talk to me about paid market research

[tag]

It would be cool to make a some extra pocket money so I can buy a few "wants" without disturbing our budget.

I've briefly read about 20/20 but that's about it. What are the reputable companies? Whose made money doing this, how much and by how much effort?

Interested in all comments...

[Tyler]

Speaking from the perspective if the researcher, there's nothing more frustrating to a design team than a "professional" research subject who seeks out studies for the pay and who really doesn't care about the product.  The good recruiters know this and actively filter those people out.

They prefer people deeply knowledgeable and passionate about a particular subject.  Those people don't really demand much compensation for the opportunity to provide feedback to designers of the things they already like.  So the pay is usually pretty meager. 

For those reasons, I personally wouldn't count on something like this being a reliable income source. 

That said, if you see a recruiting ad on Craigslist that interests you, go for it.

[giggles]

I use:

www.e-rewards.com but you need to receive an invitation.  I can't remember how mine came, but you might be able to google it.

Previously used Pinecone with sucesess

http://www.pineconeresearch.com/

Pinecone I needed a referal, you can usually find one by googling.   Try this one:
http://pinecone.logicalmedia.com/?affid=CD6534

I also am registered with focuspointeglobal.com for focuse groups.  I get 1-2 a year.

[superheropunk]

I have done a few research studies in the past but don't think it really worth the time/money aspect of it.

[Left]

I do one for sprint every 6 months (they don't let you do it more often), they give me $75 for navigating their trial webpage. It takes about 1-2 hours and they have someone sitting with you asking your opinion on placement of buttons/text/etc. It helps since I'm in KC so I'm near their headquarters where they hold the market research.

I got into it from a craigslist ad, and once I got in, I just told them I would keep doing it.

[Zaga]

I work for Heinz and we frequently have consumers in for focus groups.  If you're in the area of a market research company or the headquarters of any american manufacturer, call them and ask!  I believe we do pay well, but the criteria that you have to fit into are tight.  An example would be primary grocery shopper who eats X food at least once a week.  Also, it seems (not really sure) as though women are more common, so if you're a man you could be a benefit to the researchers.

[geekette]

I occasionally (very occasionally) participate in market research studies/focus groups through a local company.  They won't let you participate very often, but I think the pay is worth it.  Next week I'm getting $100 for an hour (okay, 2 once you count travel and early arrival).  I can't see it being useful for a reliable income stream, but it's interesting and hey, it's 100 bucks!