The thought of receiving free products to test sounds great. Even receiving a voucher to go shopping or eat in a restaurant is fun. Many companies say they will provide products and services for you to test. US Product Testing is one of them? But does US Product Testing really give you products?
Is US Product Testing Legit?
No, US Product Testing is not recommended due to a minuscule chance of being selected as a reviewer (only 3-10 people per week across the entire U.S.), as well as concerns over selling personal data to numerous third-party advertisers.
Key Takeaways
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US Product Testing is likely not worth signing up for due to extremely low odds of being selected and concerns over data privacy.
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Better alternatives include Pinecone Research, User Testing, and Toluna Influencers which have more opportunities and better data practices.
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For product testing, have skills like writing ability, comfort on camera, and time management. The income potential varies widely.
Will Product Testing Services Give You Free Products?
There are testing services that will give you free products if you give an honest review. The review must usually be written or videoed.
Companies that provide the products use the feedback you give them for advertising campaigns.
Since there are product testing services giving products for reviews, you need to know which are legitimate. We'll look at US Product Testing and tell you if it’s worth signing up for. We’ll also give you alternatives and ways that you can be chosen.
About US Product Testing
Image source: usproducttesting.com
US Product Testing is a product testing website based in Kent, England, but it targets the U.S.
It offers rewards for testing products. Although it is legit because you can win rewards from it, there are some big red flags you should know about before you hand over any information.
US Product Testing Products Available
US Product Testing’s webpage lists several products that have been tested. Each one shows a review, a picture, and the individual who reviewed it.
There are no dates, so there's no way of knowing when the review was published. Some categories that were said to have been tested by US Product Testing reviewers were:
- Tech – featuring an iPhone14, Samsung A52 5G, Apple Airtags, and Apple Watch Series 7.
- Gaming – featuring USP T's Halo Infinite, USPT’s Forza Horizon 5, and PlayStation VR.
- Shopping – PayPal, Sears, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Amazon.
- Home & garden – Ninja Blender, Ring Indoor Camera.
- Beauty – Covergirl Bundle, Maybelline Bundle.
- Secret dining – Buffalo Wild Wings, Papa Johns.
It stood out that these were the only products reviewed—at least, they were claimed to be reviewed. The jury is out, and we’ll tell you why.
US Product Testing Chooses Few People to Review
Image source: chisellabs.com
They take a limited number of people weekly to review. The homepage of their website says they pick three people a week. Qualifications for a survey could be based on:
- Age (must be 18 or older to apply).
- Occupation.
- Geographical location.
But later in the section How US Product Testing works, they say they choose ten people a week.
Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt and say it’s ten people. Ten people a week in the entire United States is nothing.
That’s what we call trying to hit a sweepstakes. No wonder Product Testing USA refers to their reviewers as “winners”.
If you want to test products, you must apply and sign up. You’ll receive a notice from US Product Testing letting you know which products you can select and then you'll receive free samples.
They claim some are products and others needed are mystery shoppers.
Winners may be notified by?
According to their website, there isn’t a minimum or maximum as to how many people can enter. The winner depends on how many entrants submitted their information for that draw.
But remember, only three or ten (depending on which is true) people in the whole U.S. can win an opportunity to review the item or at least receive a voucher.
You have seven days to reply to the email, or you’ll lose the opportunity to review.
What Information Does US Product Testing Require?
You’ll be asked for personal information like:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
You’ll also be shown a lifestyle and advertising survey. The survey asks questions about who you are and what you like. It also asks you if you would be interested in certain advertisements.
For example, you might see a question like “Do you want to save money on health insurance with USPT health”? If you answer yes, you’ll receive ads from them.
US Product Testing Sells/Gives Personal Information to Third Parties
We've discussed what personal information US Product Testing gathers from you. But what does it do with that information?
They give or sell your information to third parties.
It says on its Privacy Page “To deliver targeted advertising they develop and display content and advertising (and work with third-party vendors) tailored to your interests/or location and to measure its effectiveness”.
This means you’ll receive ads from third parties. And there are a lot of third parties. Some include:
- 21st Century
- American Insurance Organization
- Benefit Advisors
- Crisp Connections
- ElderLife Quotes
This is just a sample list. All in, we counted 211 businesses, and the US Product Testing states the list is growing. That’s a lot of emails junking up your inbox.
