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.

Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping is a great way to make some money and have some fun. You also have to be careful to avoid being taken for your money, and getting next to nothing in return. There are TONS of companies that hire "secret shoppers". Again, do not pay for some list or database.

Annika's also has a large list on their site. http://900 free paid surveys and more"

There are also job search websites dedicated to mystery shopping. Here are a couple of them: jobslinger and volition. Check out the MSPA website also: mysteryshop.org. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association is like the BBB for mystery shopping. They have a list of mystery shopping companies that are members of the MSPA.

Mystery shopping assignments vary widely in type of assigment and pay. For example: you may be asked to go to a local home improvement store and price water heaters. You are required to make a small purchase to obtain a receipt. I bought light bulbs. You are reimbursed, up to a certain amount, for your purchase and are paid for the report you submit online. There are very specific requirements for each individual shop. You must read carefully and follow the instructions. Failure to do this will result in your report being rejected and not being paid. The instructions are not hard to follow. Don't let the previous statement scare you. Most shoppers I talk to have never had a shop rejected, including myself.

The payments for your shops do take some time, though. Most companies pay through Paypal, some by check, some use both. For the most part, payments are sent by the end of the month follwing your assignment. For example: you perform four shops for a company in March. You will be paid for these shops by the end of April. This is a long wait at first. But once you start doing shops every month, you will get paid every month.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Paid To Read (PTR)

You can also make money by reading your email. While these take longer to see rewards from, they are still a good way to make some money. For instance, a PTR site may have a minimum cashout of $25.00. It may take a while to reach that mark. That does not, by any means, suggest you should count PTR out. You can promote it, get referrals, and make more money. Although it does take longer to reach cashout, promote, etc., some sites are WELL worth it.

Here are my favorites. I have actually been paid by all of these, so I know they are legitimate. They all have varying sign up bonuses to get you started.

InboxDollars

SendEarnings

Hits4Pay

There are lots of PTR sites out there. You can do a search to find more.