What is a paid survey site? A paid survey site is a company website that acts as a "middleman" in providing consumer input to large companies. When you join such a site, you get to give input to companies who are doing research on products, movies, etc., and you accomplish this by participating in surveys. You may be offering your opinions on anything from a new toothpaste to a new movie - in the six months I've been doing surveys, I've given opinions on everything from new movies to cell phones and received all kinds of free products. I did surveys on the TRU TV show "Black Gold" long before it came out, and have been privy to studio information concerning more than one new release. I even did a survey on how one popular movie's DVD cover should be decorated.
It Pays
It pays to join and participate in paid survey sites, and this is not a sales pitch or an attempt to direct you to any particular company. This author is not being paid for this article, but is attempting to answer the common question, "Does it really pay?"
The short answer: "Yes."
The longer answer: "Yes, but you're not going to get rich doing it." So, whatever those company web pages may imply or whatever that reviewer says about striking it rich, you can take it with "a grain of salt." That's the negative side. The positive side is that you can make money and occasionally receive free merchandise to sample and review. Since joining several survey sites I have received a free copy of Microsoft Works, and a few other items. As far as cash is concerned, my survey taking has allowed me to deposit anywhere from 35-50 dollars per month in my bank account. So, yes, it pays. And when you step beyond the dreams of cash and free merchandise, you can understand that surveys pay off in other ways: the companies who want your input actually listen to you, and so your opinions do affect a wide range of products which will be, at some point, released to the public.
What Sites & How Many
Here is a list of the sites that I have joined that I personally recommend (i.e. they pay something). All will offer cash, at least occasionally.
Opinion Outpost Do surveys and get paid, and it's just that simple. You can cash out as soon as you have five dollars accumulated. I've made a little over one hundred dollars here in six months.
MySurvey.com At mysurvey.com you take surveys for points which can later be converted into cash, charitable donations, or redeemed for merchandise.
Greenfield Online At Greenfield Online, you typically complete surveys in exchange for a sweepstakes entry. However, many times you'll receive small cash incentives. Some people don't like Greenfield, but it's a good choice - you can choose not to take the surveys that don't offer cash. In three weeks I made about 17 dollars doing Greenfield's surveys.
American Consumer Opinion Another good site that really pays. They contact you when a survey is available, and don't host surveys on their site. When you qualify and complete a survey, they send a check.
Global Test Market In my opinion, Global Test Market is currently the best survey site. You'll earn points for completing surveys, and when you reach 1000 you can redeem them for fifty dollars. I've made a little over one hundred dollars on this site as well.
