What is an Amazon product tester?
An Amazon product tester is someone who receives free or discounted products from third-party Amazon sellers in exchange for writing honest, detailed reviews on Amazon. Sellers use product testers to help generate reviews for their items and provide shoppers with helpful information from real customers.
Product testing programs allow regular customers to apply to receive products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for their candid feedback. After receiving the item, the product tester tries it out and writes an in-depth review on Amazon from their own perspective as a customer. The goal is to give other potential buyers details on how well the product performed, its features, any pros/cons, and an overall recommendation.
How does the Amazon product tester program work?
Here is a quick rundown of how Amazon product testing programs typically work:
Sellers recruit product testers
Amazon sellers look for product testers in a few main ways:
– Posting directly on Amazon’s Product Tester page – Sellers can create a product testing opportunity that gets listed on Amazon’s Product Tester landing page. Interested customers can browse openings and apply to test specific items.
– Third-party services – Companies like Tomoson, Snagshout, and AMZReviewTrader connect sellers with product testers for a fee. Testers can browse products, apply, and get matched with relevant items to review.
– Direct outreach – Sellers may reach out directly to reviewers on Amazon or influencers on social media to see if they are interested in testing their products. This allows targeting of product testers who fit their target audience.
Testers receive the product
Once approved for a product testing opportunity, the tester will receive the item for free or at a discounted price. Sometimes the seller will request the product be purchased upfront by the tester and then reimburse the cost.
Often, the product will be sent along with specific testing instructions or a product review form for the tester to fill out.
The tester tries the product and writes a review
The tester will use the product as a normal customer would. It is important for product testers to use the item as intended and thoroughly test all features and capabilities.
After using the product, the tester writes an honest, detailed review from their personal experience. This includes pros, cons, how the product performed, key features, and an overall recommendation.
Photos and videos are also encouraged in product tester reviews when allowed. This gives shoppers a more visual representation of the item.
The review gets published on Amazon
Once complete, the product tester publishes their review on the Amazon product listing page. This allows other customers to read about their first-hand experience with the item.
The goal for sellers is to obtain authentic, constructive feedback that gives potential buyers more insight into the product before purchasing.
What are the requirements to become an Amazon product tester?
Here are some common requirements to qualify for Amazon product testing opportunities:
Active Amazon account
You need an existing Amazon customer account to apply for product testing programs. This is required for receiving tester products and posting reviews.
An active Amazon buying history and positive reviewer reputation help demonstrate you are a real, qualified customer.
U.S. address
Most product testing opportunities are limited to the U.S. only. You need a U.S. shipping address to receive items. International product test options are very limited.
Social media accounts
Having social media accounts may be required to share your review or brand feedback. Links to your profiles demonstrate you have reach for amplifying product exposure.
Photo capability
The ability to take high-quality photos is often needed to visually showcase the product. Clear, well-lit photos help buyers see the item details.
Video capability
Some programs want testers to create videos reviewing or demonstrating the product. This may require having video recording equipment and editing capability.
Amazon purchase history
Proof that you actively purchase on Amazon is key. This validates you are an authentic customer who can provide helpful feedback.
Product review history
An existing history of posting Amazon reviews signals you understand the platform and how to write product reviews.
Relevant interests
Your interests and experience may need to align with the type of product. For example, fitness products may seek testers interested in health and exercise.
What are the pros and cons of being an Amazon product tester?
Here are some key pros and cons to weigh if considering product testing:
Pros
- Get free products – Testers can often earn free items in exchange for their review.
- Discounted products – Even when not free, testers get significant discounts off retail price.
- Try new products – It’s a way to experience the latest products before general public release.
- Reward programs – Some programs provide monetary rewards or gift cards for completing reviews.
- Keep products – In most cases, testers get to keep the products after reviewing them.
- Share feedback – You can share constructive criticism directly with brands to improve products.
- Gain influence – Build your reader base and social media following by providing helpful reviews.
Cons
- Time investment – Testing products thoroughly and writing detailed reviews takes time and effort.
- Pressure for positive reviews – Brands may expect you to give a positive spin, limiting honest feedback.
- Reimbursement issues – Sometimes brands fail to reimburse for purchases as promised.
- High competition – With so many interested testers, very competitive to get selected for top programs.
- Tax implications – Free or discounted products received may be taxable.
- Purchase requirements – Some programs require you to buy the product first before getting reimbursed.
- Scam risks – Shady sellers may promise free products and never deliver.
What are the steps to become an Amazon product tester?
If you want to get started testing products as an Amazon reviewer, follow these key steps:
Step 1: Sign up for an Amazon customer account
If you don’t already have one, create a standard Amazon customer account. This will act as your product reviewer account.
Make sure your public profile looks complete – include your name, photo, bio, interests, location, etc. The more authentic details the better.
Step 2: Start building your Amazon history
Begin regularly shopping on Amazon and writing reviews of purchases. Having an established history as an active, engaged customer gives you credibility.
Aim for at least 12-24 months of solid Amazon activity before pursuing tester roles.
Step 3: Apply to Amazon product tester programs
Search for openings on Amazon’s Product Tester page and third-party sites. Submit applications showcasing your Amazon activity, social reach, photography skills, interests, and passion for reviewing.
Building relationships with sellers and proving your trustworthiness takes time. Be patient applying to multiple opportunities over time.
Step 4: Vet offers thoroughly
Carefully vet any product tester opportunities before accepting. Make sure the seller has a proven track record and that all terms are clear upfront.
Researching the seller, product, and program details helps avoid any questionable or misleading offers. Get payment/reimbursement terms in writing.
Step 5: Write stellar reviews
Once you start receiving products, put effort into testing them thoroughly and writing the highest quality reviews. Include ample details, photos, and videos to provide real value to buyers.
Maintain your integrity by giving your honest opinions – don’t exaggerate or mislead. Build your reputation as a trusted source.
What are some tips for writing effective Amazon product tester reviews?
Here are some best practices to write helpful, authentic product tester reviews:
Highlight unique features and benefits
Explain what makes the product different or better compared to competitors. Focus on the most useful qualities that buyers want to know.
Include detailed pros and cons
Provide a balanced perspective by listing both positive and negative aspects you experienced with the product. Be honest about downsides.
Use quantitative ratings
Include numbered ratings for specific attributes like quality, ease of use, value, etc. This quantifies your experience.
Add visuals
Include high-quality photos, videos, screenshots, etc. to showcase the product. Visuals give helpful context.
Share objective measurements
When possible, take objective measurements related to product performance – time, weight, speed, temperature, etc.
Describe real-world testing
Explain exactly how you used the product and the outcomes. The more real-world details the better.
Use section headers
Break up your review into sections like Introduction, Key Features, Design, Performance, Pros & Cons. This improves readability.
Avoid vague language
Be specific – don’t just write “it was great”. Include precisely what made it great or didn’t work well.
Check for errors
Double-check your review for any spelling/grammar errors before publishing. Sloppy mistakes undermine your credibility.
Conclusion
Amazon product testing programs offer the chance to try new products early while helping other shoppers make informed buying decisions. However, it does take effort to write genuinely helpful reviews and requires vetting offers carefully. For those willing to invest the time, it can provide nice perks and discounted access to cutting-edge gear. Just focus on maintaining your integrity as an honest reviewer.