Are you someone who loves trying out new products and sharing your honest opinions about them?
Do you want to turn this hobby into a potential career opportunity? Something more lucrative than filling out surveys all day? Then becoming a product tester might be the perfect job for you!
As a product tester, you get to try out various products from different companies and provide valuable feedback that can help improve their products.
I will share with you the steps on how to become a product tester and how to earn some money doing it.
Not only will you learn about the requirements and responsibilities of being a product tester, but also some tips on how to stand out and increase your chances of getting selected for testing opportunities.
So if you’re ready to turn your passion for trying new products into a potential job opportunity, then let’s get started!
Where To Get Started
Try these websites if you are ready to jump in!
My Take
Product testing is a fantastic way to earn some extra cash, and I think everyone should give it a go.
With a bit of motivation, know-how, and personality, you could even turn this into a full-blown career and make some serious money.
Why not give it a try today?
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I do receive compensation if you purchase or register through them. This is an article for your entertainment and knowledge.
What is a Product Tester?
It’s really simple. A product tester is someone who is responsible for testing and evaluating products before they are released to the market.
Companies often rely on product testers to provide feedback and identify any potential issues with their products before they are made available to the public.
As a product tester, you will be given products from various companies to try out and give your honest feedback on. This can include anything from electronics, household items, beauty products, food items, and more.
Your feedback as a product tester is crucial in ensuring that the final product meets consumer expectations and is of high quality.
Product testers also play a vital role in market research for companies.
Their feedback and insights provide valuable information for companies to improve their products and make them more appealing to consumers. Product testers are highly valued by companies and can often receive incentives or compensation for their services.
Becoming a product tester is not only an excellent opportunity to try out new products but also a way to have your voice heard and influence the development of products in the market.
If you’re someone who loves trying out new things and providing honest feedback, then being a product tester may be the perfect fit for you!
Now let’s dive into the steps on how to become one.
Steps To Become A Product Tester
To be completely honest, there is no set path to becoming a product tester, but here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of getting selected for incredible testing opportunities.
Regardless, here are my steps to become one:
Step 1: Find Your Niche
Finding your niche is a very important step in becoming a successful product tester.
Identify the types of products you are most passionate about and have the most knowledge of.
Whether it’s electronics (say Furbys!), beauty supplies (makeup, etc.), household goods, or food items, focusing on a specific category can make you more appealing to companies seeking testers with expertise in that area.
Specializing in a niche allows you to build a strong and credible online presence, showcasing your reviews and feedback in that particular field. It shows companies that you are knowledgeable and serious about the products you test.
Niche specialization can make it easier for you to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in your chosen category, enhancing the quality of your feedback. You always want to start small, before casting a wider net.
By narrowing your focus to a specific type of product, you’ll be able to provide more detailed, insightful, and valuable feedback, increasing your chances of being selected for exciting product testing opportunities.
Step 2: Build Your Online Presence
Having a strong online presence is essential for any product tester. If you are a social media master, this is your chance to really shine!
Companies often look for testers who have an active and engaging online presence, as it can help them reach a wider audience and gather more feedback for them. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even blogs are great ways to showcase your reviews and opinions on products to potential companies.
When building your online presence, make sure to use professional photos and videos that clearly show the products you are testing. Use lightboxes, search YouTube videos, and more to really stand out.
It’s also crucial to be consistent in posting content related to your niche so that companies know they can rely on you for feedback.
Another important aspect of building your online presence is engaging with your audience and responding to their comments and questions. This shows that you are dedicated and passionate about your role as a product tester, making you more appealing to companies.
Step 3: Reach Out to Companies
Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to companies that produce products in your niche. Many companies have product testing programs, and they may be open to working with new testers.
It’s important to do your research on the company’s products before reaching out and tailoring your pitch accordingly. A good way to start is to use LinkedIn, find the right person, and just shoot them a message.
