When you’re about to make a purchase on Amazon, you rely on honest product reviews from others who have already bought the item. We all look for reviews that are characterized by transparency and honesty.
In some cases, reviewers may receive free or discounted products in exchange for writing a thorough review. Even in these situations, we expect reviewers to provide an honest evaluation, regardless of whether they got the product for free.
Are you interested in becoming an Amazon product reviewer? Do you have what it takes to join the Amazon reviewer community and post reviews that genuinely help consumers with their purchasing decisions? As an Amazon reviewer, you can get “paid” in the form of free products while helping potential buyers and Amazon sellers with your honest feedback.
By becoming a reviewer, you can influence how Amazon products are perceived. If you build up enough quality reviews, you might even get invited to join Amazon Vine, a prestigious, invitation-only program.
Keep reading to learn how you can become part of the Amazon review system and start receiving free products in return for your honest reviews.
How to Get Paid to Review Amazon Products
One thing to keep in mind is that product reviewers typically don’t get paid in cash for their reviews. Perhaps that’s why the best reviewers focus on providing balanced, thoughtful assessments without excessive praise.
If you consistently write helpful reviews that highlight both pros and cons, you’re more likely to receive free products for review. The top reviewers on Amazon often write a large number of detailed reviews.
In general, when sellers pay for reviews, they expect glowing feedback. However, Amazon actively monitors and removes reviews that are incentivized by payment, as customers want honest, unbiased feedback. Consumers tend to see through overly positive reviews and expect both positive and negative insights. Good reviewers offer a balanced perspective on a product’s strengths and weaknesses.
While you won’t get paid directly, you can still receive plenty of free or discounted products in exchange for testing and reviewing their value and quality.
14 Steps to Become an Amazon Product Reviewer
If you’re ready to become one of Amazon’s trusted reviewers and start receiving free products, here’s what you need to know:
1. Be an Amazon Member
To review products, you need to be an Amazon member, ideally an Amazon Prime member. A subscription costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, but the value of the free products you receive will quickly outweigh that cost once you start reviewing.
There are more than 200 million Prime members, and they trust reviews from fellow shoppers. Make sure to fill out the profile section of your Amazon account, as this will help others learn more about your shopping habits when considering your reviews.
2. Download the Amazon App
With the Amazon app, you can easily search for and buy products, no matter where you are. The app also includes a barcode scanner, allowing you to scan and review products you already own.
3. Start Writing Product Reviews on Amazon
You won’t start receiving free items right away. First, show your ability to write thoughtful, detailed reviews by reviewing items you’ve already purchased. Use the barcode feature to review past purchases and build your reputation with Amazon customers.
4. Start Receiving Free Stuff
There are several websites where companies offer free products in exchange for reviews, including PINCHme, Cashbackbase, AMZDiscover, Brandbacker, and Home Tester Club. These sites are great places to sign up for free or discounted products from Amazon sellers.
5. Write Better Amazon Reviews
You don’t need to be an exceptional writer to be a successful reviewer. What matters most is having a critical eye for product quality and value. Think about what you’d want to know before buying the product, and provide that information in your review.
Look at reviews that have influenced you and consider using similar phrasing when applicable—just make sure to avoid plagiarism.
6. Use Photos in Your Amazon Product Reviews
Reviews with photos or videos tend to attract more attention. The pictures don’t have to be professional, but they should clearly show the product. Including images can increase the chances of receiving “helpful” votes from customers.
7. Know Your Goal
Amazon ranks reviewers based on how many people find their reviews helpful. Keep this in mind as you write your reviews. Aim to provide information that potential buyers will find useful, such as whether the product is easy to use, durable, or if there are any features you don’t like.
8. Create a Review Star System of Your Own
When rating products on Amazon, you’ll use a five-star system. Create your own consistent method for determining the rating you’ll give each product. This will add more value to your reviews. Be sure not to only give five-star ratings or focus exclusively on negative reviews, as that can impact your credibility as a reviewer.
9. Make a Shopping List
Think about which products you’d like to review. Since the goal is to receive free products, request items you’re likely to use or that your friends might appreciate. Also, focus on products where you can offer a meaningful opinion. If you’re uninterested in a category, like dietary supplements, avoid requesting those items (although many companies may still send them in hopes of receiving positive reviews).
10. Build Your Brand on Amazon
You can review a variety of products, but to become a highly respected Amazon reviewer, it helps to focus on a specific niche. Build a reputation as an expert in a particular product category so that brands may eventually seek you out for reviews.
11. Tell the World
Expand your presence across social media platforms. Besides Facebook, consider using Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and even YouTube to share your reviews. High-quality photos or videos will enhance your social media presence and attract brands that want to collaborate with reviewers who have a significant following.
12. Know the Amazon Rules
Anyone can post a customer review, but to build a respected profile, make sure you know Amazon’s review guidelines. Violating them can lead to account cancellation. Remember, you’re limited to five reviews per week, and there are rules about language and inappropriate comments.
13. Create Your Personal Disclaimer
Once you start receiving free products, you must include a disclaimer in your reviews, such as: “I received this product free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.” Both the FTC and Amazon enforce this requirement.
14. Check Your Amazon Product Reviewer Ranking
You can find your reviewer ranking by clicking on Account under the “Accounts and Lists” tab. This ranking depends on factors like the number of reviews, how helpful people find them, and how recent they are. You can also fill out your “About” section to let companies know which products you prefer to review.
What Is the Amazon Vine Program?
Amazon Vine is an invitation-only program that offers high-ranking reviewers the chance to beta test products before they are released. These products are completely free, and you’re expected to provide honest feedback.
Although Vine members don’t receive payment, they do need to fill out a 1099 form and may have to pay taxes if the value of the products they receive exceeds $600 per year. This program provides a great opportunity for product testers, but it’s important to remember that you cannot apply for Amazon Vine—reviewers are invited based on their ranking.
There’s also the Amazon Reviewer Hall of Fame, which recognizes top reviewers. While there’s no monetary reward, the title itself is a prestigious goal.
If you’ve read this far, you’re clearly motivated to become a top Amazon reviewer. With time, effort, and well-crafted reviews, you could be on your way to testing a wide variety of products and enjoying a steady flow of deliveries right to your doorstep!
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