The reality of paid surveys

Everywhere you look, you see ads telling you that you can make $10, $50, or even $100 an hour doing online surveys. While these claims are profoundly exaggerated, you can make money with surveys. However, you have to know where to look and what to stay away from.

There are dozens upon dozens of websites out there that will charge you a fee for access to their "database" of survey companies. Some charge a one time fee, while others charge a monthly fee. DON"T BOTHER!!! They are simply using your desire to make money as a way to walk away with your money. This information can be found completely 100% free!

There are also websites that claim to be survey sites, but are really not. Basically, you sign up for various trials like Netflix, Blockbuster, make up trials, etc. In return, the site pays you for trying it. They say you will have to give your opinion on the product you tried. I have never been asked my opinion. In my experience, these are also a huge waste of time. First of all, you have to use your credit card or debit card to sign up for the trial. Then, you have to make sure you follow the instructions for cancellation and/or return of the product before the trial runs out. Lastly, you run the risk of cancelling the trial, doing it all right, and being charged anyway! This has happened to me more than once. More than likely, you will eventually get your money back. To me, it's just not worth all the hassle.

There are also truly legitimate market research companies out there. These companies really will pay you for your opinion. The challenge is in finding them through all the garbage on the internet.

Without a doubt, the absolute single most valuable resource I have found is Annika's. It can be found here: 900 free paid surveys and more
Not only do they have paid survey sites, but reviews on them as well. The owner of this site thoroughly researches and tests every site. She has an enormous list of survey sites, mystery shopping, and many others. There is also a section for focus groups, which are discussion groups where you go to a local facility and sit with other participants and moderators to discuss a set topic. In my experience, these are infrequent because you have to live close to the facility, but they pay very well.

Just a side note on Annika's: although it is not required, please consider making a donation to the site. There is a link to do so on the site. Since the site does not charge for access, she put this site together, and maintains it, for free. ...Just a suggestion.

As far as paid surveys, there is no other resource that I can ethically recommend. Foe me to list all the market research companies here would be silly. Annika's has it all nicely divided into sections. Do have a look. Be sure to add it to your favorites. You will visit often.