Online Library > Site Links > Online Paid
Surveys
Online Paid
Surveys - Internet Jackpot or Petty Cash?
by Joseph
Melki
Type the phrase "paid surveys"
in Google, and you will see a countless list of paid survey web sites.
Some claim $150/hr payment, others say it’s the perfect work at home
job, while others say online paid surveys are just a scam. With all
of these conflicting links, it’s hard to know what to believe. Are
online paid surveys an Internet Jackpot, an online scam, or somewhere
in between? Are you missing a great opportunity or should you stay away?
The first thing that you must understand is that market research is a
real business. Market Research firms have been paying customers to take
surveys and participate in focus groups long before the internet was a
household commodity. It’s just that with the increasing number of people
online, the internet has become an effective and efficient way for marketing
companies to collect data and test their advertisements. Also the internet
gives these market research firms access to a wide demographic of users,
which allows them to get a better idea of how their products will perform
with people of different age, sex, nationality, etc.
Unfortunately, many questionable sites have popped up on the internet which
has ruined the image on online paid surveys. These sites usually make outrageous
claims about how much money you can make by working from home. They usually charge
a "membership fee" to gain access to a list of web sites that conduct online paid
surveys. They claim that their lists are special, and offer the highest paying
surveys. But the truth is that the survey sites they list can be found for free
on the internet.
Legitimate market research firms do not charge panel members any fees or try
to sell you any products. With a little research you can find all of the quality
market research firms yourself. Also, there are several good sites on the internet
that offer free reviews and listings. You should never have to pay for information
or access to online paid surveys.
Assuming that you manage to avoid the scams, and stick with legitimate market
research firms, the question remains is it really worth the time? The answer lies
in your expectations. If you are looking for the perfect work at home dream job,
this is not it. If you would be happy with an extra couple hundred dollars a month
then read on.
The typical pay for any given survey varies, but most offer between $2 to as
high as $50 or more per survey. The problem is that these firms are usually
looking for a certain demographic, and you may not always qualify for all the
paid surveys that are sent your way. These survey invitations are usually sent
to you via an email, with details about the incentive offered, and a link to
the survey.
Usually you are asked to fill out a short screener survey, and if
you qualify then you can continue on and earn the full amount promised. If you
do not qualify, you are dismissed, with some sites offering a small incentive
or a sweepstakes entry for your time. The screener survey usually takes less
than 5 minutes, and the full survey can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
If you sign up with several quality market research firms, and can qualify
for several surveys, you should be able to make anywhere from $50 to several
hundred dollars a month for the household petty cash piggy bank. It’s
not exactly a fortune, but it can help offset some of your monthly bills, and
it only takes a couple hours a week.
About the Author:
Joe Melki is the owner of Online Paid Surveys, a web site that offers free, paid survey
site listings, searchable by regions of UK, United States, Canada, Australia,
Asia-Pacific, and International. Listings have detailed descriptions, incentives
offered, reviews, and ratings.
Related Articles:
Teen Surveys - A Safe, Rewarding Online
Activity for Teens
By Joseph
Melki.
