FAQs

1. Why can I get paid for filling out surveys and sharing my opinions?

Just in the United States, companies spend over 250 Billion dollars a year trying to convince consumers to buy their products and services. That's a lot of money.

And while the majority of it is spent on advertising, a portion is devoted to research.

You see, understanding how people think and shop, why they buy certain products, etc. ultimately helps companies improve their products and services and make THEM more money.

Knowing this, and that they won't get our help for free, companies are willing to pay people like you and me good money - up to $150 an hour! - for our opinions, because when the dust settles they know they will come out ahead and generate even more profits for themselves.

So you see, this is no "scam." It actually makes a lot of sense doesn't it?

2. So what kind of questions do they ask on the surveys? Examples?

The surveys are generally intended to get your honest opinions on various topics, such as what kind of products you buy, why you choose one product over another, what you think of certain products and how much they cost, how much you spend on various products, etc.

3. I've never heard of a "Focus Group" ... what in the world is that?

A "Focus Group" is a group of individuals selected and assembled by researchers to discuss and comment on, from personal experience, the topic that is the subject of the research. Just like surveys, you simply share your opinions and discuss them with others.

Focus groups are often held online via special communication or chat systems, but they also take place in the "real" world as well. If you are interested in participating in these types of focus groups, we show you how - and you can often earn up to $150 per hour for doing so!

4. Ok, so how long are the surveys? And what about the focus groups?

Surveys are generally made up of anywhere from 20-50 questions, sometimes multiple choice and sometimes with space for you to add your personal comments, etc. In general, the more time it is expected to take to complete the survey, the more you will be compensated. Some take only 5 minutes!

Focus Groups are usually a more lengthly process - lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours or even longer. As with surveys, the compensation rises along with the participation necessary.

Just remember, you'll always know the specifics up front and you pick the ones you like!

5. Are there any special computer, hardware or software requirements?

No, most definitely not. If you are reading this now it means you already have the Internet access and basic web browsing software that you will need to take surveys and get paid for your opinions. It really doesn't matter if you use Windows, Macintosh, or even WebTV.

6. My schedule is pretty hectic, can I do this whenever I want?

Yes! That is probably the best part about surveys and why it's the easiest way for the average person to make some extra cash. It's perfect for everyone because you decide when and how much you want to "work" at any given time. You can do it at your own pace.

Have an extra 30 minutes in the morning before heading off to work? Do you have a few hours available in the afternoon while the kids are out playing? Or maybe it's 2am and for some reason you can't sleep? These are all perfect times to do surveys and get paid!

On the other hand, maybe you get busy with other things and don't have any time to do surveys for awhile. That's perfectly fine! It's not like there's a boss breathing down your neck, or you have to worry about getting fired. You can do surveys when it's convenient for YOU.

7. I'm concerned about privacy issues. Should I worry about this?

As long as you stick to the "legitimate" market research companies, such as the ones in our database, you will not have a problem in this regard. For one simple reason ...

Market research companies know that people like you and I are the lifeblood of their business. They are usually paid by large corporations to conduct surveys on their behalf, but without consumers like us to take their surveys they would be out of business in a hurry.

For this reason, the market research companies take consumers' privacy very seriously. If word got out that a certain market research company was misusing a consumer's personal information or violating their privacy in other ways, they wouldn't be in business very long.

Generally they ask you to provide basic information about where you live, what you do for a living, etc. in order to build your personal "profile". This is how they know which surveys to send you. But you never have to provide any information you are not comfortable giving out.

Each company does have their own specific privacy policy, and if you are curious or concerned about a specific companies' policy you can read it at their websites, etc.

But the bottom line is that as long as you stick to legitimate market research companies, you should not have any problems because these companies have bulletproof privacy policies. Your information is "sacred" because without you and me, they have nothing.

And finally, we at SurveyGalaxy do not, have not, and will not ever give your personal information to anyone (unless you ask us to).

8. How many surveys can I take, and how much money will I make?

There are NO limits to the number of surveys or focus groups you can participate in.

Generally speaking, the number of surveys you'll take depends on the number of companies you register with, the amount of information you provide them, and your personal "profile."

Some surveys are very specific, and not everyone will "qualify" for every survey. For example, a particular survey might only be open to women between the ages of 25-45 who live in Canada. Another survey might only be open to single men who use cologne, etc.

