Another way to make a few bucks is by completing surveys for market research studies. As a way of encouraging participation,
there will usually be some type of cash, prize, or sweepstakes entry you can earn.
Survey FAQ's
Why
are companies willing to pay you for your opinion? Because they need to know what their customers think so
they can meet their needs!
What is a Focus Group?This is a smaller, more in-depth study
about a particular topic. Focus Groups are generally either online or in- person. To locate a Focus Group Facility near you,
check out
FindFocusGroups or
The Markets Directory.
What types of rewards are offered for surveys and focus groups?
The amount offered for
qualifying and completing a paid survey varies. In my experience, surveys that offer cash payment average in the $2-$6 range.
Points rewards vary widely per program, so you will have to check with the individual sites. Some sites let you convert points
into cash, while others convert points into gift cards or prizes. There are also surveys that earn you an entry into a sweepstakes.
Payment for focus group participation is considerably more. I have participated in focus groups that paid in the range of
$20-$150.
How do I qualify to participate in an Online Focus Group?The most common
way to qualify is via participation in a "screener" survey. The survey may or may not tell you upfront they
are screening for a Focus Group. The more surveys you complete (paid and unpaid), the more chances that you will qualify for
a Focus Group.
TIP: I have observed that short surveys (5-10 min) are often screeners for Focus
Groups.
How can I receive more surveys?
Sign up for as many survey sites as possible!
If a site has a profile section to fill out, do so. Some sites send you surveys directly, while others have some surveys on
their web sites. Be sure to check the web sites of those that do not send you surveys via email.
NOTE:
Before you apply to too many companies, I highly recommend getting
Roboform (free). This will save all your login information and automatically fill out common fields on application forms.
NOTE: You will also want to have a
PayPal account (free), as some sites will only send payments via PayPal.
I have compiled a large list of survey companies
that are looking for participants. Where available, I have linked directly to their sign-up pages.
Here
is a quick-start list of Survey Companies I highly recommend, which I personally been paid by:TIP: For additional rewards for surveys (as well as other activities), I highly recommend
MyPoints. Most MyPoints Bonus emails they send give you at least 5 points and most surveys are 50 points, so the points add up quickly.
(I get at least 2 Olive Garden gift cards a month here.)
