Many market research firms offer cash, gift vouchers and prizes in return for filling in surveys. Are you tempted to sign up to earn some extra money?
It can be a handy way to supplement your income, but it’s important to sign up with some of the better companies, otherwise you could end up doing a lot of work for little or no reward.
What should I look for?
Many companies give away nothing but prize draw entries when you fill in their surveys. The prizes are usually relatively small, often low value gift vouchers, and your chances of winning are tiny. Unless the prize is very impressive, I tend to avoid this sort of promotion – I would rather see a more direct return for my efforts if I’m giving up my free time.
For this reason, I prefer to do market research for companies that offer a set amount of money or credit instead. Most of the large, reputable companies follow this model, and they pay out via bank transfers, PayPal credit, Amazon e-vouchers or high street gift vouchers.
You’re unlikely to get rich doing surveys, it’s best to think of it as a little extra pocket money. Having said that, you can be paid more for giving a specialist opinion: buyers of office supplies or computer equipment, healthcare professionals or managers in larger companies are sometimes offered larger incentives.
Who should I sign up with?
Beware of flashy online ads that say you can earn £50 per week doing surveys – that’s a very misleading claim. Stick with bigger, better known companies that have a reputation for paying out regularly.
Some reputable online examples include:
If you’re prepared to attend focus groups in person, you could also try companies such as Interiority.
Tips for survey success
Fill in as many surveys as you can – often the more you fill in, the more you will be sent in future.
Wherever possible, don’t wait too long to fill in a survey that’s just been emailed to you – the quotas fill up quickly.
Be patient at the start – it can take a while to earn enough credits to get above the minimum payout threshold.
Don’t leave credits sitting there in your account, cash them in as soon as you can – there’s usually a fair delay between ordering your reward and transfers being made, or vouchers being posted.
Do you fill in surveys for cash or vouchers? What are your top tips?
{Image: LucasTheExperience}
