Did you know that there are market research opportunities available where you can get paid for sharing your opinion? I’m not talking about online opportunities, but local opportunities where you actually go in-person to complete surveys on whatever topic or product is being studied.
My mom is taking advantage of this type of opportunity in her area because it’s a great way to earn a little extra cash. She says that they call a few times a year and ask her questions to find out if she would qualify for a specific study. If she qualifies then they schedule a time and place for her to complete a survey. Usually they are only a few hours, but she has been to some all-day studies as well.
So the big question is – how do you find out about these opportunities in your area? I’ve gathered some tips by using Twitter to chat with those experienced in being part of market research:
* Talk to Friends
That’s how my mom found out about the marketing research office in her neighborhood and how she got signed-up. She’s been getting calls for 15 years now and participated in many market research studies with that office (usually about two each year). They must like repeat survey participants!
* Google “Market Research (your city here)”
Advises Bargain Shopper Lady and many others I chatted with on Twitter because finding these opportunities is all about location!
* Look on Quirks.com
Finance Gets Personal recommends searching Quirks.com because it’s dedicated to marketing research review. You’ll find all kinds of different opportunities but Finance Gets Personal says “Studies where you have to show up (like taste tests and focus groups) generally pay the best. Search for local focus group facilities on Quirks.com and call to see if you can be added to their recruitment lists.”
* Look at The Mall
@SkyesMom says to keep your eyes peeled at the mall for survey people because she says “they are always desperate for people to take surveys and compensate for them.” Just be sure to ask how much time is involved and what the compensation is so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
So keep your eyes and ears peeled for a local opportunity like this in your area. It could be a good way to earn some extra cash, and it usually pays extremely well considering the time required for it. You also might get free products – like Bargain Shopper Lady who got $75 and free building blocks just for sharing her opinion!
If you have done any in-person market research, I’d love to hear about it! How did you find out about it? Did you do just one study, or have you received invitations for multiple studies?
I actually worked for a market research firm out of Atlanta before my children were born & was responsible for recruitment. To your point about "they must like repeat" … it's true! When recruiting – if the particpants were on time, engaging, easy to schedule, etc. I'd use them as much as possible!! You don't want someone to become a "professional participant", but if they have those qualities they'll get PLENTY of repeat business!! If you're late, a total DUD or just difficult to schedule & work with … you definitely get marked off the list:)
In Minneapolis – Food Perspectives, Delve, and Field Research are all good options. I made $200 last month doing market research interviews/studies!
Neito research is based out of Georgia. They do diaper testing research. You get two packs of diapers and you fill out a few forms for each back! Two FREE packs for very little work! You can call them at:1-888-412-5552.
Neito research is based out of Georgia. They do diaper testing research. You get two packs of diapers and you fill out a few forms for each back! Two FREE packs for very little work! You can call them at:1-888-412-5552.
I’ve participated in some fun studies and research groups that I found on Craigslist. Once you participate with a company, they’ll put you into their database, and call you in the future when you might be a good fit for a project. It’s a fun and easy way to to make a bit of extra money!A word of caution with Craigslist: I’d only respond to ads that state the company’s name, or that provide their direct contact information. Google the company or website and make sure it’s legitimate before e-mailing any information about yourself!
If you are in the south FL area look for Plaza Research in Hollywood FLGive them a call!And if you or someone in your household is Hispanic they will call you even more. There are so many companies that are looking to market their products to hispanics, so give them a call!
There is a company called Plaza Researchthat calls me a few times a year.They base their call on demographics and age and then ask you a few questions to see if you qualify for the study.They tell you the pay and time of you qualify and you can accept or decline if you like.If participate they ask you to come in and pay you cash on the spot at the end.The best “payers” of any marketing campaign that you go in person has to be from the Beer companies.They often will pay $100 for less then 1 hour of testing or watching commercial that they are planning on using.Easy tax-free money if you have the time!
Heather, for people in the Cincinnati area, there is an awesome opportunity to work with P&G; on so many market studies. I have a post on it at my place (under Surveys to Earn link at top). I earned quite a bit last year from them. And, I've done several other market studies with different places too by getting invites from all the surveys that I do. It's worth it to join some of the survey groups for that potential.Hope that helps someone!
I’ve only done one survey at the mall. It wasn’t a big “pay-out,” but I did take home two 6 packs of soda! It was when Pepsi was doing research for their lime flavored diet colas. They never contacted me again. I have also done paper-based surveys for baby products but never got anything in return for my time. I quit. :-)
I actually used to do food tastings and get paid a good amount to just go taste some foods and answer some questions about it. I have been looking for some companies that do this lately too!