Can you make money reviewing products?
Do you want to get sent products to test, keep them and even earn money reviewing them? We review the best product testing sites, with tips on getting the higher value items. Show
Dozens of market research companies around the world work on behalf of brands to predict whether a new product is going to fly or flop. And to do this they heavily rely on hearing the thoughts of real consumers like you! In exchange for your time, expect to receive free products to test at home which you can then keep (or sell online) and even cash. Guide to product testing:
What rewards can you get from free product testing?Are the rewards really worth the time and effort? It depends on what you're after, but often they are. After all, if the research companies don't offer something of fair value to entice the panel members they need, they wouldn't be in business very long. Having said that, naturally, the quality of rewards does differ across product testing sites (which we'll come to later). Popular product testing categories:
Some sites will let you keep products, whereas others may pay you in Amazon vouchers or cash. Recently we came across an opportunity to test a brand new luxury mattress. Not only was the mattress yours to keep, but you also got to keep a new Fitbit,and you got paid £600 for the privilege! A few of the things we've received from product testing We asked members of our student deals Facebook groupwhat they had managed to bag. There was a whole range (and value!) of goods on offer with different product testing companies.
Find out what sites Lisa and Dale use in our list of the best product testing companies below. There's no guarantee you will be sent something to test. Typically companies select a sample from their panel at random that match certain consumer profile criteria for a new product. The best product testing websitesWe've tried plenty of sites over the years, but there are a select few that are legitimate and deliver what they promise. Here's our list of the best opportunities to have products sent to you to review. Maximise your chances of being selected for a panel by joining as many of these as you can.
There are many more sites that pay for your opinions! Head to our guide on the best paid survey sites. Product testing tipsKnow your oddsIt would be easy to assume that just because you've signed up to test a product, you'll automatically receive it. Unfortunately this is often not the case. Most companies set aside around £5,000 £10,000 of products every month to test, and because most of these sites have 1,000s of users, they can't send a product to everyone. It's best to think of it as entering a competition each time you apply to test a product! Be selective about the products you testIt's easy to get carried away and sign up for every free product you can find, but you're just wasting your own time. If you have no real interest in receiving the latest copy of a baby and parenting magazine, don't fill in the form! Always follow up with the companyNever forget that these companies are giving you free stuff because they want to know what you think of them. If you forget to send your reviews, they probably won't send you anything again. It usually only takes a few minutes to give your feedback, so make sure you do it. Don't give up after one dayIf you sign up to a product testing website then never return, you're not likely to receive anything. Make sure you check back on a regular basis to see what's available. On sites such as Toluna,you can even chat with fellow testers. If you prove that you're reliable, have a fully updated profile and that you plan to stick around, you're more likely to receive the best products. Set up a product testing emailIf you don't want your personal emails to get in the way of your product testing emails then we recommend setting up a separate email account. You can also use this 'alias' email for competitions, survey sites and any other times you're unsure about handing over your personal email. Next read: 40 ways to make money |