A friend called me today while I was driving to Dallas and immediately
asked… “Why are you going to Dallas?”
I told her I was selected to participate in a focus group
there, to which she replied “You always have these cool ways to make extra
money! How do you hear about these places?’
So, to continue with the money-making theme I started this
week, I thought I would give you all some insight into making money via focus
groups and product testing!
(Yes, this is an Arlington blog. No, none of the places I’m
going to list are in Arlington. However, if you are willing to drive, or work
in the areas of these places, you can make some fabulous quick money for
participating! Most the time, it’s totally worth it!)
A word about focus groups:
Start by going to the Websites listed and sign up on their
pages. Sign up will take a bit. Then, you will start getting pre-screeners in
your email.
A word of caution: I probably get emailed 10-15 screeners
PER WEEK. Each screener takes between 5-10 minutes to complete. I probably
qualify for one focus group for every 50-75 screeners I fill out. So, yeah.
Sometimes it sucks. But don’t get discouraged!
Through the years, I’ve probably done more than 50 focus
groups. I’ve done focus groups on TV shows, hair products, chocolate, handbags,
prenatal vitamins- you name it! I’ve been paid anywhere from $100-$250 for 1-2
hours of my time. Sometimes, the market researchers come to you, which is
amazing! I’ve welcomed several teams of people into my homes through the years.
Likewise, sometimes researchers go to places such as Starbucks or Panera and
talk to subjects. These rock, too, because they are so close! While they used
to pay in cash and checks, I now most often receive my payment in Visa gift/check
cards. Just another piece of info for you to digest!
Most often, though, I’ve driven to Las Colinas or North
Dallas to participate in these studies. Usually I plan these studies around
trips I need to take to the area anyway or go visit friends in the area before
or afterward. But sometimes I just suck it up and drive the 70 miles roundtrip
and tell myself the cash was worth it! Today I got a bonus: $15 worth of
gourmet chocolate on top of my $150 payout.
Another word to the wise: You will not get called if you don’t
qualify. Usually, at the end of a screener, you will know if you qualified or
not. Even if you do, it doesn’t guarantee a phone call or booking. They are
looking for people that fit the specific molds of their client. Again- don’t
get discouraged! When they want you, they will find you!
Some of the sites I’m going to list are virtual focus
groups, meaning you don’t have to go anywhere! You log into their private sites
once or twice a day for two to three days and answer questions posted by
moderators. These typically pay less, but when you don’t have to leave your
house, it’s totally okay!
A few of these sites are usability testing sites. Meaning it
is you and a researcher one on one, going through a specific Website or product
idea. These typically pay more.
I’ve also done product testing through several of these
companies, where I receive a product to review and keep in lieu of a paycheck.
In the past, I’ve received car seats, highchairs, razors and more! Sometimes I’ve
resold the item on buy sell trade sites for instant cash if I knew I would
never use it. But I’ve gotten some great products. My youngest still rides in
the $300 carseat I got free two years ago!
If you get nervous in front of groups or don’t like to talk
freely about your opinions, these probably aren’t the money-making groups for
you…
Focus Group Sites:
Focus Pointe Global: http://www.focuspointeglobal.com/dallas
(located on LBJ Freeway and the Tollway, North Dallas)
Schlesinger Associates: http://www.schlesingerassociates.com/our_locations/usa/dallas.aspx
(located in North Dallas in the JP Morgan Chase Towers)
Market Research Dallas: http://www.schlesingerassociates.com/our_locations/usa/dallas.aspx
(located in North Dallas on Valley View Lane)
Alpha Buzz: http://www.alphabuzzgroup.com/participate.php
(located in Las Colinas)
Dallas Plaza Research: http://www.plazaresearch.com/overview-of-facilities/dallas/
(located in North Dallas on the Tollway)
Bryles Research: https://www.brylesresearch.com/locations/dallas-texas/
(located in Richardson)
Peryl and Kroll: http://www.pktesting.com/
(located in Plano)
Dallas by Definition: http://www.dallasbydefinition.com/
(located in Irving)
Usability Sciences: (this is Website/product testing
facility- they don’t do focus groups): http://www.usabilitysciences.com/dallas-location
(located in Las Colinas)
Murray Hill: http://murrayhillnational.com/location/dallas
(located in North Dallas on the Tollway)
20/20 Research (this is online only): https://www.2020panel.com/
If you are willing to test out new medications/shots/etc.,
Benchmark Research is in Fort Worth and always looking for subjects to test new
drugs such as a new flu shot! Check them out here: http://www.benchmarkresearch.net/
Happy money making, product testing, etc. etc.!
If I’ve missed any, PLEASE let me know!
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