Of course, a lot of surveys are very general and just about anyone can take them.

In the end, there are plenty of survey opportunities for just about everyone. It doesn't really matter if you are male or female, live in the U.S. or not, are a college student or have a full-time job, etc. There is no one "profile" that regularly qualifies for more surveys than the rest.

Many people report taking surveys right away - anywhere from a few hours to a few days after they start registering. But keep in mind that many companies only send out a few surveys per month, so it will usually be a few weeks before you start getting a lot of surveys.

But again, this depends on how many companies you register with, how quickly you register, and your personal "profile." Everyone's experience is a little different.

What I can tell you is that I have personally registered with about 250 companies and I receive more survey invitations than I can handle. And there are a lot of people who make thousands of dollars per month from surveys and focus groups. It's entirely up to YOU!

Of course, because it depends on all of these outside factors that we here at SurveyScout have no control over, we can not and do not guarantee that you will be able to take any specific number of surveys or that you will make any specific amount of money.

Truthfully, anyone who promises you will get to take X number of surveys per week, or that you will make X amount of money per month, is lying to you. How could they know that?

There is just no way that we or anyone else can tell you exactly how many surveys you'll take or how much money you'll make. What we suggest is that if this is something you're interested in, just give it a try and see how it goes. You have nothing to lose ...

9. Do I need to fit a certain "profile" to take surveys successfully?

Everything about you - where you live, whether you have a job or go to school, what kind of car you drive, whether you are single or married, etc. - makes up your personal "profile".

And this profile is what market research companies use to match you up with the surveys and focus groups that are most applicable to you. After all, there's no sense in wasting anyone's time by sending you a survey about things you have no interest in or experience with.

While your "profile" is one of the most important factors that will determine the type and number of survey invitations you receive, there is no such thing as a "good" or "bad" profile. Each and every person simply has a different profile, as everyone in the world is a little different.

It doesn't matter if you are single or married, have a job or stay at home with the kids, drive a car or ride a bike, flunked out of school or have a Master's degree - because everyone's opinions are valuable to the market research companies and the clients that hire them.

So the short answer is "no" - you do not need to worry about fitting a certain profile in order to get paid for your opinions. If you are 18 years of age or older, this is for you.

10. Can anyone do this? What if I don't live in the United States?

Most paid survey opportunities require that you are at least 18 years of age, but other than that there are no specific requirements. You do not need any special qualifications or skills. However, if you are under 18 years of age we do not recommend surveys for you at this time.

Survey opportunities are NOT limited to U.S. residents - everyone is welcome.

Some surveys are very specific, and not everyone will "qualify" for every survey. For example, a particular survey might only be open to women between the ages of 25-45 who live in Canada. Another survey might only be open to single men who use cologne, etc.

Of course, a lot of surveys are very general and just about anyone can take them. In the end, there are usually plenty of survey opportunities for just about everyone.

We can't tell you exactly how many surveys you'll get on a weekly or monthly basis, because that depends on many outside factors we have no control over, but we hear from members outside the U.S. all the time who are shocked at the number of surveys available.

Concerned you won't be eligible for many surveys because you live outside of the U.S.?

That is usually not the case, but there's only one way to find out. If this is something you're interested in, we suggest you just give it a try and see how it goes. You have nothing to lose because we offer a 90-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

11. Do I get paid by the hour? On a per-survey basis? And how much?

In the case of certain focus groups you may be paid by the hour, but generally you are paid a set amount for participating in a survey, focus group, or other opportunity.

Most companies will pay you cash, but some will give you free products, gift certificates, a chance to win bigger prizes, or "points" to be redeemed for products, cash, etc.

12. Can you tell me when, by whom, and exactly how I will be paid?

Each time you participate in a survey, focus group, or other paid opportunity, the particular company that is giving or sponsoring the opportunity will pay you directly.

These are often market research firms hired by other companies - both large and small - to do various types of market research on their behalf. That is just how the industry works.

Usually, but not always, payments to you will be in U.S. funds. If you do not live in the U.S. you simply deposit these payments with your bank or other financial institution and they will convert the U.S. funds to your local currency for you automatically. It's no problem.

When and how you're compensated depends on the specific opportunity you participate in.

Some will pay instantly online via PayPal, others will send you a check in the mail, etc. Just remember, you'll always know the exact details up front, and you pick the ones you like.

Once you get going you could have a steady stream of cash and free stuff all the time!

