Focus Groups

Get Paid to do Market Research Studies

If you haven’t checked out Focus Groups or Market Research Studies in your area, I highly recommend you do so.



They can be fun and profitable.

So what exactly is a Focus Group?

A Market Research Study is a group of similar people, called together to evaluate a product or service.

This might be a product that is going to come out onto the market soon, or something that is already there that the manufacturer is considering revising.

A manufacturer will hire a research firm to conduct the focus group, and they will pay individuals to come and give their unbiased opinions on the product or service.

They are sporadic, and cannot be depended upon for a regular source of income, but they often pay well when they do come about.

They do vary as far as how much you are paid, but generally, you are looking at $50-200 for 1-3 hours of your time.

In order to participate in Market Research Studies, you need to be put on their list.

Find Focus Groups in Your Area

Its also a good idea to network with other participants at groups that you attend; often they have contact information about firms you may not have heard of.

When getting on a market research firm’s list, make sure you give them a good phone number to reach you on.

I give them my cell phone number.

When they have a study that you may qualify for, they will call you and ask you a couple dozen questions, to see if you meet the exact requirements of the manufacturer.

Don’t be discouraged if you do not qualify. It is hard to tell exactly what the manufacturer is looking for.

You may get called once a week to see if you qualify for a study, and you may only qualify once in six months. Just take the time to answer all their questions, and make sure that the firm knows that you are not put out doing so.

I sign my husband up with the firms as well.

He has participated in several studies himself, and enjoys them as much as I do.



One little trick that is useful to know:
most of these firms are not allowed, to use the same participant on too many studies too close together.

For instance, one firm may require that you have not completed a study within the last 90 days, while another may be six months. One of the first questions they will ask you when trying to qualify you for a study, is if you have participated in a study within the last X amount of months.

I always answer this question based on when I did my last study WITH THAT FIRM, not with any firm that I work with. This seems to work well.

Also, when they ask you the qualifying questions, try not to be overly set on something.

Words like “always” and “never” can disqualify you for a study very easily. You don’t want to be indecisive, but saying you would “never” try a particular brand isn’t good.

It helps to listen to the person qualifying you as well. Sometimes, they give you little “clues” along the way, based on their tone of voice or inflection. Pick up on these clues (don’t lie) and you may qualify for more studies.

Middle of the road answers are likewise not good. Just choosing “sometimes” all the time does not make you a good candidate.

Focus groups are so interesting and entertaining!

I have done them based on
--political ads
--flavored snacks
--paper towels
--crayons
--beer
--wine tasting
--and many other things

Sometimes the firm will feed you lunch or dinner in addition to your compensation.

They almost always pay in cash, and it is your responsibility to report your income to the IRS.

Unless you make over $600 from any one firm in a year, you will not receive a 1099 from them.

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