example, you’ll be asked to fill out a quick survey and the brand(s) will reach out to you!

3. Receive, Review, and Get Paid!

Finally, once the research firm has matched your profile with one or more brands, the brand(s) will then ask for your address to send you product samples. They’ll ask you to evaluate the product for a week or two, after which they’ll send you a follow-up email.

If you want to become a trusted reviewer:

• You need to be willing to dedicate your time to test out the product and give your honest and clear opinion on it.
• You should also be comfortable sharing photos if required.
• Lastly, if your agreement states that you must share reviews on social media, you should be able to write crisp sales copy.

Once you complete the above, it’s time to get paid! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Top 5 Free Product Testing Platforms

1. User Interviews

User Interviews allow you to test out websites, apps, platforms, and products to help companies improve their performance. You can sign up to do these interviews if you are at least 18 years old, have a reliable internet connection, and have a device with a built-in microphone.

The firm accepts participants from the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, France, and the UK.

2. Influencester

If you’re a content creator on social media and want to become a product tester, this platform is a perfect match for you! Influenster sends free boxes of products to bloggers and social media users in exchange for honest reviews shared on social media platforms.

3. Toluna

Toluna is a market research company that pays you to share your opinion on products and brands. You’re paid to answer questions about different topics, participate in polls, and take surveys. The average survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete. In exchange, Toluna offers PayPal payments and gift cards!

4. Beta Testing

Beta Testing is where you can exchange your feedback and attention for cash. Users get paid to test new tech products, whether it’s an app, website, or a tangible product. You are required to report any bugs you encounter during the testing process. Furthermore, Beta Testing sends its users up to five opportunities per month and pays around $10 to $20 per test. To apply, you must be at least 18 years of age and able to speak and write fluently in English.

5. BzzAgent

BzzAgent is a company that gives you free products in exchange for your opinion. To become a product tester, you first need to create an account on the company’s website. From there, you’ll receive email invites to apply for campaigns, and once you’re accepted, they’ll ship you a new product. After receiving the sample, test, review, and share it on social media. The more active you are on the platform, the more invites you’ll get!

Their services are only available in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Make Money from Home

The money-making equation is simple for testing products from home – the more you do, the more you make. You’ll also get paid product testing opportunities in your inbox if companies see you’re an active member. You can then join high-paying focus groups and video studies, or even webcam studies in the future!

We’re all about making you a more empowered consumer. If you’re thinking of taking the leap into becoming a product tester, Carrot is the perfect tool to manage and organize your shopping lifestyle!

And best of all? It’s freeee!