In my twenties, I worked for a northeastern market-research firm conducting interviews and focus group panels for major corporations. The surveys were conducted in person either in a corporate office/conference room, in a public place, in someone's home or occasionally by telephone. Consumer opinions regarding products and services, taste test and product panels influenced the current and future products and services of huge corporations. It was top secret stuff and always interesting.
The Internet has made survey conducting and TAKING easier and more rewarding than ever. I find myself, years later, a survey participant- not a facilitator and there are some things for which I look in an online survey opportunity.
Here are some observations as a survey-taker:
What's in it for me? The rewards for participating in online surveys are varied. Some companies offer a few bucks to a few hundred bucks a shot while others offer products such as free laundry detergent or less certain incentives like entry into "sweepstakes". My time is valuable so I skip the sweepstakes and products and go straight for the cash incentives. I steer clear of time wasters in general. I like companies that will mail me a check.
You are not going to make BIG bucks taking surveys, however if you are already answering email or spending time online or blogging, why not accrue some $ ? Over time you will be surprised how it adds up! Steer clear of programs that tell you you're going to make easy money and be living in a mansion with a Mercedes in the driveway (If you don't already have one).
You should NEVER have to PAY to take surveys. If you have to pay upfront fees for materials, details or training, your best bet is to walk (or click) away. Corporations pay reputable market-research firms to facilitate surveys. In return, they expect thoughtful, accurate responses.
Start small and work your way up. Research companies look for reliable, articulate, detail-oriented people and tend to reward the ones who consistently perform well. Look for a company that allows you to complete a profile so they can send you invitations to the surveys for which you qualify.
Don't complete surveys at work or school. Your responses should be thoughtful and not rushed. The rewarding surveys take time. Likewise your answers should actually be helpful to the research company. You don't want to be involved in a lengthy questionnaire and have your boss over your shoulder!
Kiss (keep it simple sweetheart). Find a great market research group and stick with it. If you scatter yourself too far with several groups, you will be inundated and eventually overwhelmed and lose interest. My favorite site is Survey Savvy as their website is easy to navigate and their surveys are delivered via email- nothing to download, no hoops to jump through. Their system is intuitive and as they get to know you, you will get more surveys relevant to you. This is by far my preference.
National survey companies with an Internet presence include:
Pros: Membership is Free
They mail you links to surveys- nothing to download
They provide you with a profile so the surveys geared to you
Excellent website -easy to navigate and access your account information
Great referral program
You earn points redeemable for cash (they'll mail you a check)
Cons: none
If you decide to join, please accept my invitation. It helps me get referral points just like in gather.
https://www.surveysavvy.com?id=1517515&action=join
American consumer Opinion
Pros: Membership Is Free They will email you a link to survey It appears that there is nothing to download
Cons: no referral program (they do have an affiliate program- but it requires you to put a link on your private website, not gather, aol, etc.)
National Family Opinion a.k.a. MySurvey
Pros:membership is free
You earn points that are redeemable for cash (they'll mail you a check), merchandise or donation to your designated charity. You can redeem points anytime after accruing 1000points=$10.00
Nicely organized website that shows you what's in your account
Cons: You have to download their software to take surveys
(I have tried many more over the last 8 years, but these are ones I can recommend)
If you join any of these or some other site come back and let us know what happened.
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Comments: 14
As a business owner, someday I may be lucky enough to send out a survey with Survey Savvy!
Why do they say you're putting your two cents in when you express your opinion and only a penny for your thoughts when someone is trying to get you to open up?