GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 6, 2012 20:27:26 GMT -5
I've been looking for interesting ways to bring in a little cash. I found a few focus groups and research surveys on Craigslist and applied for some. I've been asked to participate in 2 next week -- $300 for 4 hours work talking about snacks ( ) and sharing my opinion on current events ( ). But, I'm a little nervous. How do I know these things are legit? Have any EEers done these? I don't want to walk into a serial killer's trap. But, heck $300 for 4 hours work with my clothes ON is no chump change, kwim? Any advice?
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Jan 6, 2012 20:38:08 GMT -5
If they ask you for any money before you start, don't do it as it probably is a scam. It shouldn't cost you anything to participate.
Look them up on the Better Business Bureau once you find out who they are.
Search the internet for any comments , positive or negative, once you get the company name.
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rovo
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Post by rovo on Jan 6, 2012 20:40:58 GMT -5
I've done a bunch of focus groups over the years for electronic components. They want your opinion for a product or an ad for a product. Nothing to it. Just be open and candid. It is not necessary to try to appease them as they want to hear what you think.
DO NOT just sit there and say nothing when they ask questions. The focus group hosting org. is a company and the product owner is their client. If you get "good marks" for participation from the hosting org., then you will be invited back for further focus group sessions.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jan 6, 2012 20:42:27 GMT -5
Interesting. Where did you find them on craigslist?
I agree research the company. The only one I have my name into appears to be going out of business and I used to drive by their building regularly. If you can find a company website it may give you a hint if they are legit.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 6, 2012 21:18:56 GMT -5
If they ask you for any money before you start, don't do it as it probably is a scam. It shouldn't cost you anything to participate. Look them up on the Better Business Bureau once you find out who they are. Search the internet for any comments , positive or negative, once you get the company name. Good point about me not paying them anything before I start, Tenn. I want THEM to pay ME. ;D
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 6, 2012 21:21:21 GMT -5
I've done a bunch of focus groups over the years for electronic components. They want your opinion for a product or an ad for a product. Nothing to it. Just be open and candid. It is not necessary to try to appease them as they want to hear what you think. DO NOT just sit there and say nothing when they ask questions. The focus group hosting org. is a company and the product owner is their client. If you get "good marks" for participation from the hosting org., then you will be invited back for further focus group sessions. Thanks, Rovo. Good advice. I am genuinely open and candid so that part should be a breeze. I sometimes struggle with diplomacy with regard to subjects I am REALLY passionate about, but, otherwise, am fairly adept at offering constructive comments.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 6, 2012 21:27:45 GMT -5
Yes, I have done focus groups many times and they are the easiest money you will ever make and legitimate as well. Many pay in cash too. I have actually offered a focus group to someone that entailed being fed sandwiches and asked to opine about football for an hour for $60.00 and was asked so many questions about it (I was not the recruiter) that I vowed never to tell anyone about a focus group again. Some focus group rules. They will only use use once every 6 months to a year, so don't call weekly or you will be blacklisted. When you go to a group, you never know anyone there. If your mother is also on the group, shut up, both of you may be disqualified and sent home. They want groups of strangers, so don't admit your friend is the recruiter or that your friend referred you. By the way, you can forget about checking the Better Business Bureau about a focus group, the client contracting the group, the company doing the focus group and the facility where the groups are held are three different places. Many, many companies use the same facility. Some large ones in New York are Schlesinger Associates and Focus Pointe. Always come early. If they overbook, they may send you home, cash in hand without doing damn all. The ones most likely to get this deal are the early-birds to discourage late arrival. When you take screeners, write down your answers and memorize them. If you answer differently on re-screen, you may be kicked out. These groups can be serious, serious money. Mock Juries are often recruited through focus groups, and although longer, they can pay $300.00/day, cash in hand. Poorest paying are focus groups for radio stations where you have to rate songs for their playlists. Focus groups may also require you to do "homework" like making collages. This is to better access your subconscious mind. I know one company that attaches electrodes to your head, I kid you not, but something like that is 1 in a million. Have a blast. THANK YOU, TT!!!!! I found these ads all on my own while digging on Craigslist, so it's not likely that I will know anyone there (reasonably large metro area but not New York). I will arrive early. I did not keep note of my answers to the screening questions, but I don't recall "stretching" on any of them, so I should be okay if I just answer as honestly as the first go round. I am not necessarily opposed to electrodes, but I wouldn't ever volunteer for anything physically invasive. But, on the electrodes, I've gotta guess that they're after far more than the participant's verbal comments... As for the frequency of participating in such events, is it once every 6 months per client or once every 6 months for the focus group organizer? Thanks again!
