Unbelievable! Isn’t it? But it’s true. You can get paid to test products. Here is how.
Major Brands Want Your Feedback on Products Before They Hit the Market. Discover How to Earn Money Testing Products from the Comfort of Your Home (and Keep Them for Free).
Did you know that companies often send free products to people for testing at home? It’s true! Product testing is a way for companies to gather genuine user feedback on their products or services before launching them into the market. They send you a complimentary physical product in exchange for your honest review. And, after the testing period, you usually get to keep the item. In some cases, you may even receive cash compensation.
But how can you find trustworthy websites that pay you to test products from home? How can you be sure they’re legitimate?
The good news is, there are several reputable companies actively seeking individuals to test products and provide their sincere opinions.
How to Get Paid To Test Products at Home
To start making money by testing products, you should register with multiple websites that offer paid product testing opportunities. Each site will request that you complete a brief form with essential demographic details, which helps companies match you with relevant products to review.
Your earnings from product testing depend on the number and types of programs you decide to participate in. The more programs you join, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn money by testing products.
1. Homescan
Nielsen, a well-known company renowned for collecting data on the television viewing habits of Americans, operates several subsidiary programs, including Homescan. This program is distinct from its Computer and Mobile panel, which compensates users for allowing Nielsen to track their internet usage.
When you sign up as a product tester with Homescan, you’ll receive a handheld scanner or access to its mobile app. Simply scan the barcodes of the products you purchase while shopping to accumulate points. Additionally, you can take part in surveys to earn extra points, and you’re automatically entered into quarterly, monthly, and weekly sweepstakes.
While the Homescan program doesn’t pay in cash, you can exchange the points you accrue for gift cards and merchandise.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks Swagbucks offers various opportunities to earn cash through online activities such as shopping, browsing websites, or watching videos. Additionally, they run a product testing program where you can test brand-new products in exchange for points and free items.
With around 10 million users and a track record of paying out over $430 million in rewards, you can have confidence that your time and efforts will be worthwhile.
Becoming a product tester with Swagbucks doesn’t necessitate any specific qualifications or prior experience. All you need to do is create an account and provide your demographic information. After that, you’ll be matched with product testing opportunities.
Swagbucks will pair you with products to test based on the specific demographic the marketing company is targeting for opinions. This means that, depending on your profile, you may receive more product testing opportunities than others. Regardless, you’re still getting paid to test out free products, making it a win-win situation!
3. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie Survey Junkie is one of the most established and reputable platforms for individuals looking to earn extra cash in their spare time. Similar to other ‘Get Paid To’ (GPT) sites, Survey Junkie collaborates with marketing companies that value the feedback of consumers like you. These companies pay Survey Junkie to collect consumer opinions and digital activity, and Survey Junkie, in turn, shares a portion of their earnings with you for your time.
Despite its name, Survey Junkie doesn’t limit itself to just surveys as a means to earn money. They also offer opportunities to test products in exchange for points. These products can vary from physical items like beauty or cleaning products to digital offerings such as television episodes and movie trailers. While product testing opportunities may be less frequent than surveys, it’s worth keeping an eye out for chances to become a product tester with Survey Junkie.
You can redeem the points you accumulate for gift cards or cash, which can provide you with the occasional treat, such as a Starbucks coffee.
4. Pinecone Research
3. Pinecone Research Pinecone Research specializes in product testing, particularly for items that haven’t yet hit the mainstream market. They compensate you with points for completing surveys about the products they send your way. These points can later be exchanged for cash, gift cards, or well-known brand merchandise.
While Pinecone Research is a reputable company and is transparent about its payment structure (a flat rate of $3 per survey), it’s important to note that panel positions may not always be available. If your household details don’t align with their current requirements, you may receive a notification stating that no openings are accessible at that time.
Pinecone Research typically holds onto your information for a few weeks in case a spot becomes available. However, if one doesn’t open up within that timeframe, you may need to reapply.
5. American Consumer Opinion
American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) is another platform that offers compensation for both product testing and surveys. You’ll be sharing your opinions on a variety of topics, including advertising campaigns, the economy, ideas for new products, and more.
The registration process is straightforward, and you have the option to create an account using your Google or Facebook credentials. As a panel member, you can anticipate participating in several surveys throughout the year, each typically taking around 10 minutes to complete with concise, easy-to-answer questions.
