What exactly are online surveys?
Companies from around the world need to understand exactly what consumers think of their products and services either before they are released or once they are on sale. By registering with market research companies that work on behalf of these companies you can take surveys and give companies your opinion.
How do I take Part in Online Surveys?
Once you have found a reliable list of online surveys and have registered with each one, your information will be put into a database. When an online survey becomes available that matches your information, an invitation will be sent to you via email containing instructions on how to take part.
Who can register with Survey Sites?
Many sites will only allow participants from certain countries who are a within a certain age range. These details will usually be found on the registration page of each market research site.
Are Market Research Sites free to join?
Yes, you should never have to pay a fee to join an online survey site. If a 'survey site' asks for a fee it is either a scam or providing you with a list of sites that you can find for free elsewhere.
Why do I have to fill in the profile questionnaires?
The profile surveys on each site are extremely important; these are how the survey sites match your information to their particular study. For example if the study was on what kinds of meat people liked to eat they wouldn't want to survey a group of vegetarians.
How will I be contacted to complete surveys?
Survey invitations will normally be sent via e-mail. Some market research sites have full communities which allow you to take polls or quizzes from within their sites, some of these will also be paid.
When I'm emailed an invitation must I have to take part?
That's up to you, if you do not take part in that particular survey you will still receive invitations in the future. Its entirely up to yourself.
What information will I receive in a legitimate survey invitation?
A survey invitation from a legitimate market research site will always include the length of time it will take to complete and the incentive you will receive.
How will I be paid after completion?
Depending on the particular market research site you may be sent a cheque or the money sent to you via a payment processing service such as Paypal. Some sites may reward you with points for completion of their online surveys, then when you have a set number of points you can cash out and claim your money via cheque or shopping vouchers.
Can I make a lot of money taking online surveys?
It's likely; but any site that says you will make thousands a day is lying. Taking surveys online can make a good part time job if you are able to register with the few legitimate high paying survey sites. Online survey taking is a fun, free and enjoyable way to supplement your existing income.
Nelly Donaldson