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 6, 2012 21:33:13 GMT -5
Interesting. Where did you find them on craigslist? I agree research the company. The only one I have my name into appears to be going out of business and I used to drive by their building regularly. If you can find a company website it may give you a hint if they are legit. Optimist, they are at the end of the Jobs categories under "ETC".
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 6, 2012 21:52:23 GMT -5
You are not supposed to go on any focus group for any client, facility whatever more than every 6 months. Needless to say, I lie like a rug and have broken that rule many times, but if you get caught, it's best to say something like, "Someone called me out of the blue, I thought it was your secretary or I would never have taken the group." When you are caught working for several different recruiters, it is a big no-no. But, how do I know who the recruiter is? Will he/she identify him/herself in a phone call or email?
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 6, 2012 22:29:09 GMT -5
Some focus groups are videotaped ~ just an FYI. And most have pretty decent snacks. ;D
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2012 22:55:32 GMT -5
I have done some in the past and they ranged from $25 - $50 for an hour or less of effort. The higher paying ones always had a 'screening' because they were looking for target customers. If this is a no screening, just show up deal, I don't see why it would be such high $s ($75 per hour???). If its legit you probably get screened there and may or may not be accepted.
$300 seems rather high for a no special expertise focus group of 4 hours. I think I'd be VERY wary of that. Do you know the marketing company's name so you can look them up and see if the company, approach & location are legit?
It seems like it's a 'too good to be true' scenario. Maybe you don't get paid in $s, but via a weekend stay at a lovely TIMESHARE property ;D
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 7, 2012 10:59:56 GMT -5
I have done some in the past and they ranged from $25 - $50 for an hour or less of effort. The higher paying ones always had a 'screening' because they were looking for target customers. If this is a no screening, just show up deal, I don't see why it would be such high $s ($75 per hour???). If its legit you probably get screened there and may or may not be accepted. $300 seems rather high for a no special expertise focus group of 4 hours. I think I'd be VERY wary of that. Do you know the marketing company's name so you can look them up and see if the company, approach & location are legit? It seems like it's a 'too good to be true' scenario. Maybe you don't get paid in $s, but via a weekend stay at a lovely TIMESHARE property ;D I was pre-screened. And the company and location do appear legit. There IS a unique twist to one of the focus groups that matches a rare personal quality I possess. ;D (Note: I did NOT say "physical" quality, LOL.) But, I will still keep a wary eye open. I don't want no stink in' timeshare visit, LOL.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 7, 2012 12:10:02 GMT -5
So, TT, I should just pick a recruiter and work with him/her exclusively? Call every 2-3 months to see if he/she has anything for me?
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 7, 2012 12:12:19 GMT -5
I did one of the mock jury trials once. I took a vacation day from work and made $150 cash. Mr. Sroo did it with me, so $300 into the family pot. It was pretty interesting. That does sound interesting. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, I doubt I would get called for one of those. That's okay. The personal reasons also usually disqualify me from jury duty, too. I support the jury system, but my personal participation isn't welcomed.
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ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ
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Post by ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ on Jan 7, 2012 18:23:32 GMT -5
Ever since early this afternoon, I've been getting a stupid popup msg at the bottom of my screen every time I come to EE, asking if I want to visit/join some site for a Target audience project. It's getting very annoying.
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Jan 8, 2012 7:17:10 GMT -5
Actually, some agencies do allow you to come more frequently than 1-2x/year as long as the products and/or clients (food vs toothpast, P & G vs ConAgra).
I live in metro Chicago and Parryam & Kroll has suggested I check in routinely. Must remember to do.
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Bob Ross
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Post by Bob Ross on Jan 9, 2012 11:14:15 GMT -5
If they want to hook electrodes up to your genitalia, they are probably NOT on the up and up. Don't ask.
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