Do you like to try out different products and keep them? If so, a side hustle as a product reviewer can help you earn extra cash and gift cards. Companies, book authors, and other organizations need reviewers for several reasons.

They often need to test out products that are in the development stages before they’re officially launched. Many also need to get the word out, and having reviews helps attract other potential customers. In fact, over 54% of consumers read a minimum of four reviews before they make a purchase decision. 

Becoming a product reviewer is relatively easy, as many will let you sign up within minutes. The job involves receiving products for free or purchasing them on your own for reimbursement. You usually have a specific amount of time to get the product, try it out, and then write your review. 

How to Get Started

There are a few ways to become a product reviewer. You can sign up and qualify for projects on sites like Appen and Opinion Outpost. While sites like Opinion Outpost specialize in surveys and product reviews, sites like Appen have a variety of side hustle projects you can qualify for. 

Websites that only have product reviewer opportunities will usually have a simple sign-up process and minimal requirements, such as a working email address. The process only takes a few minutes, and you can start earning points. You can later redeem those points for gift cards or cash.

Another way to become a product reviewer is to focus on the types of products you’d like to review. For instance, there are opportunities to become a book reviewer. These positions are a little more competitive and hold their reviewers to higher standards. However, the potential earnings are greater with these opportunities. Magazines like Kirkus Reviews are an example.

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Training and Certifications

You generally do not need any training or certifications to become a general product reviewer. As long as you can place orders for products online or purchase them from local stores, you can qualify. You also have to maintain an internet connection or have access to one. You’ll need to understand and take online surveys and write comprehensive, honest, and concise reviews.

However, if you choose to specialize in something like books, having a background in English, literature, or journalism can help you stand out. You must also be able to read and evaluate creative writing critically. Companies that hire book reviewers usually look for individuals with writing skills. Summarizing a book concisely also helps.

Expected Return

Your earnings will depend on how many review sites you sign up with and what types of compensation the companies offer. Some sites pay between $5 and $50 for each completed survey. Others pay $15 for each review in gift cards. More lucrative gigs, such as book reviewers, can earn an average of over $40,000 a year. Your earnings will also be influenced by the amount of time you have and the products you end up reviewing.