13. What about taxes on the money I make ... how does that work?

If you're a U.S. citizen, you'll be considered an "independent contractor" for income tax purposes, and no income or other taxes are withheld from the payments you receive.

Any company that pays you over $600 in a calender year is required to send you a Form 1099, and you're supposed to include this as "miscellaneous income" on your tax return.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to ask an accountant or other tax professional for the answer to this question, and how it might apply to you in your location.

Please note that we are not accountants and are not qualified to provide accounting, tax, or other legal advice. Our answer is based on our understanding of the tax rules, and how we handle this situation ourselves. Always check with your accountant or other tax professional.

14. You mentioned PayPal - do I need to have a PayPal account?

Definitely not. If for one reason or another you can't or don't want to get yourself a free PayPal account, there are still plenty of survey opportunities for you to participate in.

There are only a handful of companies that only pay via PayPal, and you can simply skip these and work with the 100s of others that are happy to pay you via check or other means.

15. Are you a survey company? What exactly does SurveyCity do?

No, we are not a survey or market research company. What we do is provide you with access to our database that lists hundreds of the best paid survey companies and opportunities - updated regularly. This includes links directly to their online registration forms.

But that's not all. We have a lot of experience and in our "Intro" guide we also provide tips, tricks and strategies to help you make more money and ensure you get off to a fast start, PLUS special software that will help you to fill out your surveys up to 300% faster!

Basically we provide everything you need to take advantage of paid survey opportunities!

16. How do I know SurveyCity is legitimate and this isn't some scam?

We could list all sorts of reasons, but there would be no easy way for you to verify most of what we said - so we won't even bother mentioning them. Some people even ask to contact our existing customers, but our strict privacy policy prohibits disclosing that type of information.

If you're really curious, go to Google and search the web for the term "SurveyCity" - you'll find 100s if not 1000s of other websites that highly recommend our site and our service.

We are also one of the most highly-rated sites at ClickBank - one of the Internet's largest payment processors. We are consistently ranked as one of the Top 5 websites in the highly-competitive "Money & Employment" category. No "scam" could achieve that!

There is one thing that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that this isn't a "scam" ...

... The fact that we use ClickBank.com and PayPal.com to process our orders - quite possibly the Internet's largest and most prestigious payment processors.

To make a long story short, these huge companies (PayPal.com is owned by eBay!) only process orders for legitimate websites - not fly-by-night companies and rip-off artists.

If we didn't provide a valuable service for a fair price, provide great customer service, honor refund requests (very rare!), etc. then the Internet's two largest payment processors would not continue to process our orders. They have very strict rules about that "stuff".

Think about it ... It's not like we're asking you to send cash to a P.O. Box or something. Now THAT would be indicative of a "scam", and you should never do that.

You want to know the bottom line - something that most merchants won't tell you? If you were not satisfied with SurveyCity and we refused to issue a refund, all you would have to do is contact the payment processor directly and they would issue a refund automatically.

It really is as simple as that. This is no scam, and you have nothing to lose.

17. How is SurveyCity different from other similar membership sites?

While there are other sites that appear similar to SurveyCity, we aren't aware of any that offer the same level of services that we do. The two main differences between SurveyCity and "other" sites is our exclusive database, and our friendly customer support.

Truthfully, the reason we started SurveyCity is because we couldn't find another source of quality "paid survey" opportunities anywhere. Believe it or not, most other websites share the same list - including tons of dead links, companies that no longer do surveys, etc.

On the other hand, we only list the best paying opportunities, and we update our database regularly. In fact, we have someone whose only job is to scout out quality "get paid for your opinion" programs, check them out, and keep our database up to date. You'll be impressed!

Aside from our database, we're also known for our great customer support. While most other sites won't even reply to your email, we provide a prompt and personal reply to every inquiry we receive, whether you're an existing member or not. Usually within a few hours.

If you're interested in getting paid for your opinions, SurveyCity is the only site you need to join. Between our up-to-date database, tips, tricks and strategies in our members-only site, and great customer support, you'll have everything you need to cash in on surveys!

18. Exactly how many survey companies are listed in your database?

At the moment you loaded this webpage there were exactly 496 companies in our dynamic database - more than enough to keep you busy for as long as you want. We link you directly to their websites so you can register with the ones you like and get started right away.

