IF you have some time on your hands, product testing can be a great way of getting freebies including make-up, perfume and food from well-known big name brands.
Companies will send out their products for testing so that they can get feedback on whether it works and if it’s any good – which means you can get a whole host of items for absolutely nothing.
Clik here to view.
We take a look at traditional product testing websites, where you’ll be expected to provide feedback in return for free products.
It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to sign up to everything, as many companies have tests aimed at certain groups (e.g women aged between 20-25 years), and looking for potential tests can be extremely time-consuming.
According to Steve Nowottny from MoneySavingExpert.com, which has compiled its own product-testing guide, testing products “sounds too good to be true, but companies really will send you stuff for free.”
He said: “There are no guarantees with this kind of site – some tests are aimed at certain demographics, so you may or may not be eligible.
“But to maximise your chances respond quickly, as the best freebies go fast, and then make sure you answer questions properly and promptly to boost your chances of future freebies.”
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The five best product testing websites where you can get freebies for feedback
1. Tesco Home Panels – free Tesco items including cleaning products
Tesco Clubcard holders can get free Tesco products to trial in exchange for feedback which will help “to make sure our products are of the highest standard and the best quality”, Tesco says.
Freebies include cat litter, toilet roll, baby clothes and washing-up products, and you get to keep everything you’re sent.
Previous reviewers have said that it’s not always easy to be selected for the trials, but even if you don’t, you will get points for doing the survey that you have to complete to apply to test a product.
And once you earn 50 points, you’ll be sent a £10 Bonusbond voucher, which you can spend at retailers, including Argos and Boots.
Clik here to view.
2. Clicks Research – products from Boots, M&S and The Body Shop
Clicks Research gives out free products – such as beauty bits and food and drink – on behalf of companies including Liz Earle, Sanctuary, M&S, The Body Shop and Boots.
It claims to have handed out 100,000 free products last year, and it has more than half a million people signed up to its site.
To join, you simply need to be over the age of 18.
Again, even if you’re not selected for a trial, you’ll earn points each time you take part in a survey (usually between 1-200 points per survey), and once you’ve earned 2,500, you’ll get £25 in cash.
Clik here to view.
3. Alba Science – fancy make-up and toiletries
Alba Science– which has around 15,000 home testers – offers freebies such as shampoos, lotions and oils, in exchange for a review that is posted on its website.
Currently it has live trials for a repairing cream oil (for women aged 18-40), and an energising cleanser (for males aged 18-35).
Alba says: “These products have all been safety tested and many are already on the market.
“Our clients are looking to substantiate marketing claims or to get consumer opinion.”
Clik here to view.
4. Toluna – free Maybelline creams and Rimmel fake tan
Toluna claims to have 10million users, and feedback on forums and other sites is largely positive.
While it’s mostly known as an online survey site, it also gives away free products to test such as L’Oreal make-up, Maybelline BB creams and Rimmel self-tanning lotion.
You can sign up for a free account and choose – from the limited selection – which products you want to test.
Toluna then randomly selects the testers, and once you receive the product you’ll be asked to send back your feedback.
Get freebies by sharing feedback on social media
YOU can also get freebies for posting reviews on social media.
This means that rather than asking for general feedback, companies will ask you to discuss products with your friends on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
The feedback doesn’t have to just be positive, it can be negative as well – as long as it’s honest.
- Savvy Circle hands out goodies from brands including Olay, Fairy and Max Factor, and in return it asks that testers give feedback on the products, plus mention them in conversations with friends and family – both in person and online
- According to MSE, you can earn loads of free products – including lotions and toiletries – with BzzAgent. As an “agent” you’ll be expected to start “meaningful and authentic conversations” about the freebies you receive with online and real-life friends.
5. Trnd – review products such as Batiste dry shampoo
Trnd offers product testing across Europe for brands including dry shampoo favourite Batiste and pet food IAMS.
Once you register, you’ll be in with the chance of being invited to a new project – and if you accept, you’ll get a project “starter kit” which will usually include the product itself for you to try, plus some additional samples.
You’ll then need to test the product, tell people about it, “to help make the product more popular” and give your honest feedback.
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