Have you ever heard the phrase “a penny for your thoughts?” What if I told you that your thoughts are worth much more?
We all have opinions and if you’re not shy about sharing them, they can be quite lucrative. Focus groups are moderated discussions involving a deliberately selected group of individuals.
They are a valuable way for businesses and organizations to perform consumer research for products or services. Are you interested in focus groups, but aren’t sure how to find legitimate and best-paying focus group websites? We’ve got you covered; continue reading for all the details.
Respondent
Respondent connects participants globally with businesses. Some of their notable clients include Air BnB, DropBox, Microsoft and IBM. Signing up for the service can be as easy as using your LinkedIn or Facebook accounts. The average payout for participants is reported to be $140 per hour.
Once you sign up, Respondent will show the available studies for which you may be qualified.They also advise which studies have an excess of participants, so you can consider other studies. Once you’ve participated you should receive your money within 8- 10 business days (via PayPal), minus the $1 and a 2.9% processing fee.
Related: How to Make Money With Focus Groups
Probe Market Research
Probe Market Research has been utilized by major brands and manufacturers to conduct mock juries, product trials, mystery shopping gigs, online surveys and more. Business executives, medical professional and general consumers alike are needed for their research.
Probe’s focus groups pay from $50 to $400, with the availability to participate online or via phone. Sign up is as simple as completing their online form. Once they find a study that aligns with your interest, you will be contacted.
Recruit and Field
This website has been well reviewed by its participants. Recruit and Field connects consumers in the US with online (webcam) studies and focus groups. Participants of any age, gender, or career path are welcome. Payment is available through PayPal, and also digital gift cards. Payment ranges from $100 to $275 per study.
20|20 Panel
20|20 Panel provides market research. Their online studies are from various industries, while they also have local studies available in some markets (Charlotte, Miami, and Nashville). They are well reviewed and you can earn from $50 to $2500. They use their Facebook page to post prequalifying surveys or send them via email. They will follow up if you qualify and provide the details of the study.
FocusGroup.com
The name pretty much speaks for itself. FocusGroup.com connects participants with focus groups available both online and in person. To qualify for studies, you complete “screener” surveys. The website is user-friendly, and you are able to browse the studies available to check their rates.
The average pay per study is between $70 and $250. Payment methods can vary per study. They can include check, gift card, cash, or pre-paid Visa cards (valid up to 180 days.)
User Interviews
User Interviews has one of the better websites of the bunch. Their services have provided valuable feedback to top brands like AT&T, Pandora, and Wayfair. Their surveys are open to participants in the US and Canada. Once you sign up, they will contact you via email to complete surveys.
Signing up with Facebook or LinkedIn provides them with more personal details, which can increase your chances of qualifying for studies. If you qualify and are selected, you will be paid to participate. As with other websites, their pay varies by company and length of study. The average payout is around $50 an hour but ranged from $25 for 30 minutes to $200 an hour.
Brand Institute
Well reviewed by its users, Brand Institute recruits participants for consumer and pharmaceutical market research. They accept global participants. Their studies have been reported as being more in depth than most focus groups, but the compensation is worth it. Keep your account updated to ensure you’re available for studies. Payment is available via check or PayPal.
Engage in Depth
While the website isn’t the flashiest, Engage in Depth pays from $50 to $200 per study. They specialize in consumer and healthcare studies. Registration is simple, but you will need to select the area for which you’re best qualified. They welcome global participants
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is available in the US and only in select areas. These cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago-Downtown, Chicago-O’Hare, Chicago-Schaumburg, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lee, NJ, LA-Orange County, Minneapolis, New York City, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle. This website will connect you with in-person focus groups, usually 1-2 hours in length. Pay starts at $75 an hour and payment is typically a Visa gift card.
Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest research companies. They also connect participants from around the world. While they are legitimate, not all of their surveys are well paid. The average surveys require very little time, but only pay between $0.45-1.50. However, there are occasional surveys worth up to $95. You can receive payment in gift cards (Amazon or iTunes), PayPal or a prepaid visa.
Insider Tips
Before choosing a focus group, consider the time you have available and the requirements. Research them and make sure that you feel comfortable with the company. Remember that no legitimate company would request payment or details like your social security number.
Take advantage of your social media (especially Facebook) and read the company reviews. Ask friends and coworkers if they’ve participated and if they have any companies that they would recommend.
Have you ever tried doing focus groups to make extra money? Which site are you most interested in trying out?
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