Frequently asked questions on Paid Surveys

Why do paid survey companies pay you?

Paid Survey Companies offer you cash and prizes in exchange for your time for giving your opinions. Companies are always on the look out for improving their products and services to earn better profits. Before launching a new product or improving an existing product, they need to know about consumer preferences. Online surveys are an easy way for collecting consumer opinions to guide these companies. You will be rewarded for the time you spend for completing the surveys. Some of them even pay you to conduct product evaluations.

 

How much can I expect to earn and what are the rewards I can get?

Your earning potential depends on the number, type and duration of the surveys you get. Typical surveys take 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Some companies pay you cash for each survey you take which may range from $1 to $50 or more. Others may give you gift certificates or enter you into sweepstakes for cash or prizes. A few survey sites reward you in terms of points which can be later redeemed for cash and gifts. In case you are invited to a focus group, that lasts 1 or 2 hours you may expect to earn $50 to $200.

 

Can I earn enough from to quit my regular job?

For most of us, the answer is no. If you join all the paid survey sites, complete all the profiles and have plenty of time to take all the surveys regularly, you may get a decent income, but still less than that of a regular job. This is particularly suited for stay at home moms. However, for most others, you can take this as a hobby and earn some extra money in the process. You may pick and choose from the survey invites you get depending on time available.

 

How many surveys can I expect to get per month?

The number of surveys you get depends on your profile. Survey companies want to target their efforts to particular segments of population depending on the requirements of their clients. The number of surveys varies depending on the site also. Some sites like Surveysavvy send less number of surveys, but the reward for each survey is excellent. The best way to increase the number of surveys you get, is to join all the sites and complete your various profiles in each site. These profiles help the survey companies to target surveys to the desired segment of the population. Another important factor is you country. US residents can expect to get the maximum number of surveys. If you are from UK, Canada, Australia or other developed countries you have decent chances of getting frequent surveys. Those from the rest of the World get less number of surveys, but still there are companies like Globaltestmarket, Surveysavvy and Brand Institute which send out good number of survey invites to international members.

 

What should I do when I join a Survey site?

When you register at a survey site, they expect you to give them your contact information and other personal information. The more information you give them about you the better, as they will be able to match you with surveys to take. So while joining a survey site, give your maximum personal information. Many survey sites ask you to complete additional profiles like your health profile. Completing all the additional profiles will also increase your chances of being invited to take a survey. You may choose to give your current primary Email Address. Survey companies don't send you any mail apart from the survey invites informing you of an ongoing survey. If you are not comfortable, you may give another email address. Be sure to check your mail regularly so that you get all the survey invites. Surveys last for a limited period of time till the desired number of respondents are reached.

 

Why do they ask for my personal information?

After you join each site you will be asked to complete your profile which includes details about your personal habits and family. Completing your profile increases your chances of getting survey invites markedly. Companies want to target surveys to particular groups depending on the profiles, so that they get maximum return from their studies. You can rest assured that your personal data is safe with these companies and they are all reputed companies. You will not receive any spam. Only mails you receive are the survey invites.

 

How do I know a survey is going on?

You will be notified by email regarding an ongoing survey. The survey invite email contains a link which you can click to reach the survey page and start completing the survey. One or two survey companies require you to install a special software for you to take the survey. But most survey sites do not require any software to be installed. Be honest while completing a survey. You are under no obligation to complete a survey. If you are not comfortable with a particular survey, you may choose, not to complete it.

 

How will I get paid for taking a survey and who will pay me?

Some survey companies pay you in the form of a check for each survey you take. The check is mailed to you, usually within a few weeks of completing the survey. Some send you monthly checks when you have a minimum balance in your account. Many companies have started to use online payment processors like PayPal. For each survey you take, you will be credited to your paypal account. You may open a free personal account at paypal here.

 

Why does it say I am not qualified for the survey after answering a few questions?

For many surveys for which you are invited, there will be an initial screening questionnaire. If you fit into a particular profile, you will be entitled to continue the survey. Otherwise, they inform you that you have not qualified for the survey, and usually you will be given an entry into a sweepstake. Don't be disheartened, you will get more survey invites for which you are likely to qualify.

 

Is there any software which will help me in joining many survey sites fast?

Yes, there is a small program called Roboform which helps you in filling out forms rapidly. It can store your information securely and simplify the process of filling up online forms. It is available as a shareware and you can download it here.

 

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