When contacting a company, make sure to highlight why you would make an excellent product tester for them and how your feedback can benefit their product development process. Don’t be overwhelming, just keep the messaging simple!
A great example is “Hey I’m Luke, I have been using X product for some time and I’m really impressed by Y. Are you open to having someone test more of your products?”
You can also include links to your online presence or any previous reviews you have done to showcase your skills and expertise.
Step 4: Sign Up for Product Testing Programs
Many companies have product testing programs that you can sign up for. These programs often require you to fill out an application form and provide information such as your contact details, areas of interest, and social media handles.
Make sure to regularly check the websites of your favorite brands or companies for any open product testing opportunities.
You can also follow them on social media or sign up for their email newsletters to stay updated on new product releases and testing opportunities.
Here are my top recommended to get started:
Step 5: Network with Other Product Testers and Companies
Networking is highly important in any field, and product testing is no exception.
Connecting with other product testers can not only provide you with valuable insights and tips but also open up new opportunities for collaboration or referrals. You can join online communities on Facebook or attend events related to product testing to expand your network.
It’s also essential to maintain a good relationship with companies that you have worked with as a tester. They may consider you for future testing opportunities or even recommend you to other companies.
Don’t burn bridges, build them!
Step 6: Be Professional and Reliable
You must be professional and reliable in the world of product testing.
Companies are looking for testers who can provide honest, detailed, and timely feedback. Make sure to follow any instructions given by the company and absolutely meet their deadlines.
Maintain a positive attitude and communicate effectively with the company throughout the testing process.
Being a product tester is not just about trying out new products, it’s also a responsibility to provide valuable insights that can help improve the product for consumers. By following these steps and continuously improving your skills and knowledge, you can increase your chances of becoming a sought-after product tester.
How Much Can You Earn as a Product Tester?
The earnings for product testing can vary greatly depending on the company, the type of products being tested, and the scope of work aka “testing”. Some companies may offer large compensation for your time, while others may provide free products or gift cards as payment in return.
So even if you won’t earn anything, at least you can get some free items in return!
About on average, product testers can earn anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour depending on their experience and expertise according to talent.com.
Some high-paying opportunities can go up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for more extensive or specialized projects. These are even full-time positions.
What’s a bonus is that product testers also get to keep the products they test, which can save them money on purchasing those items in the future. They may also have the opportunity to work with well-known or high-end brands, like Apple, giving them exposure and potentially leading to other opportunities.
Keep in mind that product testing is not a full-time job and may not provide a consistent stream of income. Although it can be an excellent side hustle for individuals who enjoy trying out new products and sharing their opinions.
To increase your earning potential as a product tester, it’s important to continuously improve your skills, expand your network, and establish yourself as a reliable and valuable tester in the industry. As you gain more experience and build a strong reputation, companies may be willing to offer higher pay for your feedback.
Can You Make a Career Out of Product Testing?
While product testing may not be a full-time job, there are opportunities to make it a career. Some companies hire full-time product testers as part of their market research team, and there are also freelance opportunities available on websites like Upwork.
To really turn product testing into a career, it’s important to continuously improve your skills and knowledge in the field, network with other professionals and companies, and establish yourself as an expert in your niche. This can include attending workshops or courses related to product testing, staying updated on industry trends, and consistently providing high-quality feedback.
There are also opportunities to become a consultant or educator in the field. Some experienced product testers offer consulting services to companies looking to improve their product development process, while others may teach courses or workshops on product testing. Doing so can net you hundreds to thousands of dollars an hour!
It’s important to realize that making a career out of product testing requires a ton of dedication and hard work. It may take time to establish yourself and build a strong reputation in the industry. You should also be prepared for potential challenges such as inconsistent income and competition from other testers.
Mistakes to Avoid as a Product Tester
As a product tester, it’s essential to provide honest and detailed feedback without making common mistakes that could hinder your credibility.
