If you are an avid paid survey participant, probably you know just how exciting it is to test different products from the comfort of your home. This work may not provide a full income but, for a student in need of free products, with additional compensation in some situations, it is awesome.
Understanding the Product Testing Territory
Parallel to Surveys
Product reviewer posts are much like to online surveys, there is no particular label to denote this role. Testing products for pay alone may not be lucrative. However, doing so opens the doors to access a wide variety of products – from laundry detergents to pizzas, and skincare products to smartfit bands. Product testing is a very important factor of market research as it shows how the products behave in actual world scenarios not only under laboratory situations.
Insider Access
Not only as a customer, you are amongst those who use the products in advance before being out to the market. Testing is a way of trying out products and seeing for yourself what it is like without buying them.
The Compensation Conundrum
Keep the Product
What product testers are paid depends on the company. In 95% of cases, you get to keep the product after testing. As a bonus, you are sometimes rewarded with products, and sometimes you get additional incentives like money, gift certificates, or more.
Getting Rewarded for Testing
Diary-Like Assignments
The product test tasks require you to keep a diary for several days or weeks, recording in a diary-like format your daily experiences with the product. In such situations, you can get paid for testing the merchandise and afterward return it to the store.
Returning Products
At intervals, you are to fault the product you have tested and consequently return it to the company. This occurs most commonly for expensive products or if the manufacturer wants to see how the product was used. Returning the product is free of any trouble and thus, there are provided shipping labels for a hassle-free process.
Qualifying for Product Tests
Demographic Details
The product tests are also similar to the online surveys which record your household profile. Moreover, a personalized recommendation will likely address your interest and preferences of the specific product. The questionnaire is used to prequalify volunteer testers to each campaign thus assuring synchronization with nearby testers consequently benefitting companies.
Urban Advantage
Maintain urban residence because it makes you meet the criteria and get quicker approval since the research tasks are cheaper in large cities. People living in rural areas may get fewer invitations. Also, your choices may be impacted by factories, where some household members are employed as employees.
Risk management and product testing
Providing Feedback
The moment you get hold of a product, your feedback caters for a lot – the packaging aesthetics, ease of use, and taste (food items), amongst many other aspects. The online survey is the conventional way of sharing your insights, ideally, served at the same time as you get the product.
Usage Instructions
Some products come with specific instructions on using them with tests. As an example, shampoo testing could be focused on whether using precisely one third of the bottle is sufficient to wash one’s hair. In the course, clear instructions for each test are followed, thus creating a smooth process.
Incorporating Mobile Trends
Today’s testing methods could benefit from taking snapshots with your mobile phone. This real-time strategy enables you to use a smartphone to photograph and answer questions about the product right from the showcase, providing customers with a real insight into the product.
Test-Takers Often Find Items in Common in the Question Section
Diverse Testing Range
Product testers are often involved in assessing cosmetics, toiletries (such as soaps), household cleaners, foods, and beverages. In rare cases electronics and clothes are tested, although usually we test just clothing.
Testing Products from Home
Simple Sign-Up
To start the product testing trip, apply with the companies accepting product testing – normally it’s infrastructure providing surveys via the Internet. Legitimate businesses are free to be members. You can catch up with current product tests by visiting their website or you can also get a chance to participate by responding to emailed questionnaire which would show your interest.
Prominent Testing Platforms
Several paid survey websites provide product testing opportunities. Here are some noteworthy platforms:
- OneOpinion
- YouGov Surveys
- Pinecone Research
- Opinion Outpost
- Ipsos i-Say
Conclusion
Venture into the captivating realm of product testing, where the thrill of trying new products mingles with the satisfaction of sharing valuable insights. Sign up with reputable companies, await exciting assignments, and let the product testing adventure begin!