For every survey you successfully complete, you’ll earn points that can be cashed out via PayPal. Alternatively, you can opt to donate your rewards to charity or use your accumulated points to enter various sweepstakes, providing you with a chance to win cash and other prizes.
Every month or so, you’ll receive a screener survey to help ACOP determine which opportunities are most suitable for you.
6. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another prominent player in the realm of product testing and cash rewards. Their operation is much like other ‘Get Paid To’ (GPT) platforms, such as Survey Junkie, where marketing companies compensate them to match product testers with products to gather feedback. Qualifying for testing specific products is essential because market research companies aim to receive responses from relevant audiences.
Getting started with InboxDollars is a breeze. In fact, they’ll even reward you with $5 just for activating your account. Begin by completing a profile survey that assists InboxDollars in aligning you with appropriate products to test and surveys to participate in. From there, you can explore the product testing opportunities they offer.
For each survey you finish or product you test, InboxDollars will compensate you for your efforts. Earning cash through product testing with InboxDollars is straightforward. They take pride in the fact that you can make your first $30 by following several simple steps, like taking specific surveys and testing certain products. Ultimately, InboxDollars is a rewarding experience worth your while.
7. i-Say
One of the most frustrating aspects of earning money by sharing your opinions online is the constant redirection to various websites for marketing research tasks. i-Say is a survey provider that streamlines the process by allowing you to take surveys and share product opinions all on a single platform, ensuring a more seamless user experience.
Similar to the other survey sites mentioned, i-Say offers opportunities to earn rewards by responding to marketing research inquiries. They match you with product testing opportunities based on the information in your user profile.
Once you’re connected to a product testing opportunity, i-Say will dispatch the product to your doorstep, and you’ll use it as you normally would. Afterward, you can provide your feedback on the product through i-Say, and they’ll compensate you using their points system, where each point is roughly equivalent to $0.01. When you’ve accumulated a minimum of 500 points, you can choose to cash out via PayPal, receive a gift card, or make a charitable donation.
8. Toluna
Toluna offers the opportunity to apply for testing specific products, and in return for your time in completing a survey about your experience with the product, you get to keep the tested item. Additionally, you can earn extra points by participating in online polls and referring friends to join Toluna.
9. SheSpeaks
The essence of research and development is to create products and brand experiences that resonate with consumers. If you’re a woman interested in making products more accessible to other women, SheSpeaks is the ideal survey and product testing platform for you.
SheSpeaks is an online community boasting over 250,000 members, providing a platform for women to share insights, try out new products, and engage in surveys, all with the goal of offering valuable feedback on how brands can develop products that cater to women’s preferences.
SheSpeaks collaborates with major brands like Dove, The Food Network, and P&G, allowing you to test new products and share your views on branding and merchandise.
A notable feature of SheSpeaks is that they inform you of the number of points you can earn from a survey in advance. This ensures that you won’t spend significant time on a survey only to receive a meager reward. Through SheSpeaks, you can connect with product testing opportunities, and the best part is, you get to keep the tested product after completing the testing exercise.
10. JJ Friends & Neighbors (Johnson & Johnson)
Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest and most recognizable brands, owns a portfolio of companies, including Aveeno, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Roc, and other well-known household names. They also operate the JJ Friends & Neighbors program, providing you with the opportunity to test products for free and retain them before these products hit the market.
This could involve sampling fragrances, experimenting with makeup, and trying out various self-care products. Additional opportunities encompass participating in online surveys, discussion groups, forums, focus groups, and diverse panels. The great thing is that anyone can join, and if you qualify for a test, they will notify you by email. For those residing in the NYC area, there’s even a chance to partake in the company’s ‘dedicated sensory panels.’
While specific payment details aren’t prominently featured on their website, it appears that prepaid Visa Gift Cards are the most common form of compensation.
11. McCormick & Company, Inc.
McCormick & Company’s product testing panel offers an intriguing opportunity for those interested in testing food-related products.
To join the McCormick panel, you must apply. Once you’re part of their database, you can expect to receive periodic emails inviting you to participate in studies. It’s worth noting that these opportunities tend to fill up swiftly, so it’s best to respond promptly when you receive a notification.
Home-based tests typically range from 30 minutes to two hours and compensate participants with $10 to $15 per study in the form of Amazon gift cards, though some tests may offer up to $30 per hour. McCormick also looks for individuals to participate in in-facility testing at their Hunt Valley, MD location, near Baltimore. These in-facility tests generally last between 30 minutes and two hours and offer compensation ranging from $30 to $100 per session.
