One of my good friends recently told me about a consumer research group here in the DC metro area, with whom she has signed up in the past, to participate in consumer focus groups and earn a little extra (sporadic) cash. Here’s what she had to say about it:
For Metro Research Services, they send out a brief email request/questionnaire (usually just 1 or 2 questions). Their website is metroresearchservices.com and you need to go there first to register. I’d only fill in the required fields and leave the rest blank. The more information you give the more they can target you (based on your gender and age primarily) with specific e-mails. Once you register, you may get a couple e-mails a week (although sometimes I won’t get any for three weeks) and it will typically tell you the topic and location (either Fairfax or Alexandria- sometimes for a survey you can choose which one you prefer, but sometimes they only will do it in Fairfax). Usually they will hold a survey on 1 or 2 days and you get to pick the time that works best for you.
It’s super easy, fun and for an hour they usually pay you $75-$150, depending on the topic. When I get an e-mail request/questionnaire, I’ll respond quickly (if I am available and the subject relates to me) and hit reply and send it. If I fit the profile they’re looking for, then they’ll call me. So, you can reply to 5 but may only hear back 1-2 times, and at that time they’ll ask you a few more questions (do you like raspberry tea better than lemon tea? etc.) and then determine which target group you fit into.
The information below is taken directly from their website:
Do you like giving your opinion? How about getting paid for giving your opinion?
Market research is an enjoyable way for you as a consumer to express your opinions. If you live in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, this is your chance to express your likes and dislikes so companies can market their product or service to better meet your needs.
If you are interested in participating in market research, please fill out the form here. We will call you from time to time and ask you a series of screening qualifications and offer you a chance to give your opinion on products and services. With your permission, we will email you about groups as well. Click here to learn more about Metro Research participant information and a detailed explanation of what is involved! Our privacy policy is designed to protect all of your personal information, we invite you to review our privacy statement.
To participate in a focus group, you can sign up here.
About Metro Research Services:
Metro Research Services, Inc. is a field service market research agency with offices in Fairfax, VA and Alexandria, VA. We specialize in Focus Group recruiting throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. We are part of the FocusVision Worldwide™ and Active Group™ networks offering both video conferencing and video-streaming of focus groups.
In addition, our services include, but are not limited to, telephone interviewing, mock jury trials, radio tests and usability testing. We also offer ViC CD, DVD Clipper, VHS, CD, DVD Mini-DV and MP3 for recording of your groups. Groups can be conducted in a comfortable living room setting or a traditional setting with adaptable conference room tables. All rooms, respondent and client, are equipped with high-speed internet access, wired or wireless, for your convenience.
Our veteran staff combines over 36 years of market research experience. We deliver personalized attention to each project, recruit qualified respondents who meet client specifications, and conduct professionally structured focus groups. Our commitment to quality and excellence allows us to be a strong competitor in the market research industry.
Does anyone else know of any other good programs where you can earn extra money for consumer research/focus groups?
Welcome!
