Your Opinion Is Worth Something: Making Money with Online Surveys

We've all seen messages like these creeping into our inbox: "Earn $1,000 per week; all while sitting at home and sipping coffee!" And we've likely all thought that these promises are too good to be true. But are they?

In a word, yes. But that doesn't mean there is no money to be made in taking online surveys. If you have a computer, an internet connection and an opinion, you can make extra money from your own home.

Often, companies enlist the help of research panels; comprised of average consumers like you. These panelists give their opinions about the company's products or services, via online surveys.

Although you probably won't be able to support a family solely by completing surveys, you can earn extra income and free products, just by taking a few short surveys. The key to successfully earning money through surveys is to sign up with several survey sites.

This should cost you nothing; if there's a fee be wary of a scam. By signing on with several sites, you increase the chances that you will be chosen to complete a survey.

When you sign on with a survey site, you offer demographic information, such as your age, ethnicity and household income. Don't worry, though. A credible company will not disclose this information to a third party. If you are selected to serve as a panelist, an email is sent to you inviting you to take a screening test to determine whether you are suitable for the survey.

For example: if the goal is to determine the buying habits of 30-something women, a 55 year-old man would not be a suitable panelist. If you qualify for the panel, you will take a longer survey. You receive compensation for this.

The kinds of compensation you receive from surveys vary widely. You may be paid cash or you sent free products in exchange for providing your opinion about them. In some cases, companies will remunerate their participants by entering them into a sweepstakes.

In order to weed out the scams and there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Ignore all spam emails promising big bucks from surveys. They are scams.

2. Check a search engine for information about the company for which you are considering taking a survey. Oftentimes you will find a wealth of information, both good and bad, about the company. That can be invaluable in making an educated decision. Understand that finding nothing negative doesn't necessarily mean the company has a spotless reputation; use discretion.

The bottom line is this: there is money to be made taking online surveys. You can make some pretty good pocket money taking part in surveys and you won't have to leave your house.

This is a great opportunity for a stay-at-home parent or an at-home worker looking to supplement an already-established income. In summation, paid surveys can be an interesting and easy way to make money online.

About The Author-- Greg is an avid writer has been involved in the survey business for a couple years now. He owns and operates both OnlineBestSurveys and Surveys Needed.

Article Source: Articles island - Free article submission and free reprint articles