Bizzalley's Business Q&A

Q)What is product testing?
Bizzalley's Answer-Product testing is a research done on a product or service to test its performance or
characteristics. In product testing, consumers are able to decide if a new product is the best for them and if it can effectively carry out the purpose for which it was made. Product testing is research carried out to know if a product operates as expected. Product testing also allows consumers to make comparison among products. In other words, product testing is a consumer testing that helps you know how your product will sell before launching it. It can be conducted by manufacturers, suppliers or a government agency.

Q)How important is product testing?
Bizzalley's Answer-For a new product, product testing is necessary and essential because:

• It helps consumers decide if a new product is genuine. Advertisements can be misleading and glamorous. Here, consumers are exposed to the products and are able to verify the claims of the manufacturers.
•  Product testing also helps to measure the need/desire for a product or service. Manufacturers are able to know the public's demand for a product and its specificity. It also builds a sense of confidence based on the results gathered.
• Manufacturers are also able to solve problems that may arise upon use before mass production is done. This saves time, money and resources.
• It also allows consumers to make the comparison from many options available. Manufacturers are also able to understand their competitors and how to keep up with them.
• Through product testing, you are able to know your target market. You know the ones that consumers are more likely to buy from you. With this in mind, you are able to know where and how to market your product. Once you know your target market, you are able to know what medium you can use to contact them.

Q)I don't have a physical product. Do I still need to conduct product testing?
Bizzalley's Answer-Having a physical product is important but not necessary. Product testing can also be carried out by research using a questionnaire or informal discussions. If you have an idea of a new product or service, you can start by having a conversation with your friends and family about it. By doing this, you are able to test if your idea is reasonable. You get to know if people are willing to pay for it and if there is a demand or desire for it. Your conversation is also open for additional information. It is, however, important to have a prototype or a simple version of your product or service so people can relate better.

Q)What is the best method to carry out product testing?
Bizzalley's Answer-Different methods can be used depending on the type of product you are building.

• Unit test: This is done before the main testing stage. Here, users are exposed to a particular feature and check how they function. If you are adding a new feature to an existing product, this method tests how it works.
• Test cases: This method tests how each user relates to the product. Test cases check for problems that might arise upon usage and how to respond to them.
• Environment testing: The kind of environment where your product is used determines how effective your product is. Test your products in every kind of environment to see if there are variations in their actions or effectiveness.
• Regression testing: This is done to test the effect of the new feature on old ones. Through this method, manufacturers are certain that their product still works as expected. This is done on applications and software.

Q)What questions should I ask my potential customers when running a product test?

Bizzalley's Answer-There are basic questions to ask when conducting your survey. Additional ones depend on your kind of product.

Ask questions like;

• What do you like most about our product?
•  On a scale of 0 -10, how would you rate this product?
• What changes do you think can be made?
•  What improvements would you like to see?
• How likely would you recommend it to your friends and family?
• Was the product easy to use?
•  Does the name of the product match what it is?
•  What do you think of the packaging it came in?

In asking questions, you can create your own personal survey. Be sure to keep your question short and focused and direct it to your target market. Be open to criticism and use it as a tool to improve on your product.

Q)How do I know the market size for my product?

Bizzalley's Answer-Knowing your market size is important because it helps to know what part or size of the population your product is concerned with. You are able to know the potential size of your market and their reaction. The following can serve as a guide:

• Know your smallest market size. Will it grow? Understand and know their response and experience before you expand.
• Carry out a test. Decide where you intend to sell your market and compare your product with other products of the same function. This helps you know the percentage of your cut from the market. In addition, know your market share. If you are the only producer for a specific kind of product, you are likely to get a 50% market share but if there are other producers, your market share should be about 10%. Understand your competitors and know where you stand in the market.

Q)How do I find the right target audience to test my product?

Bizzalley's Answer-Having a well-defined target is important in testing your product. They should belong to your target market. You do understand you can't target everyone. Identifying the right audience helps you know those that are more likely to buy from you compared to the general public. Prepare a questionnaire that helps you know if your target audience are the right ones. For example, If your product is an application, you can ask questions like how often they use the internet, how they use specific phone apps related to yours and other questions before  testing your product. This questionnaire ensures that you are testing the right consumers and ultimately determines the final result.

Q)Is it better to use professional product testers or inexperienced testers?

Bizzalley's Answer-Selecting the right testers is a critical part of product testing. For this, you have to have a mixture of testers. Professional testers are experienced testers. They could also be existing customers. They are familiar with the testing process and know the right things to say. With professional testers, you can get new ideas on how to make your products better and more efficient. With inexperienced testers, you get feedback on how easy or difficult it was to use your product. You are able to identify issues that a new user would encounter and how to deal with them. Inexperienced testers help you see the larger audience based the on their experience.

Q)To what extent should the result of the product test affect my final product?

Bizzalley's Answer-Once product testing has been carried out, you have more idea about your product, your market size, and target market. This determines the decision you make about your final product. You are well able to identify potential problems and solutions to them. Product testing is a crucial part of your work and should be regarded as such. Don't attempt mass production if you haven't tested your product on a smaller population. Product testing affects how you view your rivals and your market share. With the result of your product test, you are confident about your product and the reactions it would bring.

Q)How effective is paid product testing?

Bizzalley's Answer-Paying people to test your products can be effective because it brings more willing testers. However, there are disadvantages to this. When you attach money to product testing, the tester tends to be more interested in your money than your product. They may lie to qualify for the test. This would affect your result because you might have those who aren't really interested in your product or service. Paid testers can be dishonest in their assessment. They might tell you what they think you want to hear instead of the truth. Some may look for problems where there are none just so they can appear serious and experienced. It's also hard to find innovative ideas. Paying testers is like employing them for a job. This shifts their attention to the money. To encourage and reward testers, award prizes to thank them for their participation.