However, we're always on the lookout for additional opportunities for our members to get paid for their opinions, so this number will slowly grow over time.

19. How many pay in cash vs. free products, points, or sweepstakes?

At this time, 27% of the market research companies in our database pay only in cash.

A few of these pay in gift certificates to places like Amazon.com, Target, Walmart, etc. which we consider to be the same as cash since you can buy things there you would buy anyway. Let's face it, a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com is in reality just as good as cash.

Another 62% of the market research companies in our database reward survey takers via "Cash & Prizes". What this means is that sometimes they pay in cold hard cash, and other times they reward you with prizes, free products, "points" redeemable for cash or prizes, etc.

It's important to understand how market research works ...

9 out of 10 times a market research firm is hired by another company to conduct research and surveys on their behalf. Thus, the reward or incentive for any particular survey usually depends on what the market research companies' client is offering at any given time.

So for example, one month a market research company might offer a free product or prize drawing (usually the odds are pretty good!) and the next month they may offer a $50 to $150 survey and/or focus group. It all depends on what their current clients are offering.

This is why we strongly suggest that you get yourself registered with as many of the market research companies as you possibly can, because you just never know who will be offering what, and when. Do NOT make the mistake of only registering with those listed as "Cash" only.

Finally, the remaining 11% currently pay only in prizes, free products and/or "points". Points redeemable for cash are great, you just have to build it up before getting paid.

20. How often is your database updated? And are the companies legit?!

The heart of the SurveyCity member website is our database of market research companies and sites that will pay you for your opinions. We've literally researched thousands of companies, and list only the best of the best in our database - which is updated regularly.

Unfortunately, a lot of the "opportunities" you see advertised are scams - they don't pay as promised, they bombard you with advertising after you register with them, etc.

We help you avoid all the hassle and frustration of dealing with these types of companies by listing only the best ones in our database. We've checked them out, they are all legitimate, we use them ourselves, and they compensate survey participants as promised.

21. How soon after I sign-up can I get started and make some money?

Once you sign-up you can get started immediately. This is not to say you will be offered surveys or make money within an hour after joining, but there are several things you need to do in preparation of taking surveys - and you can do these things immediately upon joining us.

Some people start receiving surveys within a few of hours, but the average wait is usually at least a few days. It really depends on your "profile", and which companies you register with.

Please keep in mind that many market research companies only send out 1-2 surveys a month. With these it will take at least a few weeks before you are entered into their system and start receiving surveys from them, depending on when you register.

So for example, if you only register with 10 programs and they all happen to only send out 1 survey a month, it will take at least a few weeks before you see any surveys.

It's crucial to register with as many as you can - you will NOT make a lot of money from any one company. We introduce you to 100s of companies, and the more you register with the more surveys you can take. It's that simple. Once you get going you can do surveys every day.

Unfortunately we can't tell you which companies are "best" for you, because it really depends on you - who you are, where you live, what you do for a living, and all of the other things that make-up your personal "profile" which is what determines the surveys you'll be offered.

... but don't worry, because before long you'll know which ones are best for you. Most people end up favoring a handful of 20-30 companies that send them the "best" surveys.

What I can tell you is that I have personally registered with about 250 companies and I receive more survey invitations than I can handle. And there are a lot of people who make thousands of dollars per month from surveys and focus groups. It's entirely up to YOU!

22. Is surveycity.org a member of the Better Business Bureau?

SurveyCity is currently not a member of the BBB because one of the requirements to become a member is for the site to be online for at least one year. When we reach the one year mark, we intend to apply for membership in the BBB.

More importantly, our payment processors (ClickBank.com and PayPal.com) are very well-known and extremely reputable companies. And they require us to operate in a "legitimate" fashion which includes providing adequate customer service, honoring refund requests, etc. If we didn't do these things they wouldn't continue processing our registrations, so maybe that will put your mind at ease.

23. The $14.99 US - is that a recurring fee? Are there any other fees?

You pay only a one-time SurveyCity registration fee of $14.99 US. This is for unlimited access to the SurveyCity Private Members-Only website, which is updated regularly and always details the best and most up-to-date paid survey opportunities, plus tips, tricks and strategies.

We accept only US funds. If you're paying online via credit card or check and the US dollar is not your native currency, our payment processor or your bank will handle the conversion automatically. If you're mailing in a check or money order, it must be payable in US funds.