12. BzzAgent
BzzAgent stands out in the world of ‘Get Paid To’ (GPT) sites because it doesn’t revolve solely around taking surveys. Instead, they recruit users, known as BzzAgents, to test new products and services and share their opinions within their network. Their unique focus on word-of-mouth marketing distinguishes them in the realm of survey and user-testing platforms.
Unlike other survey sites where you log in and start taking surveys immediately, BzzAgent invites you to participate in campaigns. After accepting the invitations, you’ll receive assignments that involve user-testing products and expressing your thoughts about the product and brand online. In return, BzzAgent rewards you with points and occasionally free products. If you’re comfortable sharing your opinions about products online, this platform is an excellent one to join.
13. Influenster
Do you possess a substantial social media following that you’re ready to leverage? If so, Influenster may be the platform for you.
In a manner similar to BzzAgent, Influenster operates differently from traditional GPT sites. They don’t market themselves as a GPT platform or compensate community members to become product testers or write reviews. Instead, they identify as an online community of influencers who provide their insights on specific products. In return, users get to keep the products they review.
The downside to using Influenster for product testing is that they technically do not pay you. You’ll only receive free products in exchange for your efforts. This may not be suitable for those who prefer to redeem rewards for cash and gift cards, as you can with other platforms. Additionally, Influenster typically sends free products to individuals with a significant social media following. If you aren’t an influencer, it may be challenging to make progress on Influenster.
14. UserTesting.com
If you possess a keen eye for detail when navigating websites, you can turn that skill into income by signing up with UserTesting. To get started, create an account, download their software, visit websites or apps, and provide feedback about your user experience.
The number of websites available for testing depends on how closely your demographic aligns with the target users of the site. For example, if Facebook is looking to test a new feature with 62-year-old men in Alaska, and you’re a 31-year-old woman in Florida, you likely won’t receive that specific test opportunity.
To participate, you’ll need a dependable internet connection, a microphone, and the ability to download their software. You should also be capable of providing clear and concise descriptions of what you like and dislike about the website.
Each test typically takes around 20 minutes, and you’ll earn $10 per survey, with payments made through PayPal.
15. Beta Testing
Another avenue for earning money by testing websites, apps, and tech products for usability and other issues is to sign up with BetaTesting.
BetaTesting mentions that you can anticipate receiving up to five or more testing opportunities per month, although there may be months when you don’t receive any. Nevertheless, BetaTesting places a premium on gathering high-quality feedback for the software companies it collaborates with. This means that the better the quality of your assessments, the more opportunities you’ll be offered.
BetaTesting compensates users with $10 per assessment, and payments are processed through PayPal within seven days of completing a project.
16. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel is a dominant force in the world of ‘Get Paid To’ (GPT) platforms for a compelling reason. With over 12 million users and a payout exceeding $2.5 million to users since its establishment, PrizeRebel is a must-join platform if you’re seeking to get paid for testing products.
Established in 2007, PrizeRebel enables users to earn cash and gift cards by participating in surveys and testing products. They take pride in their commitment to safeguarding your information and data, making it a go-to destination for enthusiastic product testers.
Data security is crucial, especially when you’re sharing your shipping address and other personal details. PrizeRebel offers a wide array of products that you can qualify to test, and they have a low cash-out minimum. This means you can swiftly and easily accumulate rewards through PrizeRebel!
17. Homeschool.com
While primarily a resource for homeschooling families, Homeschool.com also extends the opportunity for individuals to register and receive free products for review. As a product reviewer, you’ll have the chance to test and use homeschooling resources before they are introduced to the wider Homeschool.com community.
Although the specific criteria for becoming a product tester aren’t clearly defined, the registration process is free and straightforward. Simply sign up for the product tester email list, and the company will send you opportunities to evaluate books, printables, reports, and homeschooling kits.
You’ll get to keep all the products they send your way, although they do not offer cash compensation for your opinions.
18. NetGalley
For ardent readers interested in receiving free eBooks, NetGalley is a platform worth considering. Through this website, you can request advanced reader copies of books directly from publishers in exchange for providing honest reviews.
If the publisher approves your request, you’ll be expected to read the book and share your thoughts. You can post your reviews via its feedback form, on social media, or on your blog if you have one.
While you won’t receive payment for your reviews, joining is free, and you are entitled to keep all the books you receive.
