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How to become a product tester?
Share your journey & guide aspiring product testers on their path.
Note: Given the growing interest in product testing, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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5 answers
Daria Mikita
55
Answers
Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Daria’s Answer
Becoming a product tester can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Whether you're interested in trying out new gadgets, beauty products, or household items, here's a guide to help you get started:
1. Understand the Role of a Product Tester:
- A product tester evaluates various products based on specific criteria set by companies. They provide detailed feedback to the company, helping them improve their offerings.
- Companies often hire third-party firms to assign product testers. These testers assess product capabilities, use cases, and overall functionality.
2. Identify Your Interests:
- Consider what products interest you the most. Do you love makeup, electronics, or kitchenware? Your interests will guide your testing journey.
- Demographics also matter. Companies may approve you as a tester if your profile aligns with their target audience.
3. Register on Product-Testing Websites:
- Sign up for relevant product-testing websites. These platforms connect you with opportunities to test products.
- Keep track of the sites you register for using a spreadsheet. Ensure they are legitimate and align with your preferences.
4. Complete Screening Processes:
- Once you find a position that interests you, companies may ask you to complete a screening process. This helps them determine if you're qualified.
- Screening could involve surveys or questionnaires to understand your background and preferences.
5. Types of Product Testing Roles:
- Concept Testing: Explore product ideas and predict market success. Pitch different concepts and conduct customer surveys.
- Functionality Testing: Evaluate how well a product performs its intended function.
- Durability Testing: Assess a product's lifespan and resilience.
- Usability Testing: Test user-friendliness and ease of use.
- Quality Assurance Testing: Ensure products meet quality standards.
6. Skills and Qualifications:
- No formal education is required for product testing. Good communication skills and attention to detail are essential.
- Some relevant skills include analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to follow instructions.
- Experience in product testing, software testing, or quality assurance can be beneficial.
7. Perks of Being a Product Tester:
- Exclusive Access: Test products before they hit the market.
- Keep the Products: Often, testers get to keep the products they review.
- Flexible Environment: Test at home or work, not necessarily in a lab.
Remember, as a product tester, your feedback matters. Your insights contribute to better products for consumers. Happy testing! 🌟🔍
1. Understand the Role of a Product Tester:
- A product tester evaluates various products based on specific criteria set by companies. They provide detailed feedback to the company, helping them improve their offerings.
- Companies often hire third-party firms to assign product testers. These testers assess product capabilities, use cases, and overall functionality.
2. Identify Your Interests:
- Consider what products interest you the most. Do you love makeup, electronics, or kitchenware? Your interests will guide your testing journey.
- Demographics also matter. Companies may approve you as a tester if your profile aligns with their target audience.
3. Register on Product-Testing Websites:
- Sign up for relevant product-testing websites. These platforms connect you with opportunities to test products.
- Keep track of the sites you register for using a spreadsheet. Ensure they are legitimate and align with your preferences.
4. Complete Screening Processes:
- Once you find a position that interests you, companies may ask you to complete a screening process. This helps them determine if you're qualified.
- Screening could involve surveys or questionnaires to understand your background and preferences.
5. Types of Product Testing Roles:
- Concept Testing: Explore product ideas and predict market success. Pitch different concepts and conduct customer surveys.
- Functionality Testing: Evaluate how well a product performs its intended function.
- Durability Testing: Assess a product's lifespan and resilience.
- Usability Testing: Test user-friendliness and ease of use.
- Quality Assurance Testing: Ensure products meet quality standards.
6. Skills and Qualifications:
- No formal education is required for product testing. Good communication skills and attention to detail are essential.
- Some relevant skills include analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to follow instructions.
- Experience in product testing, software testing, or quality assurance can be beneficial.
7. Perks of Being a Product Tester:
- Exclusive Access: Test products before they hit the market.
- Keep the Products: Often, testers get to keep the products they review.
- Flexible Environment: Test at home or work, not necessarily in a lab.
Remember, as a product tester, your feedback matters. Your insights contribute to better products for consumers. Happy testing! 🌟🔍
Jerome Levy
81
Answers
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
What kind of "product tester" do you want to be? That covers everything from "I stay home and vendors send me things to try out" all the way to "QA/QC professional for a company".
