Beta and Usability Test FAQ

What is a Beta and Usability test?

A Beta and Usability test is typically the last test performed by companies prior to releasing a product. It’s a test that involves real customers using the product in real environments.

From identifying critical bugs to providing general opinions and ideas about the product, a Beta and Usability test allows potential customers to be involved in the company’s product development.

Testers have a chance to experience a new product firsthand, share their insight and ideas with a company, and help make a better product.

Why do companies run Beta and Usability tests?

A successful Beta and Usability test can have a huge impact on the success of the product, and can sometimes mean the difference between success and failure for a new product.

A Beta and Usability test can uncover problems with a product, new marketing angles, and other key bits of information. So, a relatively small amount of time and money invested into a Beta and Usability test can result in a big return for the company.

How do I sign up to be tester?

Each opportunity on our site has a button that will take you directly to a specific WardrobeTools Product’s recruitment/sign-up page.

WardrobeTools Testers get early and exclusive access to some opportunities. To become a member, simply sign up and complete a profile survey.

Does it cost anything to be a tester?

No, it doesn’t cost anything to be a Beta and Usability tester of WardrobeTools Products.

Do I get paid to be a tester?

There is no cash payment to be a Beta and Usability tester. WardrobeTools cannot expect your feedback to be honest and reliable if you’re being paid to give it. The whole point of the Beta and Usability test is to get unbiased and honest feedback.

 However, like many other companies, WardrobeTools does give incentives (products, personal training, access to paid resources, etc.) to best testers that complete their obligations.

We believe, and we hope you agree; the greatest benefit of participation is that you will walk away with a thorough understanding of a product you will be using often!

Every test is different, but when we know the incentive for the opportunity, we will note it on the product's Beta and Usability test opportunity page!

Are there any personal requirements (age, location, etc)?

People of all ages, from all countries, can be Beta and Usability testers.

That being said, each project will have unique tester requirements, so not every person will be eligible for every test.

Some companies recruit children to test products (although these often require parental permission), but our products and tests are not appropriate for such.

WardrobeTools Tests always require a tester to be 18 years of age or older!

Why you should join a Beta and Usability test

There are a lot of great reasons to be a Beta and Usability tester. Besides earning free products and other incentives, Beta and Usability testing can provide tremendous personal and professional rewards. Here is a short list of some of those benefits our testers often experience:

1. Learn about new technologies.
2. Enhance your professional and personal knowledge.
3. Network with people who share similar interests.
4. Contribute to the quality of a product you enjoy.
5. Be recognized as an expert and be part of an exclusive group of testers.
6. See a new product before anyone else.
7. Exercise your experience with a new and innovative product.
8. Be part of a select team that interacts with a company about their new products.
9. Earn free or discounted pricing on the product tested.
10. Access to resources others have to pay for.

11. Access to our Live Webinars, recordings of those live webinars as well as unlimited email and limited phone support during and after the test is complete.

12. Possible employment opportunities within the company

13. You walk away with a thorough understanding of a product you will be using often!

I got into a Beta and Usability test… now what?

Every Beta and Usability test will be different, but usually you should expect to:

1. Participate as best you can on a daily basis for the duration of the test.
2. Spend some time each day working with the product.
3. Be willing to install the software to be tested or support utilities that will aide you with the project.
4. Be communicative and responsive to all the needs of the test.
5. Maintain confidentiality during the test period (if you’ve signed an NDA).
6. Report any and all findings you’ve discovered or recommendations, ideas and comments.
7. Be flexible and understanding.

Please understand that we realize everyone's time is limited and VERY valuable. What we have described about our test and tester objectives are the ideal goals and aspirations for our tests and our testers.

Life is a complicated process that is not always utopian. We are flexible with our tests and testers.

We will always do our very best to make sure this is a pleasurable and rewarding experience for all!

Will testing hurt my computer?

While there is an inherent risk in Beta and Usability testing some hardware or software, it is rare for software or hardware to cause any damage.

Our WardrobeTools software exposes you to NO risk due to the nature of our software applications!

If you choose to Beta and Usability test hardware or software from other companies, you accept the risks associated with using pre-release software or hardware.

This means you should back up your computer to ensure that you can restore it prior to the Beta and Usability installation. In addition, you should not test Beta and Usability software on a machine that has critical data on it.

Why isn't everyone selected?

Often we have very specific requirements for each test. When we're selecting testers, they need to match our criteria exactly. Here are some tips that might help:

• Complete any qualification surveys for the test with as much detail as possible.
• Respond quickly to our project announcements. We tend to select testers very quickly once a new Beta and Usability is announced. If you apply late, it’s less likely that you will be selected.
• If you have a member profile with us (such as your WardrobeTools membership profile), make sure it’s up to date with all your skills, interests, and devices.
• If you have special skills or hardware that make you a great candidate for a test, mention it. Our goal is to find the absolute best suited people for each project, so that information could put you ahead.

For more advice on getting selected, visit this page.

I signed up for a test but never heard anything. Why didn’t anybody contact me?

Many tests have thousands of applicants and only a limited number of seats, so they’ll often only notify those who are selected for a project.

This is usually NOT the case with us as we are a small company dealing with niche markets. We will always notify you whether you have been selected or not. Often we solicit Beta and Usability testers directly and thus there is always direct communication.

What happens if I sign up and then get too busy to test?

Priorities change and things can impact a person’s ability to Beta and Usability test. If you are selected for a project and this happens, contact our Beta and Usability team immediately and they’ll let you know what to do from there.

If you just stop participating then you’ll be taking up a spot that could be filled by someone with the time to participate.

With WardrobeTools' exclusive opportunities, if you choose to drop out and don’t tell our Beta and Usability team, you will be excluded from future Beta and Usability tests.

How long is a typical Beta and Usability test?

Beta and Usability tests vary in duration. Sometimes they’re a week; sometimes they can last several months. Although we will tell you at the beginning how long we expect the test to run, you’ll need to understand that it’s an estimate and that it is subject to change.

As issues are discovered, tests can be extended or even stopped early. The best idea is to make yourself as open and flexible as you possibly can but we realize that each person's schedule is different.

Do I get to keep the product if I am selected?

It differs from test to test and the amount of effort you are able to give. Most companies will give some sort of incentive to their active testers.

For WardrobeTools exclusive opportunities, all our active participants are eligible for an incentive at the end of the test.

In most cases, this is the product or a time specific lease as well as support resources that we normally charge for. In cases where for some reason this isn’t possible, you will get prizes, gift certificates, or other goodies.

In addition, top WardrobeTools testers will increase their likelihood of being selected for future projects and rewards.

Do you share any of my information with other companies?

The simple answer is NO! Your privacy is our top concern and we do everything to protect it!

As detailed in our privacy agreement, if you apply and are selected for a WardrobeTools Beta and Usability test opportunity, we’ll share your feedback with our team members whose product is being tested (it’s important for them to understand who you are, of course).

Beyond that specific situation, we do not sell or share your information with anyone.

What if I don’t want to be a tester for WardrobeTools products anymore?

Your profile is yours and we respect your decision. If you want, you can close it at any time. You can do this by clicking here (your login is required). Alternatively you can email testing@WardrobeTools.com from the email address in your profile, letting us know you would like to close your account.

While all of your personal information will be removed entirely from our system, any feedback you’ve provided in previous projects will remain, but will no longer be linked to you.