Tester - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bug?

In software engineering, a bug is defect, imperfection or problem with a product. A bug is different from a computer virus in that it is usually the result of a mistake or flaw in design instead of being intentionally created to cause harm. Back to top

Where did the word "bug" come from?

The term "bug" was used at least as far back as 1872 by Thomas Edison. The use of the term "bug" in specific relation to computers is often attributed to Grace Hopper and an early Mark II computer in 1946 where an error occurred that turned out to be the result of a moth lodged in a relay. For more information see the Wikipedia entry. Back to top

What does a Pay4Bugs Tester do?

A Pay4Bugs tester helps to find problems ("bugs") in various products and then reports the problems to the developers of the product by completing a simple bug report. Back to top

What is a bug report? What's in it?

A bug report is a simple three-question form that tells the client what action you took that led to the problem, what you expected to happen when you performed the action, and what actually happened. The more detail you provide the more likely your bug report will get approved and you will get paid. Back to top

How much can I make for finding a bug?

Each assignment has a different price paid for bugs. You can see the price offered for each bug when you view the assignment instructions as above. Back to top

How much can I make each month?

That depends on the current market rate for bugs and your ability to find them! The more bugs you find (that are approved), the better your reputation will be and can result in being offered more lucrative assignments! Don't forget you also earn a percentage of the earnings of testers you invite via your referral link! Back to top

I don't know anything about software development and have no experience, can I become a Pay4Bugs Tester and join the bug hunt?

Yes! People with all levels of experience and technical ability (or lack thereof) are welcome to become Pay4Bugs Testers. In fact, most of the products tested on Pay4Bugs are designed to be used by people with no technical backgound, so the perspectives of those with little or no technical background are especially valuable! Back to top

How can I join the bug hunt and start getting paid for the bugs I find?

It's easy! Simply login with an existing third-party account to get started! No new username or password to remember! You can be hunting for bugs and getting paid in less than 60 seconds! Back to top

Where do I get a username? How do I register? I only see a login page! Help!

Pay4Bugs uses OpenID for login. This means you don't create a new username and password to access Pay4Bugs. You simply enter your OpenID or select one of the icons representing 87id, Google, Yahoo, or AOL to login via OpenID with an account provided by them. Never have to come up with a new username and password again! Don't have an OpenID or one of the other supported third party accounts? Want a new OpenID? Get an OpenID from 87id. You'll be automatically logged in to Pay4Bug after you select your new OpenID. Back to top

How can I ensure approval of my bug reports?

Make sure you complete bug reports with as much accurate and detailed information as possible. Remember that you will not be paid for bugs that are already known or have already been reported by other Testers. You will also not be paid for bug reports where you have not been provided enough information so that the bug can be replicated. Back to top

How can I see how much money I've already earned?

You can find an overview of your earnings on your dashboard. A detailed earnings report is available in the My Earnings section. Back to top

"My Earnings" shows that I've already earned money. Why haven't I been paid yet?

Earnings are paid on or around the 20th of the following month if your total earnings (excluding the current month's) are over $10. If they are less than $10 they will stay in your account until you cross the $10 theshold at which point they will be paid to you on or around the 20th of the month. Back to top

I don't have an ICBC or Paypal account. How can I get paid?

We currently support payout in U.S. Dollars via Paypal and Chinese Yuan via Industrial and Commericial Bank of China domestic bank transfer. While we may offer additional payment options in the future, you must have one of our currently supported payment methods to receive your earnings. Back to top

How do I know if an assignment's budget has enough money to pay me for my bug?

Clients are required to keep enough money in an assignment's budget to cover the value of all pending and approved bugs. If the valuing of approved and pending bugs reaches the budget, new bugs will not be accepted unless the client increases the budget. Back to top

What if I just submit lots of bugs so that maybe one will get approved?

At Pay4Bugs, quality matters over quantity. Too many rejected bugs will affect your ability to access future assignments and/or the price you are offered per bug. Submitting junk or spam bug reports will result in your account being disabled and all earnings forfeited. Back to top

What happens if the bug bounty for an assignment changes before my bug is accepted?

The amount you earn for approved bug reports is always based on the advertised price when you submitted the bug. Back to top

A project I was testing for disappeared from the assignment list, what does it mean?

When a project is removed from the assignment list, it means that the client has paused the project and no longer wishes to receive bug reports. This could mean that the client has received a satisfactory number of bug reports, is in the process of eliminating the bugs, or has simply exhausted their budget. Many of these projects are reactivated once the developers have had an opportunity to go through the bug queue, so check back often for new and exciting projects. Back to top