In today’s economy, survey and market research companies play a huge rule. Most businesses today rely on consumer feedback gathered through surveys and polls to develop new products and/or to improve existing products.
Getting direct feedback from consumers help these companies save billions of dollars in development and advertising fees on products that are likely to fail.
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The Top 10 Online Survey Companies
To make the most out of the time spent answering surveys, you have to ensure you sign-up with only reputed panels. As such, the focus needs to be on sites offering decent payouts, a reasonable amount of surveys and low threshold for payouts.
I read through many reviews and looked at my own personal experience to come up with my list of the top 10 online survey sites.
Most companies require you to have a PayPal account for payments while some others continue to pay via checks, and of course, there are some that award you points that can be redeemed for gift cards and other prizes.
That said, the majority of companies mentioned below do pay cash either via PayPal or by check.
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1. MintVine
This is the newest survey site out of the bunch, but even in its short time in existence, MintVine has become a favorite amongst survey takers because of its fun and high paying surveys and on time payments.
The best thing is that with new survey sites, you can usually make more money, since they tend to pay more in the beginning in order to attract new members. So, I highly recommend you join MineVine.
2. MySurvey
Established in 2001 as one of the original survey panels, My Survey hosts a wide variety of surveys that gather your opinions on some of the most frequently used products and services by Americans.
While you do get rewarded for participating in the site’s surveys, there is also the motivation that you stand to influence the development of many products and services from different companies.
3. Pinecone Research
By becoming a member of Pinecone Research, you can earn money for participating in market research studies, online product reviews and focus groups. You get paid $3 for each survey you take.
4. SurveySpot
Quite well-known in the survey industry, SurveySpot was set up in the year 1977. Here, members can take part in online studies that match their demographics and interests.
Joining the site now will also give you a direct entry into a cash sweepstakes worth $25,000.
Reward points earned here can be redeemed for PayPal cash. The minimum payout threshold is $10, which corresponds to 1,000 points. The panel requires its members to be more than 18 years old.
5. Ipsos I-Say
Ipsos I-Say seals its place as among the top survey sites at present. The site has a low payout threshold (1000 points for $10) and also pays relatively well.
One of the best things about this site is that even in case you do not qualify for a survey, you are still paid 5 points. Effectively, this means your time with this site is never wasted.
However, as is the case with quite a few other sites, Ipsos too suffers from a lack of adequate surveys.
But there is also a good part to not receiving too many survey invites. How? Well, this means that the panel will send invites to only those surveys where you have a good chance of qualifying.
6. Opinion Outpost
Only Canada and US residents above the age of 18 years can register with Opinion Outpost.
The site compensates members with points which they can later exchange for PayPal cash and many types of gifts. Post the registration process, members are required to complete a short profile survey, which helps determine the kind of surveys they’ll get invites for.
Usually, members receive around 5-10 invites to surveys daily although this number could vary on certain days. The average pay per survey is in the range of 5-80 points, which corresponds to $0.50-$5.00. The duration for most of Opinion Outpost’s surveys is 5-60 minutes.
7. SurveySavvy
First started in 1999, SurveySavvy is among the leading survey panels in the world today. Registration is free and you are paid for every survey you complete. Pay is typically $3.00 or more (up to $30) per survey.
Apart from earning money by taking surveys, you can also earn money by referring your friends and family to SurveySavvy. This way, you stand to earn a percentage of what your referral(s) makes by answering surveys.
8. GlobalTestMarket
Established by Global Market Insight Inc. in 1999, GlobalTestMarket is a popular survey panel with international operations.
Once you qualify for a survey and complete it, you are compensated with not only Market points but also entries into daily and monthly sweepstakes with cash prizes.
The payout threshold with this site is 1000 points for $50. Note that to be part of this site, you need to be 14 years or older.
9. ValuedOpinions
ValuedOpinions, established in 2001, is peculiar in that it does not compensate by either points or cash. You’ll start receiving invites from this site as soon as you are done registering. The usual pay is around $2-$5 per survey although a few can pay more than $5.
The minimum payout threshold is $20 and once your rewards accumulate, you are able to redeem them for vouchers for some of the biggest brands in the world like Amazon, Macy’s, Marriott and gift certificates from many more brands. Again, membership to this site is only open to people 14 years or older.
10. NPDOR (Now known as VipVoice)
Set up in 1967, NPDOR Research is owned by the NPD Group. Some of the largest corporations around the world seek NPDOR’s help in getting to know the needs and desires of consumers. This way, NPDOR’s surveys allow you to make a difference.
As for the surveys, they are quick and fun while compensating you in cash or prizes even just for participation.
Once you complete the profile survey for members, you are automatically entered into a sweepstakes with a $1,000 prize. The site also allows members from your household to join in provided they use an email ID different from your own. To become a member here, you must be 14 years or older.
What’s in it for Me?
In return for giving their opinion, people are rewarded with cash, gift cards and variety of other prizes.
Plus, once you become a member of a survey company, you (with many other members) are in a position to influence the development of products and services that you regularly buy in your daily life.
Your opinions and comments can divert vital decisions on various products and services from companies belonging to the Fortune 500 club.
You are told of the reward a survey carries via an email sent to the address you provided during registration. Once you finish answering a questionnaire or completing a free offer, the incentive promised before the survey is paid to you.
Most sites offer cash incentives although there are some that offer points, which can be exchanged for either cash or a wide range of rewards from online retailers like Amazon in addition to many others.
Some also enter you into sweepstakes held on a daily or monthly basis that offer cash prizes.
How Do I Start?
Initially, you need to register with a few legit sites and complete a few details in what these sites term as profile surveys, whose main aim is to determine the type of surveys you are eligible for.
You will then be eligible to participate in any available surveys.
What About My Personal Information?
All survey companies are bound by law as well as their privacy policy to ensure that you alone have the discretion over the personal information you provide.
Most legit market research and survey companies are also part of CASRO (Council of America Survey Research Organization) and ensure their policies are in-line with the strict guidelines authored by this organization and the CASRO Code of Standards and Ethics.
Founded in 1975, CASRO is a front for more than 300 market research organizations and companies in the US as well as abroad.
Need Extra Cash for Free?
Want up to $5 per completed survey? Then join MySurvey panel. It is the site where I have made the most money as a survey taker.