If we're talking about trying out new products and writing on-line reviews, most marketplaces (Amazon, Etsy, eBay) offer review opportunities to frequent or specifically-qualified buyers in specific market categories. For example, there's a program called Amazon Vine which provides pre-release products to individuals who then post reviews. Similarly, if you're a reader, then many online publishers will offer you review and even proofreading opportunities in return for your review. Your eligibility may depend on the demographic whose opinion the vendors want to assess (they may be looking for women in the 20-35 age bracket making between $45,000 - $60,000 per year living on the west coast of the US, for example). Keep in mind that you will need to balance your opinion with the vendor's need to sell product, so being fair but honest will serve you better than going to extremes. Also, remember that you may need to pay taxes on the value of the items you receive.
On the other hand, if you're looking into doing QA/QC, you need to learn the science and practice of actual quality research, including test methodology, statistical analysis, and in-depth knowledge of the product you are testing. If you're doing software test (for example) you may need to understand test frameworks, performance analysis, user-interface design techniques, unit vs. system test definitions, and so forth. Other types of testing have their own requirements, and it's a career choice that can be rewarding but demanding.
If we're talking about trying out new products and writing on-line reviews, most marketplaces (Amazon, Etsy, eBay) offer review opportunities to frequent or specifically-qualified buyers in specific market categories. For example, there's a program called Amazon Vine which provides pre-release products to individuals who then post reviews. Similarly, if you're a reader, then many online publishers will offer you review and even proofreading opportunities in return for your review. Your eligibility may depend on the demographic whose opinion the vendors want to assess (they may be looking for women in the 20-35 age bracket making between $45,000 - $60,000 per year living on the west coast of the US, for example). Keep in mind that you will need to balance your opinion with the vendor's need to sell product, so being fair but honest will serve you better than going to extremes. Also, remember that you may need to pay taxes on the value of the items you receive.
On the other hand, if you're looking into doing QA/QC, you need to learn the science and practice of actual quality research, including test methodology, statistical analysis, and in-depth knowledge of the product you are testing. If you're doing software test (for example) you may need to understand test frameworks, performance analysis, user-interface design techniques, unit vs. system test definitions, and so forth. Other types of testing have their own requirements, and it's a career choice that can be rewarding but demanding.
Subhasish Choudhury
IT Consulting
7
Answers
Princeton, New Jersey
Updated
Subhasish’s Answer
To excel as a product tester, you need to demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering insightful feedback. While it might take time to make your mark in this field, perseverance coupled with a fervor for testing can lead to a fulfilling career in product testing.
While I'm not a professional product tester myself, I've observed several key practices employed by successful product testers:
- Develop a sincere interest in testing and assessing products. Be inquisitive, attentive, and meticulous. Stay informed about the latest industry trends and advancements. In essence, question everything you see and hear!
- Decide on the specific types of products you'd like to test. This could range from tech gadgets and beauty items to food products and household goods. Focusing on a specific area can help you develop expertise and gain credibility.
- When tasked with testing a product, offer detailed and constructive feedback. Be comprehensive in your assessment, pointing out both strengths and areas that need improvement. Your feedback should be truthful, impartial, and grounded in your expertise.
- Keep yourself updated on testing techniques, industry norms, and emerging trends. Participate in webinars, workshops, or conferences related to product testing. Continually enhance your skills and knowledge to remain competitive in the field.
- Lastly, always anticipate failure. As a product tester, your role is to identify and expose system flaws!
While I'm not a professional product tester myself, I've observed several key practices employed by successful product testers:
- Develop a sincere interest in testing and assessing products. Be inquisitive, attentive, and meticulous. Stay informed about the latest industry trends and advancements. In essence, question everything you see and hear!
- Decide on the specific types of products you'd like to test. This could range from tech gadgets and beauty items to food products and household goods. Focusing on a specific area can help you develop expertise and gain credibility.
- When tasked with testing a product, offer detailed and constructive feedback. Be comprehensive in your assessment, pointing out both strengths and areas that need improvement. Your feedback should be truthful, impartial, and grounded in your expertise.
- Keep yourself updated on testing techniques, industry norms, and emerging trends. Participate in webinars, workshops, or conferences related to product testing. Continually enhance your skills and knowledge to remain competitive in the field.