Why Do Companies Go For Produuct Testing
Product testing is a crucial step in the development and improvement of new products and services. Companies, whether large or small, invest significantly in research and development to ensure the success of their offerings in the market. Here’s why product testing is essential:
- Consumer Feedback: Product testing provides companies with direct feedback from real consumers. This feedback helps companies understand consumer preferences, likes, and dislikes, allowing them to make informed decisions about product features and improvements.
- Quality Assurance: Testing helps identify potential issues, defects, or areas for improvement early in the product development process. This ensures that the final product is of high quality and meets consumer expectations.
- Market Validation: Testing with real consumers can validate the market potential of a product. It helps companies assess whether there is a demand for the product and whether it will be well-received when launched.
- User Experience: Companies can gain insights into the overall user experience by observing how consumers interact with the product. This information is invaluable for refining the product to enhance usability.
- Product Iteration: Testing allows for iterative development. Companies can make adjustments based on feedback, leading to a product that better aligns with consumer needs and desires.
- Risk Reduction: Identifying and addressing issues during testing can reduce the risk of product failures, recalls, or negative reviews in the market.
For testers, product testing offers several benefits:
- Earn Money: Testers receive compensation for their time and feedback, making it a source of additional income.
- Influence Product Development: Testers have the opportunity to shape the design and features of products they test, contributing to the development of better products.
- Access to New Products: Testers get early access to new products or services before they are available to the general public.
In short, product testing is a mutually beneficial process. Companies gain valuable insights to create successful products, while testers have the chance to earn money, influence product development, and be among the first to experience new innovations.
Now Get Paid To Test Products
Product testing offers an enjoyable opportunity to supplement your income. You are compensated for your valuable opinions and can impact the products and services that companies bring to the market. With active participation in multiple testing panels, you can even earn over $25 per hour evaluating various products.
Whether you have a knack for identifying website errors, delight in trying out new products and services, or are comfortable sharing candid reviews, part-time work as a product tester can be a rewarding choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Product Testing
What Is Product Testing?
Product testing is the process of evaluating and providing feedback on various products. The specific testing criteria can vary depending on the product but generally includes assessing features, ease of use, overall user experience, likes, dislikes, and more. Feedback is typically collected through questionnaires or reports.
How To Become a Product Tester?
Becoming a product tester is a straightforward process that does not require prior experience. To get started, select one or more product testing platforms and follow their registration instructions. These usually involve providing some personal information and completing questionnaires to help match you with relevant products based on your profile.
Is Product Testing USA Legitimate?
Yes, Product Testing USA is a legitimate website that recruits testers to evaluate a diverse range of products and services. Testers not only have the opportunity to test physical products they get to keep but also to evaluate various services, including food delivery and streaming services.
How To Get Paid for Testing Products?
There are numerous companies seeking product testers, and they often work with research and development departments or third-party agencies. Some prominent companies, like Johnson & Johnson, have their own product testing websites. To begin your product testing journey:
- Choose a Platform: Identify the companies you wish to collaborate with based on your availability and goals. Note that not all compensation is in cash; some platforms offer products, vouchers (e.g., Amazon vouchers), or prepaid cards.
- Sign-Up: Register with the chosen companies, answering questions truthfully to enhance the relevance of your testing opportunities.
- Complete a Product Review: When a suitable product or service arises, you’ll receive an invitation to participate. You’ll be required to complete a questionnaire or report about your testing experience.
- Get Paid: Payment methods and rates may vary between companies, so check the platform’s payment policy for specific details.
How Much Money Can Be made By Testing Products?
Earnings from product testing can vary based on multiple factors. Here are some key considerations that can impact your income as a product tester:
- Pay rates vary, with some testers earning as much as $45 per hour.
- Pay attention to detail and provide high-quality feedback to increase your chances of receiving more assignments.
- Choose products that genuinely interest you to improve your testing experience.
- Join multiple product testing sites to access a wider range of opportunities.
Types of Products Available for Testing
Product testing covers a wide array of consumer goods. While virtually any product can be made available for testing, several common categories include:
- Technology products
- Beauty products
- Printed materials, such as books and magazines
- Footwear
- Food and beverages
- Clothing
Innovative companies often seek testers for unique and groundbreaking products, making product testing an exciting endeavor.
More Resources:
1. How to Make Money Selling eBooks Online
2. 20 Highest Paying Affiliate Programs For Bloggers (up to $2000 per sale)