Transferring Personal Information
US Product Testing also has a section on business transfers. It says they may use your information for:
- Evaluating or conducting a merger
- Divestiture
- Restructuring
- Dissolution
- Other sale or transfer of some or all assets
This means whether they go out of business, bankrupt, or sell the company, your personal information goes to the new owner or is sold.
How do these advertisers contact you? They use your personal data to send you:
- Newsletters
- Marketing or promotional materials
- Other information
Although you can opt-out by hitting unsubscribe to US Product Testing's newsletters, you must opt out of each individual advertiser that sends you something.
So, even if you opt out of US Product Testing, you'll still receive emails from third parties.
For more information on US Product Testing privacy issues, email, info@suproducttesting.com
How US Product Testing Tracks Visitors to Website
On the “How Does It All Work” on US Product Testing’s website, they explain that they display advertisements. But this is common among websites.
They say the ads are in a grey box and separate from their content. The advertiser compensates US Product Testing when you click through these ads.
That doesn’t use your personal information, but it does use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on their website or emails. They store certain information.
Tracking technologies that they use include:
- Beacons
- Tags
- Scripts
- Track information
These are used to determine how many people are on specific pages of their website. They also tell them how many emails were opened.
US Product Testing also has targeting and advertising cookies. These cookies use information about your browsing history. It's used to group you with users with similar interests.
With US Product Testing’s “permission, third-party advertisers can place cookies to enable them to show adverts." These cookies are sent to your browser for a set amount of time.
Although, on the surface, tracking seems disturbing, these are also common technologies used by product testing sites.
How US Product Testing Rewards Reviewers
Some individuals claim that they didn’t receive a product, but they did receive a $200 voucher.
Others say that they received a product and when they completed all the tasks required, they received a gift card. Some received PayPal cash. However, the majority who reviewed an item didn't receive gift cards or cash.
Those who received a product to review were happy with the product’s quality.
But knowing exactly what you'll receive is a bit of a mystery. Unfortunately, no place on US Product Testing’s website does it tell you exactly what the policy is about rewards.
They had an iPhone 14 Pro Max to review, but beware when you click on it to apply. As mentioned earlier, you must check the box allowing you to be contacted by sponsors and receive emails.
In regard to testing requirements, you must:
- Provide a 500-plus-word written review
- Submit a video review
- Include photos
There was an icon that allowed users to press for a $200 CashApp voucher to test. But we’re not sure how you test a voucher.
Should You Use US Product Testing?
We cannot endorse US Product Testing. One of the main reasons is the limited number of “winners” each week. They’re asking for a lot of personal information and there’s a miniscule chance you’ll be picked for a survey.
You’re giving them information for basically nothing but the pleasure of receiving annoying ads on your phone and in your email inbox.
US Product Testing is vague about how it chooses "winners," which is another reason to skip them. Finally, we're still not sure what products you're really testing. Giving out a $200 voucher for testing CashApp seems odd.
We have some alternatives that may fit your needs better.
Alternatives to US Product Testing
There are many product testing companies available. Some send you products, and some have you test websites or games.
To make money you need to register for several sites that offer product testing. That’s because the amount of money you earn depends on how many tests you do.
Here are some alternatives to US Product Testing.
1. Pinecone Research
Image source: savethestudent.org
Pinecone Research tests products that have yet to be introduced to the general public. It pays you points when you test the product and complete questionnaires about it.
The company is transparent and pays a flat rate of three dollars per test. You redeem your points for gift cards, cash, or brand-name merchandise.
There’s a limited number of product tester jobs however, you don’t have to invest anything for it.. If your household information doesn’t match their requirements, you’ll receive a notification that there are no open positions.
No need to worry about your information, this company only keeps your information for a few weeks. They’ll contact you if a position becomes available. But if there aren’t any positions, they discard your data, and you must reapply.
The information that they collect is only used for research purposes.
Pinecone Research has a warning on their website that they are not on Facebook so any solicitations are fraudulent.
