How does one become a product tester?

[Smithy]

Over here, @JoNorvelleWalker noted that she tests and reviews products for Amazon. I remember that @andiesenji also does that, or at least did. Once upon a time, I was a member of the Cooking Club of America (now defunct) which occasionally threw its members products to test and review. I got some rather dubious spice mixes out of the deal, but also a swell set of Lampson Sharp knives that are still my go-to slicers.

 

Since this Kitchen Consumer forum is essentially made up of non-commercial reviews and questions, I can't be the only person interested in getting such a gig. I think it's worth its own topic.

 

How does one get picked / sign up for such gigs? Although I'm at a stage in my life where I should be getting rid of things, the idea of getting to play with new toys and then reviewing them is pretty appealing.

[ElsieD]

19 minutes ago, Smithy said:

Over here, @JoNorvelleWalker noted that she tests and reviews products for Amazon. I remember that @andiesenji also does that, or at least did. Once upon a time, I was a member of the Cooking Club of America (now defunct) which occasionally threw its members products to test and review. I got some rather dubious spice mixes out of the deal, but also a swell set of Lampson Sharp knives that are still my go-to slicers.

 

Since this Kitchen Consumer forum is essentially made up of non-commercial reviews and questions, I can't be the only person interested in getting such a gig. I think it's worth its own topic.

 

How does one get picked / sign up for such gigs? Although I'm at a stage in my life where I should be getting rid of things, the idea of getting to play with new toys and then reviewing them is pretty appealing.

I too am interested in this.  I have too many kitchen things including some that are gathering dust, but i's be happy to play with more.  @JoNorvelleWalkercan you enlighten us?

Edited 5 hours ago by ElsieD (log)

[TdeV]

30 minutes ago, ElsieD said:

 I have too many kitchen things including some that are gathering dust, but i'd be happy to play with more.

 

Is this not a definition of an eGulleter?

[FauxPas]

3 hours ago, Smithy said:

How does one get picked / sign up for such gigs?

 

I think Amazon's is invitation only through their Vine program. I think this is still up-to-date info but I'm sure Jo can add details. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/vine/about

 

[FauxPas]

 

I'd also read reviews of the program - Reddit has several threads about Vine. 

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/AmazonVine/comments/tnrfe2/new_to_amazon_vine/

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/AmazonVine/comments/17v1bwx/amazons_vine_program_is_not_as_glamorous_as_it/

 

 

 

[JoNorvelleWalker]

I can speak only for the Amazon Vine program:  one does not apply.  Based on unknown metrics an invitation to participate shows up one day.  Presumably the invitation is based on a history of quality Amazon product reviews.  But this is just a guess.  It could be because Jeff and I have a degree from the same institution of higher learning.  It could be because Alexa likes me.  Who knows?

 

At any given time a Vine reviewer is presented with a small selection of Amazon products to order.  At the moment 12,999 -- 6162 of which are in the category "Kitchen and Dining".  Almost always these are products from third party Amazon sellers, but occasionally the products are items sold by, as well as shipped from, Amazon.  I can order up to eight products per day.  Some days my doorway is blocked by boxes.

 

In addition to items in the kitchen category, I shamelessly adapt industrial and scientific devices for my culinary projects.  Today I ordered two more centrifuges.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by JoNorvelleWalker (log)