- Lastly, always anticipate failure. As a product tester, your role is to identify and expose system flaws!
Rose Eppinette
Ai, emt
13
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Rose’s Answer
There are several routes you can take to become a product tester. Here's a breakdown of the steps to get you started:
1. Identify Your Interests:
What kind of products are you drawn to? Tech gadgets, fashion, beauty products, household items? Focusing on a niche can help you find opportunities where your feedback is truly valuable.
2. Research Companies & Platforms:
Many companies have dedicated product testing programs or consumer panels. Look for brands you like and check their websites or social media for info on joining their panels.
Consider online product testing communities and websites. These often connect testers with companies looking for feedback https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/top-product-testing-websites/. Some popular options include Swagbucks, UserTesting, and Amazon Vine.
3. Build Your Profile:
Sign up for the testing programs and communities that interest you. Be sure to fill out your profile completely and accurately. Companies often select testers based on demographics and interests.
If you have a blog or social media following, highlight it in your profiles. Companies may be interested in testers who can share their experiences with a wider audience.
4. Participate Actively:
Many platforms require completing surveys or questionnaires to gauge your suitability for testing specific products. Fill them out thoughtfully and honestly.
Once you get selected for a testing opportunity, follow the instructions carefully. Provide detailed and thorough feedback on the product's functionality, design, and overall experience.
5. Consider Going Beyond Basic Testing:
If you want to pursue product testing more seriously, you can create a review blog or YouTube channel. This allows you to showcase your testing skills and build a reputation for providing valuable product insights.
You can also reach out to companies directly and express your interest in testing their products.
Additional Tips:
Honesty and attention to detail are key. Companies value feedback that is accurate and constructive.
Be patient. It might take some time to get selected for your first testing opportunity.
There are both paid and unpaid product testing opportunities. Explore different options to find what works best for you.
By following these steps and refining your skills, you can establish yourself as a valuable product tester and gain valuable insights into the world of consumer products.
1. Identify Your Interests:
What kind of products are you drawn to? Tech gadgets, fashion, beauty products, household items? Focusing on a niche can help you find opportunities where your feedback is truly valuable.
2. Research Companies & Platforms:
Many companies have dedicated product testing programs or consumer panels. Look for brands you like and check their websites or social media for info on joining their panels.
Consider online product testing communities and websites. These often connect testers with companies looking for feedback https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/top-product-testing-websites/. Some popular options include Swagbucks, UserTesting, and Amazon Vine.
3. Build Your Profile:
Sign up for the testing programs and communities that interest you. Be sure to fill out your profile completely and accurately. Companies often select testers based on demographics and interests.
If you have a blog or social media following, highlight it in your profiles. Companies may be interested in testers who can share their experiences with a wider audience.
4. Participate Actively:
Many platforms require completing surveys or questionnaires to gauge your suitability for testing specific products. Fill them out thoughtfully and honestly.
Once you get selected for a testing opportunity, follow the instructions carefully. Provide detailed and thorough feedback on the product's functionality, design, and overall experience.
5. Consider Going Beyond Basic Testing:
If you want to pursue product testing more seriously, you can create a review blog or YouTube channel. This allows you to showcase your testing skills and build a reputation for providing valuable product insights.
You can also reach out to companies directly and express your interest in testing their products.
Additional Tips:
Honesty and attention to detail are key. Companies value feedback that is accurate and constructive.
Be patient. It might take some time to get selected for your first testing opportunity.
There are both paid and unpaid product testing opportunities. Explore different options to find what works best for you.
By following these steps and refining your skills, you can establish yourself as a valuable product tester and gain valuable insights into the world of consumer products.
Arun Perumal Santhanakrishnan
Software Engineer
5
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Arun’s Answer
Few advices.
1. Take a course, learn about software testing fundamentals.
2. Practice what you learn.
3. There are online testing platforms like utest (applause) where anyone can join, do software testing and earn while you learn. I highly recommend this as you are learn software testing fundamentals while getting paid for your work.
Good luck!
1. Take a course, learn about software testing fundamentals.
2. Practice what you learn.
3. There are online testing platforms like utest (applause) where anyone can join, do software testing and earn while you learn. I highly recommend this as you are learn software testing fundamentals while getting paid for your work.
Good luck!