Lots of people have heard of in-home testing products, but not everyone knows for sure what it entails. In short, you can get paid to test out products from various manufacturers and provide your feedback to the company, and some people make good money doing this. There are all sorts of products to choose from, including beauty and household products, toys, games, clothing, and even food and beverage items. If you decide this is something you’re interested in, here are the steps you need to take:
1. Decide on a Product Category
There are hundreds of types of products you can review, but if you stick with a certain type, e.g., household cleaning supplies, it might be easier to become an expert on that particular product. It’ll also allow you to compare and contrast different items so you can give a review in the end that is completely honest. Specializing in one product type only means you can quickly become invaluable in this field. Sometimes, you can even list hobbies and interests on your application, which means the company will send you those items in the future.
2. Register for Numerous Product-Testing Groups
There are lots of legitimate product-testing sites online, but since they usually let you sign up for free, it’s a good idea to register for a lot of them so you can keep the products coming. You always have to agree to their terms and conditions and send in an application, but you should also spend a little time making sure each of the sites is one-hundred percent legitimate. Companies that pay people for in-home testing products will lay out the price they’re willing to pay for you to test their products, and most of them also allow you to keep the products after you’re done testing them.
3. Finish Any Tests or Screening Required
Most product-testing sites require some type of screening or testing before you start testing products for them. Take your time going through them so that you can do everything that’s required of you. Take note of what company you sent documents to so you can keep track of what you’re doing. Afterward, you can keep a spreadsheet and record everything you tested plus details of each test and the results. Keeping track of what you’re doing also helps at income tax time because the government will expect you to report any income you’ve made.
4. Always Read the Instructions Carefully
Once you start receiving products to test and review, you’ll have to make sure you read all instructions carefully so that you know exactly what to do. Some companies may not pay you for testing the pieces unless you perform the process according to specific directions. They’re not super-picky most of the time, but they are still usually looking for reviews of specific features, so this is what you need to provide them with in the end. If you ever need questions answered, legitimate companies always have an email address and phone number so you can contact them anytime.
5. Don’t Miss Your Deadlines
When you agree to participate with in-home testing products, always make sure you know what the deadline is so you don’t miss it. Most reviews are done online these days, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Nevertheless, it’s good to keep track of these deadlines so you don’t get companies’ deadlines and testing procedures mixed up. If you’re working with a lot of different companies, it’s easy to do this, which is why recording everything you did for all of these companies is so important.
What Characteristics Help People Become Good Product-Testers?
If you’re not sure about being a product-tester, just know that if you have certain characteristics, testing products is a lot easier for you. Below are some of the qualities product-testing companies look for in a candidate:
Writing Skills: You’ll have to write each of the reviews you send in, so if you’re not at least an adequate writer, you might not last long with a product-testing company. You have to learn to write succinctly but with enough details so that the companies understand what you’re saying and get the information they need.
Flexibility: You won’t always know when you’ll be reviewing each product, so you have to stand by and wait until they contact you for another review. Of course, most of these companies give you at least a short notice so you can prepare for the next review.
Time Management Skills: Time management is especially important when you are testing more than one product at a time. Again, take notes of every project so you don’t get them confused, and good time management will help you do this. Managing your time properly also helps you to prioritize each project so that none of them are forgotten.