You do not have to pay any other fees, to us or anyone else. No legitimate market research company would ever require you to pay to participate in surveys or focus groups.

24. I don't understand ... why does SurveyCity have a membership fee?

The most difficult part about making money with paid surveys is finding and sorting through all the market research programs out there. And some of them are "scams" - they don't pay as promised, they bombard you with more advertising, their telemarketers call you during dinner, etc.

It would take you months to find, evaluate, and keep track of all the good opportunities!

The service we provide will save you a tremendous amount of time, hassle, and "trial and error" versus trying to do it all yourself. We have years of experience with paid surveys, and our private website lists only the best paid survey opportunities - and it's updated regularly.

Plus, our members-only website also provides detailed tips, tricks, and strategies that will help you to make more money, as quickly and as easily as possible.

In short, the small one-time fee is required because we spend a tremendous amount of time finding, researching, and evaluating all of the companies, developing our private members-only website, and making it all available to you. You'll find it's a tremendous value.

25. Ok, but why can't you just take the fee out of my survey earnings?

We would if we could, but that just isn't possible since we are not the ones who will be paying you. You may want to read some of the other FAQs on this page that go into more detail, but we are not a survey or market research company and thus we don't pay you for surveys.

What we do is provide you with access to our database that lists hundreds of the best paid survey opportunities - updated regularly. This includes links directly to their online registration forms.

We also provide tips, tricks and strategies to help you make more money, and an easy-to-use web-based software system for keeping track of the 100s of opportunities available.

Basically we provide everything you need to take advantage of paid survey opportunities!

26. I've heard you shouldn't have to pay to get paid. Can you explain?

We agree, with one point of clarification. You should never pay a company in order to perform work for them and get paid. No legitimate company would charge you a fee to work for them.

If you are wondering how this applies to SurveyCity, none of the survey companies we introduce you to charge a fee. It's always quick and easy, and free, to register for surveys.

The small one-time fee you pay to become a member of SurveyCity is NOT for the opportunity to work for us - because we don't conduct surveys and we aren't the ones that'll be paying you.

What you are paying for is unlimited access to our private members-only website, our database of hundreds of the best paid survey opportunities, our experience, and detailed tips, tricks and strategies that will help you to make as much money as possible.

In short, the small one-time fee is required because we spend a tremendous amount of time finding, researching, and evaluating all of the companies, developing our private members-only website, and making it all available to you. You'll find it's a tremendous value.

27. I'd like to start right now - is it safe to use my credit card online?

No, the safest way to pay is via PayPal. If you do not have paypal you can sign up for free. You will be able to transfer money in your account from your bank or from credit card. This is the safest way to make payment on the internet.

28. What are the different payment options available when registering?

You have 2 different options for paying the one-time registration fee of $14.99 U.S.

Using Credit Cards without using PayPal is not safe payment option for our customer. If you don't want to pay by check or money order and don't have paypal then you can sign up for FREE.

Option 1 is to pay via your PayPal.com account. To get started immediately you'll want to make sure you use PayPal's "Instant Transfer" feature in order to receive instant access to our private members-only website. If you use PayPal's "eCheck" feature you will have to wait 3-5 business days for your payment to clear (this depends primarily on your bank).

Option 2 is to fill out the printable registration form and mail it to us along with a check or money order in U.S. funds. In the case of a check we will contact you once your payment has cleared, and in the case of a money order we'll contact you immediately upon receipt.

In this case, simply go to your bank or other financial institution and ask them for a bank check, cashier's check, or money order made payable in U.S. funds. You can send cash if you would like. Just right email clearly or type it. Once We receive it we will send you login name.

*The SurveyCity suggests PayPal payment because it is the best on the web. It is the safest way to make a payment transaction. After payment you will receive login name and password.

29. If I change my mind, can I cancel my account and get a refund?

If after reviewing the SurveyCity private members-only website and trying a few surveys you aren't thrilled with how easy we've made it to make some extra cash, just let us know within 90 days and we'll give you a full money-back refund. You have nothing to lose.

While we will have to cancel your account and you'll no longer have access to our members-only website, you will be able to keep any money that you've earned up to that point.

And unlike other sites that make you jump through hoops in order to get a refund, our policy is simple: If you ask for a refund, you get a refund. No questions asked. All you have to do is email us and we'll issue a refund via the same method that you used to pay.

That's how confident we are you'll be thrilled with your SurveyCity membership!