If you are new to paid surveys, you probably have many questions. For example, how long do surveys take? How much can you make? Can you belong to more than one survey site? This post will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about online surveys and let you know what to expect from a survey panel.
What Are Paid Surveys?
Surveys are everywhere these days. You encounter them nearly every time you make a purchase. You can find them on the bottom of cash register receipts, and they pop up in your email after you make a purchase. Sometimes, you even get surveys via snail mail, text messages, or phone calls.
Understandably, consumers are a little bit tired of so many questions. Who has the time to put in so much effort to help big brands and companies gather data? Unfortunately, most of us do not. This is where online surveys for money comes in.
Market researchers help companies get the information they need to help them make decisions about which new services and products to introduce to the market. This information is valuable to brands who want to know their customers better. And it is much more effective when companies compensate customers for their time and effort to answer a survey than it is to ask for something for nothing.
This is how the paid survey industry was born. Organizations can get the information they need all in one place. Consumers can answer questions and earn a little bit for their efforts. It’s a benefit for everyone involved. But it’s especially helpful for everyday consumers who are looking for ways to earn money fast.
Are Paid Surveys Legit?
Not always. That’s why you need to be careful about which survey company you choose to work with. Unfortunately, there are scammers in every industry, and the paid survey business is no exception. However, if you want to avoid fraudulent survey companies, there are a few steps you can take:
1. Look for genuine customer reviews.
Scam sites get found out sooner or later, and the best way to uncover them is by looking for reviews. First, look at reputable reviews sites to see what other people say. If the survey company has excellent reviews, there is a pretty good chance you’re dealing with a legit company. But if the reviews are terrible, stay away.
For example, Branded Surveys has over 48,000 genuine customer reviews and a rating of “excellent” on Trustpilot. This is the kind of information you want to see.
2. Avoid sites that charge a fee.
Legit survey sites don’t ask you for money to become a member. Only scammers do that. Never pay to join a survey panel, even if it’s just a tiny amount.
3. Don’t fall for anything that seems too good to be true.
Scam survey sites hook people by promising them big money for completing surveys. But no genuine survey company can do this. So if you come across an ad promising you hundreds of dollars a day for filling out surveys, you’re dealing with scammers. Don’t fall for it.
How Do You Get Started?
You don’t need any particular skills or qualifications to get paid for surveys. There are no background checks, interviews, or applications to fill out.
Making money with surveys is easy. Once you find the site you want to join, you’ll sign up with your name and other simple information. Then, you’ll confirm your email. Once you’ve done that, you can have a look around your personalized dashboard and get started.
On your dashboard, you will see a list of surveys available for you to take. The first few surveys are called “profile surveys.” They help the survey company get to know you better and match you with future surveys. Fill these out thoroughly. They will help you get the most lucrative opportunities, and you will also get paid for these first few questionnaires.
What Kinds of Questions Are on the Surveys?
There are many different types of surveys, and no two will be exactly alike. For one survey, you might answer questions about the kind of beverages your household likes. For another, you might discuss your taste in music. You can expect a variety of surveys that may include:
- Questions about your experience with products and brands
- Questions on your opinion on new ideas companies want to try
- Questions about new flavors, colors, scents, or textures
- Questions about you, your personality, lifestyle, habits, etc.
- Questions that help you get matched with even more surveys
What if the Survey Says I Am Not a Match?
Sometimes, you will begin taking a survey only to discover that you are not a match. Don’t worry! It happens.
Companies are often looking for a specific demographic. For example, they may want responses only from people with teenagers or preschool children. Or they might be looking for answers from people who live in a specific area of the country. If this happens to you (and it will), you will be removed from that particular survey. However, there will be plenty of other surveys to try, so just move on to the next on the list.
Why Are Some Surveys Worth More Than Others?
The pay for surveys can vary depending on lots of factors. Surveys that only require a few short questions or quick, multiple-choice responses often pay less. And lengthy surveys requiring more time or more extended open response questions are worth more points. Some users prefer to do several short surveys in a row, while others select longer, higher-paying surveys. It’s your choice.
How Can I Qualify for the Highest-paid Surveys?
If you want to make the most money on a survey site, you’ll want to qualify for the highest-paying surveys. The best way to ensure this happens is to:
- Read all the directions thoroughly and carefully.
- Don’t rush through the surveys. Really think about your answers.
- Log in to the site every day. Surveys change every day, so you never know what might be available to you. Some participants even visit multiple times each day to check on new opportunities.
- Check your email often. Occasionally, you will encounter a special “by invitation only” survey. These are sometimes sent via email.
- Be honest. Don’t fake your answers or try to give answers that you think a company wants to hear. Provide your honest feedback. If you don’t like a particular product or have never heard of the brand being discussed, say so!
Can I Belong to More Than One Survey Panel?
If you want to take surveys for money, there are many survey panels consumers can join. However, belonging to more than one can put your account at risk for all of them. That’s because many of them host the same questionnaires from the same brands.
Doing the same survey more than once is not recommended. In this situation, your account could be flagged for fraud. Even if it is unintentional, you can still be disqualified for future opportunities by submitting duplicate information.
Can I Complete the Same Survey More Than Once?
Usually not. Sometimes, you will encounter surveys that allow you to respond multiple times throughout the week. However, most often, you can only do a survey one time. Typically, once you complete a survey, it will be removed from your list of available surveys.
Can I Have More Than One Account on a Survey Site?
No. This is considered fraud, and your account will be closed. You are only allowed one account per household unless the site specifically states otherwise.
What’s the Deal With Points?
Points are a way for a survey site to track your earnings. Rather than list a cash amount, your profile will show how many points you earn for each survey. When its time to cash out, you will convert your points to cash, gift cards, or some other form of payment.
Each site varies, so you will want to consider this as well. With Branded Surveys, the system is simple. One point is equal to one cent. So for every 100 points, that’s $1.00 for you!
How Do I Get Paid for Surveys?
What’s the best part about taking paid online surveys? Getting paid, of course. And cashing out your earnings is super easy.
First, you’ll want to determine the payment threshold for the site you are working on. With most survey sites, you’ll need to earn a specific amount before you can cash out the first time. This is important since most people like to get their money as quickly as possible. If you join a site where the payout threshold is too high, it can be months before you earn enough to see your money.
For instance, if the site will only let you cash out after you have earned $100, that can get discouraging. But if there is a low payment threshold, you can often cash out the same day you work. Branded Surveys lets users cash out once they have reached 500 points. 500 points is equal to $5.00.
Another important consideration when joining a site is how they pay. Look for sites with multiple payout options. For example, the most popular cashout method on Branded surveys is Paypal. This allows users to transfer their money into their Paypal accounts.
However, Branded also offers a method called Branded Pay, where participants can transfer earnings directly to a bank account.
Alternatively, you can also take your earnings as a gift card. The best part about this method is that users can choose from a massive list of gift cards from popular retailers, restaurants, and services all over the country.
