How can I take part in Market Research?

[Chris and Hayley]

I am interested in taking part in market research, mainly where I can 'freebies' or rewards for doing so. Any idea where to start?

Thanks in advance!

[janeypixie]

check out freestuff.com

[phoenix2frequent]

Register at http://www.yougov.co.uk/users/registrati...sID=2&UID=
and you get paid (not much, usually 50p or 75p a time) for answering multiple-choice surveys. They also do prize-draw surveys with bigger cash prizes.

[laylah]

To make sure you find reputable companies, you might want to start with industry organizations like Quirks, MRA (Marketing Research Association), Blue Book.org, Impulse Rating, etc. Start by looking for companies in your city. Check out their website and see if you can sign up online. If not, they may let you call in to give your information over the phone. Once you are on a database, when there are studies that you may qualify for the company will contact you.

Although the information the company asks of you may seem very detailed, it is to help them find you when they have market research looking for, say, a Caucasian female, age 18-25, has digital cable, a cat and shops at Ralphs. Acceptable things they ask are: date of birth, type of vehicle owned, number of kids, range of your household income. Not acceptible to ask is your social security number.

In addition to the above resources, you can go to this company below as well: http://www.q-insights.com. We are a national market research company.

Typically, for focus groups you are only allowed to participate once every six months. Other studies, such as filling out a questionnaire at a mall, doing an online or phone survey, etc., may differ depending on the study. To learn more about the industry, the MRA offers the most comprehensive industry standard guidelines.

[tdmatte]

Sign up with AC Neilson if you're located in the U.S. or Canada. They may also have availability in other countries, I'm not sure. There is also the Consumer Panel of Canada for Canadians. You could also search Quirks website for either "market research" or "consumer panel"

[Jenn]

Join a panel company that pays you cash for every survey you complete. I recommend SurveySavvy because you do get paid for every survey you complete for one of their clients, occasionally you will be invited to complete product testing studies, and you can earn limitless rewards by referring your friends (you get paid every time one of your referrals completes a survey).

Truthfully, you won't make millions, but if you enjoy giving your feedback on products you use and shaping the products that come to the market, you won't be disappointed.

If you live in the San Diego area, you can become eligible to participate in in-person focus groups by calling 1-800-492-4962.

[ross f]

try some of these there is a section on mystery shopping as well. i did it for a while and did all right out of it. http://www.forums.peazyshop.co.uk/index.php?c=4 pm me on my forum (ross) if you want an application form for the one i worked with.

hope that helps