Antastic Tom Product Testing Programme

I design and make ant-keeping equipment, and over the past year I've had help from a small group of keepers who've tested my products and shared valuable feedback. Alongside testing with my own colonies, their input has helped me identify problems, make improvements and refine my designs.

Now I'd like to take that further by involving more UK ant keepers in the development process. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced keeper, I'm looking for people who can help identify issues, challenge ideas and make future Antastic Tom products better.

What could you test?

How the testing journey works

1. Apply. Tell me a little about your experience, the colonies you keep and what you'd be interested in testing.
2. Applications are reviewed. I'll look for people whose experience, colonies and interests match upcoming projects. Not everyone will be selected or contacted, and there may be a gap before a suitable opportunity arises.
3. We might have a chat first. If I think there could be a match, I may email you to discuss a few options, ask questions or explain what needs testing. This is an initial conversation, not a promise of a place or free equipment.
4. Agree the trial. Before anything is sent, we'll confirm what you'll be testing, the feedback I'm looking for, the likely timescale and how the equipment will be supplied. You can decide if it's right for you.
5. Try it and report what you find. Depending on the product, that might mean unpacking, assembly, checking fit, hydration or everyday use. You'll be able to inspect equipment before introducing any ants, and some trials won't involve live colonies at all.
6. Help improve the design. I'll ask what worked, what didn't, what frustrated you and what you'd change. I may have follow-up questions or ask you to check a revision. Photos can help, but positive public reviews aren't expected.

What I'm looking for

• People living in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, aged 18+.
• Thoughtful, constructive feedback, including criticism. I want to hear about problems, not just praise.
• Willingness to answer occasional follow-up questions and report potential escape or safety issues promptly.
• An understanding that early prototypes may need revisions and may not be suitable for every species or colony.

Ant welfare comes first

No colony should be moved into a test product purely to take part. Any live-colony trial must be suitable for the species and colony size, and can be delayed or declined if the colony is in diapause, founding or otherwise best left undisturbed. You can also help by testing assembly and usability without housing ants in the product.

If a product appears unsafe or unsuitable during a trial, stop using it where you can do so safely and contact me so we can agree the next step.

This is a testing programme, not a product giveaway

The aim is to help make Antastic Tom equipment better, not simply to get free products. I'm looking for people who are willing to spend time testing, explaining problems clearly and giving honest feedback, including when something doesn't work.

There's no charge to apply. If you're selected for a trial, I'll explain what equipment you'll receive, what I'd like you to test, the expected feedback and the approximate testing period before you agree to take part. Equipment supplied for product trials is provided at no cost, with no expectation that you return it. Some opportunities may only involve discussing ideas or reviewing designs. Applying doesn't guarantee a reply, a testing place, free products, payment or future discounts.

Unreleased designs may need to remain confidential until we're ready to share them publicly. I'll make that clear before sending any confidential prototype.