An Amazon Product Tester is an individual who reviews products sold on Amazon. These reviews can be based on free samples received from Amazon or products purchased at discounted prices. Some sellers may also ask these testers to evaluate their product packaging, shipment, or customer service.
Pathways to Becoming an Amazon Product Tester
1. Amazon Vine: An Exclusive Program for Product Testing
Amazon Vine is an exclusive, invitation-only program that offers a unique opportunity for Amazon’s most trusted reviewers, known as Vine Voices, to receive free products. These products are given in exchange for comprehensive, unbiased reviews.
Invitation Process
The process of receiving an invitation to become a Vine Voice is not straightforward. Amazon specifically targets reviewers who have a consistent history of providing high-quality, helpful reviews. This focus ensures that the reviews generated through the Vine program are reliable and beneficial to other Amazon customers.
Challenges
Despite its benefits, the Amazon Vine program presents certain challenges. The primary one is the difficulty in securing an invitation. Given the program’s exclusivity and Amazon’s stringent selection criteria, not all reviewers will have the opportunity to become Vine Voices.
2. Early Reviewer Program: A Chance to Win Rewards
The Early Reviewer Program is another initiative by Amazon that encourages early buyers of products to submit their reviews. Unlike the Vine program, this does not involve free products.
How it Works
Participants in the Early Reviewer Program have the opportunity to win a gift card. This reward serves as an incentive for customers to share their honest opinions about their recent purchases.
Competition and Uncertainty
However, participation in the Early Reviewer Program does not guarantee a reward. The competition among participants is high, and the process of selecting winners is not disclosed. Therefore, despite the potential benefits, there is a degree of uncertainty involved in this program.
3. Third-Party Websites: A Gateway to Product Testing
Amazon Review Trader Sites
Amazon Review Trader Sites, such as Vipon and Snagshout, serve as platforms that bridge the gap between sellers and reviewers. These sites offer an exchange system where reviewers can receive free or discounted products in return for their written reviews.
Vipon: A Comprehensive Review
Vipon is an online platform that connects Amazon sellers with potential customers by offering significant discounts on a wide range of products. It’s a win-win situation for both parties: sellers get exposure and potentially more sales, while buyers get products at a fraction of the original price.
How Vipon Works
- Sign Up: To start, you need to create a free account on Vipon.
- Browse Deals: Once your account is set up, you can browse through thousands of deals. These deals are updated daily, so there’s always something new.
- Request a Voucher: If you find a product you’re interested in, you can request a voucher for it.
- Redeem on Amazon: After receiving the voucher, you can use it to purchase the product on Amazon at a discounted price.
- Leave a Review: In return for the discount, you’re expected to leave a review of the product on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of Vipon
Pros:
- Access to thousands of discounted products.
- Opportunity to discover new products.
- Potential to become an Amazon product tester.
Cons:
- Not all products may be of high quality.
- You’re expected to leave a review, which takes time and effort.
Snagshout: A Detailed Overview
Snagshout is another popular platform that offers discounted Amazon products in exchange for reviews. It’s a great way to save money while discovering new products.
How Snagshout Works
- Sign Up: First, create a free account on Snagshout.
- Link Your Amazon Account: Next, you’ll need to link your Amazon account to Snagshout.
- Browse Deals: You can then browse through the available deals. If you find a product you like, you can “snag” it.
- Purchase and Review: Purchase the product on Amazon using the provided coupon code, and then leave a review.
Pros and Cons of Snagshout
Pros:
- Wide variety of products.
- Significant discounts, sometimes even free products.
- Opportunity to become an Amazon product tester.
Cons:
- You’re required to leave a review for each product you snag.
- Some deals may run out quickly due to high demand.
In conclusion, both Vipon and Snagshout offer opportunities to become Amazon product testers. However, it’s important to remember that these platforms require you to leave a review for each product you receive. This can be time-consuming, but it’s a small price to pay for the significant discounts you can receive.
Cautionary Note
However, potential participants should exercise caution. These sites are not regulated by Amazon, which means the risk of scams is present. It is crucial to conduct thorough research before participating in these platforms to ensure their legitimacy.
Product Testing Websites
There are numerous websites available that offer product testing opportunities. These sites cater to various brands, and sometimes, they include Amazon products as well.
Variability in Earnings and Products
The earnings and types of products offered on these sites can vary greatly. Therefore, it is essential to research the site’s legitimacy and the details of their compensation before participating.
4. Influencer Programs: Earning Through Promotion
Amazon Associates
The Amazon Associates program allows individuals to become affiliates and earn commissions. This earning is achieved by promoting Amazon products on their website or social media platforms. However, this program requires building an audience and driving traffic to Amazon, which can be a significant effort.
Amazon Influencer Program
The Amazon Influencer Program is another initiative by Amazon. It is similar to the Associates program but focuses more on creating content that features Amazon products. This program requires a significant established audience and high engagement levels.
Important Considerations
Expectations and Effort
Freebies rarely come without strings attached. Participants will be expected to provide honest, detailed reviews or promote the products in some way. Earning money often requires significant effort and audience building. Therefore, quick riches should not be expected.
Beware of Scams
Participants should always be wary of scams. It is a rule of thumb never to pay to participate in product testing. Thorough research of any third-party websites is highly recommended.
Additional Opportunities
Beta Testing
One can become a beta tester for specific product categories. Some brands announce beta testing opportunities directly on their websites or social media platforms.
Amazon’s Product Review Prompts
Occasionally, Amazon asks select customers to review specific products. Responding to “Would you like to review this product?” prompts on Amazon can also be a way to participate in product testing and reviewing.
