| Though most people think that paid surveys are a new phenomenon, they have been around for awhile. We have all received these big, bulky envelopes in the mail addressed to the main income earner in the house that would require at least two or three hours of your time to fill out. Most of us toss them into the recycle bin without a further glance. With the advent of the worldwide web, they are much more prevalent and consumers are much more aware of their existence. Market research firms use the surveys to collect data for various organizations and focus groups.
You should never pay to do market surveys! Though some internet sites charge a fee to access the market research firms for their lists, there are plenty of free ones available. Be on the lookout for scams as they are numerous and you need to look out for your own interests. Remember the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Most consumers who participate in market surveys, do not earn any real money. Most will receive token rewards such as coupons to buy products or receive small samples of products in the mail. Some market research companies will offer only points, much like the points system at some department stores, which can be redeemed for prizes. And like the department stores' system, you will have to rack up an awesome number of them to get anything worthwhile. Some market research firms will have sweepstakes that you can enter but even in the unlikely event that you win, you will hardly become rich.
In order to participate in a paid survey, you must be invited and in order to be invited you must fit a certain targeted demographic. Right from the start, you must be the right age, the right sex, and the right salary range, and have the required number or children or pets; otherwise you will be ineligible to take part. Most of the questions in a survey will be about the kind of products used and the kinds of foods consumed. They will want to know how often and whether you use coupons. They will want to know how many vacations you take every year and if you pay by cash or credit card. In short, they will want to know things you should only tell your gynocologist or hairdresser. After all , the information will be safe with them! |