They also explain that a "mystery shopper" scam is attached to their name. The victim is sent a check to purchase items and told to return the excess. This is a scam; Pinecone Research doesn't send checks.
Always double-check if something seems too good to be true. It's probably a fraud.
2. User Testing
Image source: contentsquare.com
User Testing is a popular product testing website. This company works with brands like:
- HP
- Samsung
- Adobe
- Alaska Airlines
- Ford
User Testing has their product reviewers shoot a video and give thoughts on the product to collect the data.
The video is supposed to start from opening the package to trying out the product.
Reviewers are chosen based on their:
- Communication skills
- Profile
- Demographics
How to Become a User Tester
You start the ball rolling by going to the User Tester website. Then follow the prompts, which are:
- Start and finish the assigned tasks using a smartphone or computer, and give audible feedback about the user experience.
- The product owners watch your responses to improve the website. You earn some money for every five-minute test and a lot of money for live interviews.
- Once your sample is approved you go through the complete sign-up process. Once complete you can pick up the actual tests and start earning money.
You don't need to worry about the test. User Tester provides tutorials before beginning a test and describes how to perform best.
A test can take as long as 20 minutes. Payments are made through PayPal.
And no need to worry about your personal information. In User Testing’s Policy Page, they clearly state that the don’t sell your data.
3. Toluna Influencers
Image source: aptoide.com
Toluna Influencers has over 10 million registered users. They not only do product testing but have other opportunities like:
- Online surveys
- Polls
- Online games
Toluna has a 3.3 out of five on Trustpilot, which is good for this category.
Product tests include:
- Beauty products
- Fashion items
- Food
- Household goods
One downside to Toluna is that it takes approximately two weeks to deliver the points to your account. And if you don't use your points within a year, they will be purged from your account. So ensure that you convert them to gift cards or a PayPal account.
How to Become a Toluna Product Tester
Toluna Influencers choose their testers from a random pool. To become a tester you must:
- Sign up through your email.
- Once a member you’ll receive an email notification.
- As a member, you can participate in product testing. You will complete surveys polls ratings and discussion forums about the product.
- You’ll receive points for completing a survey. You can earn 1,000 to 6,000 points.
Toluna is available in 68 companies. Anyone at least 16 years old can apply for membership.
When it comes to your personal data, Toluna does share it with its sponsors for research purposes. This makes sense since these companies need to know who you are to evaluate the data.
However, according to their Privacy Policy, Toluna doesn’t sell your personal information to third parties.
How to Be a Product Tester
Companies usually send out surveys to potential product testers. They want information about:
- Demographics
- Interests
- Purchasing habits
Fill out these surveys accurately to increase your chances of being selected.
Use social media and follow brands and companies. They often post calls for product testers.
Go to product testing websites, like Toluna and User Tester. They are specifically looking for product testers.
You also should build your online presence. If you have a significant following on a blog or social media, you become desirable.
Don’t give up and have patience. Even If you are an introvert, this job might be suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though you now know about US Product Testing and alternatives to them, you might have some more questions. We’ll answer a few questions you might have about product testing.
1. What is a product tester?
A product tester uses and reviews companies’ products. In exchange, the company pays the tester or gives them the products.
2. What skills should a product tester have?
One important aspect of being a product tester is writing ability. You'll need to write a comprehensive review, so you should be able to write thoughtfully and informatively.
If it's a video review, you must feel comfortable being on camera. Because you'll probably have a deadline, time management is a needed skill.
3. Can you make a lot of money from product testing?
Product testing can be an excellent way to earn a little money online or receive free stuff. Some companies pay cash, while others offer free products and gift cards.
The income range is wide, with some making ten dollars and others making $90,000 yearly. The key is to be on as many sites as possible and market yourself on social media.
US Product Testing and Other Product Testers
US Product Testing has many faults. One of the biggest is their process for choosing participants. Drawing only ten "winners" in the United States doesn't give you much chance to be chosen.
And they require a lot of personal information for this longshot chance. Once they receive this information they give or sell it to third parties.
Other product testing companies don't sell information and choose many participants.
Product testing can be rewarding, and it's a great way to score some products or cash. But you need to be aware of what you sign up for and read every company's privacy policy.
