A HUT, or a Home Use Test, is a study where you try a product in your home and share your feedback with us. You may be asked to try the product once over a few days, or multiple times depending on the study. These HUTs help brands improve their products based on real-life experiences like yours.
🧪 How It Works
Qualifying
You’ll receive a screener invite through your panelist portal or email. The screener will contain key information such as how you’ll get the product, an overview of the tasks you’ll have to complete, and the incentive amount. If you qualify and are selected, you’ll receive details via email or at one of the Curion facilities.
Receiving Your Product
There are three ways you might receive your HUT product:
- Pick-up at a Curion Facility: Most HUTs require that you pick up your product in person. Only the panelist scheduled for the study may pick up the product. Family, friends, or spouses may not pick it up on your behalf. Please arrive on time.
- Pick-up at a Store: Sometimes you’ll be asked to purchase a certain brand or product type. It's important to purchase the correct product so you can get paid!
- Shipping: Occasionally, the product may be shipped to your home. You’ll receive tracking info and delivery details.
⚠️ If you’re late for a scheduled pick-up, there’s no guarantee we can provide you with the product. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, you may be dismissed without pay. If we run out of product, but you’re on time, you may qualify for our “Pay and Send” policy where you’ll receive 50% of the incentive (min $25, max $75).
⏱️ Understanding Timers
Some HUTs include timers between product tests. What's a timer? Think of it like a scheduled break! It simply means there's a specific amount of time you need to wait before you can move on to the next set of questions or try the next product. For example, if we're testing a new snack, you might need to wait 24 hours after your first taste before you can try another. This helps us get the most accurate feedback from you!
- You don’t have to start the timer manually. It automatically begins counting down as soon as you've finished answering certain survey questions.
- You don’t have to stop the timer either. It counts down on its own, even after you close your browser.
- When the timer ends, your next set of questions will unlock.
(The timer above shows a countdown of 20 hours, 51 minutes, and 50 seconds.)
If your timer isn’t working:
- Double-check that you completed your last survey.
- Contact Consumer Support if the issue continues.
📝 Following Instructions
Each HUT comes with detailed instructions. They may include:
-
Product Usage Guidelines:
- This section tells you exactly how to use or prepare the product, like swapping our new pasta sauce for your usual one. We want your experience to be as natural as possible!
-
When to Take Each Survey:
- You'll find a clear schedule with dates and times for completing each survey. Following this schedule is super important to ensure you finish the study on time.
-
How Long to Wait Between Tests (timers come in handy!):
- Timers are built into the study to keep you on track, ensuring the right amount of time passes between tests. It's crucial to keep up, as falling too far behind might prevent you from finishing and getting paid!
-
Where to Enter Your Participant or Verification Code:
- Your 4-digit Participant Code is at the top of your page - this number is essential if you ever need to reach out to our support team for help; it helps us quickly identify you!
- Your Verification Code (a mix of letters and numbers) is like your "password" to get back into your survey, especially when re-entering between timers.
- Remember, your Panelist ID or PID is your unique number that we use to identify you for all Curion studies, so it will not change for each study. Your participant code, on the other hand, will change for each study but will help us find your data on our end if you need support!
Following the instructions is crucial to receiving full payment. To receive full compensation, you must complete all study activities on time and as instructed. Incomplete surveys or incorrect product use may result in reduced or no payment.
Respect Is Required. Disrespectful, disruptive, or combative behavior toward Curion staff will not be tolerated and may result in permanent removal from future studies.
🤔 Common Questions
Can I start late?
Maybe. It depends on the schedule. Contact our support team to check.
What if my verification code is invalid?
Double check that you’re entering your verification code, a mix of letters and numbers found under the survey link) and not your PID or participant code.
What if I didn’t finish everything?
Only fully completed tests (product usage and surveys, on time) are eligible for payment. Look for the completed screen below!
How and when do I get paid?
We pay via Tremendous after the study ends. You’ll receive an email to choose a digital or physical gift card.
Can someone else pick up my product?
No. Only the scheduled panelist may pick up their own product. This helps ensure product integrity and data accuracy.
Do I have to return the product?
Rarely, but we’ll let you know when you qualify for a study and include it in your study instructions if you do.
What happens if I show up and there’s no product left?
If you arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled survey appointment and we run out of product, then we'll “pay and send” you per our policy. You’ll receive 50% of the intended incentive amount (minimum of $25 and maximum of $75). You won't have to participate in the study, and your payment will be processed 7 to 10 business days after the study finishes.
How do I know what to do?
If you pick up the product at one of our facilities, we’ll hand you a physical copy of your study instructions. If your product is mailed to you or you’re buying it from a restaurant or store, you will likely be emailed a copy of the instructions.
What key points should I remember about HUTs?
- Be on time to pick up your product.
- Treat staff respectfully and ask them any questions you have about your HUT.
- Read, understand, and follow the instructions that come with your HUT.
-
Stick to your study schedule.
📞 Still Have Questions?
Contact our Consumer Support Team:
- 📧 Email: consumersupport@curioninsights.com (include your study ID!)
- 📞 Phone: 800-291-1907
Thanks for participating in Curion HUTs and helping shape the future of everyday products.