Wanted: Furniture Testers - How to Become a Furniture Tester

Some manufacturers already have a quality control unit, some of them even utilize companies that use furniture testing machines to test strength and rigidity of their products. Some of them even test if a certain leather or furniture is flammable using fire and chemicals. Some furniture makers, however, would like to extend that to add human touch or emotions to give a better feedback based on their experiences, something that a machines cannot do. After all, a furniture is made for humans and not machines. Furniture testing can be an enjoyable part-time job for those needing extra income. There are certain requirements one must meet in order to become a furniture tester, here are some of the common ones:

1) Must be at least 18 years or older.

2) Must be allowed to work in the U.S.

3) Must be able to speak, understand, read and write in the English language. There are certain instructions and paperwork that must be signed, so it is important to be able to have this quality in order to fully comprehend what needs to be done.

4) Must be willing to work the hours set forth. Some furniture companies or department stores may require their furniture tester to use the furniture as normally as they would at a given time. For example, people may want to sit on a couch or lie down on a bed for a long period of time to really get the feel for it. Stay-at-home moms should think carefully before considering becoming a furniture tester, since time commitment and flexibility are important traits of a furniture tester. Hire a babysitter for you cannot bring your kids with you.

5) Must be able to follow instructions and guidelines for the particular testing or a specific furniture. For example, a dining table may need to be tested with the tester eating on it. Testing if the top can handle hot plates and spillages well. The tester may be asked to sit on the dining chair for a period of time and assess the comfort, resistance to stain, and stability.

6) Must be able to work with a team well. A furniture tester may be required to work with a group to test and assess, as well as, brainstorm feedbacks. Things may need to be voted on or agreed upon. For thorough testing, this may be needed, and each person may be required to do an evaluation of each functionality or part of a furniture. Each participant may need to give a feedback to draw a final conclusion. If you do not have this quality, it would only delay the process.

7) Must be able to commit to a conclusion or final assessment. Must be able to fill-out assessment of each testing requirement. For example, a furniture that you tested would need to be rated in different degrees as outlined on the form. These questions may be in type-written format or you may be asked by someone who would then input your data on a paper or computer.

8) Must be able to give additional feedback that may not be on the form but may be of help to make improvements on the furniture. Your time and their time are equally important, so make use of them well. The more feedback you can give, the better it is for them to give their overall rating on their product.

9) Must not be related to anybody working for the furniture maker or manufacturer. Since an unbiased review of a furniture is needed, if you work for the manufacturer or related to anyone working for the manufacturer, you may not be able to give a fair review, and may sway favorably towards the manufacturer. This scenario can bring up a conflict of interest.

10) Must not work for a competitor. Similar to the previous requirement, if you work for or are related to the competitor, then you may be inclined to give an unfavorable review, potentially biased in your review.

There are some other requirements, depending on the furniture company's requirements for testing:

a) They may ask you if you are allergic to certain materials or chemicals. There are some people who are allergic to synthetic fibers or varnishes. If you are one of those, you may be declined depending on their presence on the furniture you would be testing.

b) You may be asked to sign a waiver form. Since accidents can sometimes happen even in the most safe environment, if you do not agree then you may be declined to participate in furniture testing.

c) You may be asked if you have participated in furniture testing within the last 6 months before you can qualify for the research.

Additional Tips:

Bring reading materials or MP3 player (like iPod) with you if you would be asked to sit on a furniture for a long period of time. This can help pass the time. Ask permission prior to using them if they are allowed.

Bring snacks and bottled drink in case you get thirsty or a little hungry. Don't worry, you will be allowed to take short breaks.

To find out if your favorite furniture maker or department store is hiring a furniture tester, you can call or write to their human resources. Their contact information is available on their company's website.

Once you are hired, make the most of it and enjoy the pay. I did some product review and panel testing of similar nature, I got paid $250 for the 4 hours I was there, I got fed well and I met new friends...so this is not bad for a half day's work. The field research company cut me the check right there and then, which I happily deposited in my savings account that same day!