Here are some mistakes to avoid include in my opinion:
- Not following the instructions given by the company: Failing the basics like following the testing guidelines provided by the company can lead to inaccurate feedback and a bad reputation. Not meeting deadlines or completing tasks as instructed can result in missed opportunities for future testing and just give you a bad look.
- Not communicating effectively with the company: It’s crucial to maintain open and clear communication with the company throughout the testing process. This includes providing timely updates, addressing any issues or concerns, and asking for clarification when needed. Remember to overcommunicate!
- Being biased or dishonest in your feedback: As a product tester, it’s important to remain objective and provide honest feedback even if you personally like or dislike the product. Being biased or dishonest can harm your credibility and damage future opportunities. This is why YouTube reviewers like Marques Brownlee get millions of views!
- Sharing confidential information: Companies may require testers to sign non-disclosure agreements to protect their products and development process. Sharing confidential information can result in legal consequences and damage your reputation in the industry.
- Not continuously improving your skills: To stay relevant and competitive as a product tester, it’s important to continuously learn and improve your skills. This can include attending workshops or courses, staying updated on industry trends, and seeking feedback from other professionals.
By avoiding these mistakes and constantly striving to be a professional, reliable, and knowledgeable product tester, you can establish yourself as a valuable asset in the industry.
Always prioritize providing quality feedback that can help companies improve their products for consumers. Thats what consumers love and always respect.
Does Product Testing Benefit Consumers?
Product testing not only benefits companies but also consumers.
As a product tester, you have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback that can help improve products for consumers.
By thoroughly testing products and providing detailed feedback, you can highlight any issues or areas of improvement that companies may have overlooked. This can lead to the development of safer, more effective, and user-friendly products for consumers.
Imagine you’re reviewing a brand new Samsung TV and discover that it sparks and poses a fire hazard when plugged in. By sharing this feedback, you not only inform potential consumers but also give Samsung an opportunity to address the issue and prevent any harm.
Product testers are often representative of the target audience for the products being tested. This means that their feedback is crucial in ensuring that the final product meets the needs and expectations of consumers.
Product testing can also help consumers save money by providing feedback on the quality and durability of products. This can prevent them from purchasing products that may be faulty or not as advertised.
Product testing can also give consumers a voice in the development process. Companies often take into account consumer feedback when making decisions about their products.
As a product tester, you have the opportunity to share your opinions and influence the direction of future products.
FAQs
How can one join a product testing program to test products for free or at discounted prices?
To join a product testing program that offers free or discounted products, start by signing up on reputable product testing websites like BzzAgent, Influenster, and Smiley360. These platforms often require you to fill out a profile detailing your interests and demographics to match you with appropriate products. Once selected, you’ll receive products to test and provide feedback on.
What is expected from testers in a product testing program?
Testers are expected to provide honest and unbiased reviews and constructive feedback on the products they test. This feedback is crucial for companies to improve their products and understand consumer needs better. Testing teams may also ask testers to complete customer surveys to gather more detailed insights.
Can you participate in concept testing through product testing websites?
Yes, many product testing websites offer opportunities to participate in concept testing, where companies seek feedback on ideas before they are fully developed into products. This stage often involves providing your insights and suggestions, helping shape the product’s development through your constructive feedback.
How does the Amazon Vine program work for product testers?
The Amazon Vine program invites trusted reviewers to receive free products in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. Participants are chosen based on the helpfulness of their past reviews to other customers and their ability to provide detailed, constructive feedback. This program helps ensure that future customers receive genuine and informative reviews to guide their purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
Product testing can be a lucrative side hustle or even a potential career if you enjoy trying out new products and providing feedback.
By continuously improving your skills, expanding your network, and establishing yourself as a reliable tester, you can increase your earning potential in the industry.
It’s important to avoid common mistakes and always prioritize providing honest and valuable feedback to benefit both companies and consumers alike. So if you have a passion for trying out new products and sharing your opinions, consider exploring opportunities in the field of product testing. Happy testing!
