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How do I Become a Product Tester?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Many companies hire product testers to try out new products and services before they go on the market. This helps them to learn what consumers do and do not like about the product, so they know what to fix before it hits the shelves. To perform this type of market research, companies and agencies who represent them hire individuals as product testers. You may be able to become a product tester by contacting market research firms, checking out product tester websites, and getting in touch with companies in your area who regularly develop new goods.

There are perks when you become a product tester. The primary benefit is that you will get to try new products before anyone else, and oftentimes you will get to keep the items you test. In some cases, monetary compensations may also be available. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone will be given the opportunity to take advantage of these positions.

A product tester tries out new products before they are available on shelves for the public.
A product tester tries out new products before they are available on shelves for the public.

Legitimate companies want to find product testers who fit into their key demographic. This means that they want testers who are members of their target audience, or the people they are trying to sell to. Any website or product tester company who claims that anyone can get free stuff for no effort, or who charges a fee for membership, is likely a scam.

Individuals interested in becoming product testers should try contacting advertising agencies or research and development groups to see if they have a need for product testers in a particular area.
Individuals interested in becoming product testers should try contacting advertising agencies or research and development groups to see if they have a need for product testers in a particular area.

Keeping that in mind, you can find real product tester websites which give consumers the opportunity to become a tester. You can generally sign up on the site by filling out information about yourself. Do not give any highly personal information, such as Social Security or credit card numbers. When a product is being tested and your profile matches that of the company’s key demographic, you will generally receive an email asking if you want to be a product tester. Most times you are free to decline the offer if the product is not something you are interested in.

People who enjoy video games may become a product tester to look for software bugs.
People who enjoy video games may become a product tester to look for software bugs.

If you are hired to become a product tester for a particular site, you will be required to try the product, ask others how they would feel about a product like the one you are trying, and then write a brief report stating what you did and did not like about the item. These reports must be mailed or emailed by a certain date, or you will probably no longer be able to participate in the program. Usually you will keep the product.

In some cases, you may be able to become a product tester by calling companies directly and asking if they have a need for testers in your area. You could also try contacting local market research, research and development, and advertising agencies. They may give you the information you need to contact the agency they go through when testers are needed.

Discussion Comments

SauteePan

Comfyshoes -I was a product tester once and I agree that it was really fun. You not only get the free product but you also get compensated for it as well.

Companies like Pinecone Research, Maritz Research, and Informa Research conduct these types of studies but I am sure there are millions more.

I know that there are people that have QA tester jobs for a specific company and get to test items all day long.

I recently saw a show about this man that was an ice cream tester. He would put the ice cream in his mouth and then have to spit it out in order to clear his palate so that he could try another flavor.

I think that after a while it would be hard to tell the difference between flavors but this guy really knew what he was doing. It looked like a fun job.

comfyshoes

Cafe41 -I agree with you. You get to try new products before they come out on the market. After you use the product for a specified amount of time the company will ask you to fill out a survey of your feelings toward the product.

The survey will ask you if you intend to purchase the product and how many of that particular item would you buy if there were varying options available.

They will also ask you where would you intend to find the product in a store and what type of store would be likely carry the product.

This helps the company to determine if the product should be carried in a grocery store or a pharmacy. In addition, it will also pin point what area of the store the product should be placed for maximum visibility. Studies like this are really fun, but they are highly confidential as well.

cafe41

I think if you want to learn how to become a product tester you really have to sign up with market research companies. These companies will store your demographic information and when a study becomes available that meets your demographics they will send you a survey to complete.

After you complete the survey if the company feels that you would be a likely customer of the intended product then they will ask you to participate in a more specific study that allows you to try the product. That is what I have done and it really is a lot of fun.

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    • A product tester tries out new products before they are available on shelves for the public.
      By: Andrzej Wilusz
      A product tester tries out new products before they are available on shelves for the public.
    • Individuals interested in becoming product testers should try contacting advertising agencies or research and development groups to see if they have a need for product testers in a particular area.
      By: stokkete
      Individuals interested in becoming product testers should try contacting advertising agencies or research and development groups to see if they have a need for product testers in a particular area.
    • People who enjoy video games may become a product tester to look for software bugs.
      By: Black Jack
      People who enjoy video games may become a product tester to look for software bugs.