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Free Online Surveys...are they really free?
It's a question I get asked often.. "Free online Surveys" are they for real, or are they all scams?
I have updated this page with much more information, including little known surveys that can make you a good deal of money for not a whole lot of time, to see this updated page,
The truth is that you really can get paid for taking free online surveys. But... of course there are a few important things you need to know.
So, I'm going to separate fact from fiction for you and try to save you hours of research on the internet!
You may ask, why are these survey sites willing to pay ME for simply filling out a survey?
Great question.
Marketing research companies pay regular people to complete free online surveys, all the with the purpose of discovering what the consumer really wants and what will sell.
Depending on the feedback, these companies will change the product name, product packaging, even the product itself based on how the consumer rates the product.
When research companies need the opinion of a certain demographic, (for example moms with young childen at home)they can reach literally thousands of these individuals via the miracle of the internet.
Now I find it only fair to tell you that there are many times that you may not fit the demographic they are looking for, so don't be surprised if the surveys you actually take are few and far between.
How it works:
The survey company will usually ask you to take a short "screener" or qualifying survey just to see if you fit the demographic they are looking for.
For example, if Mott's apple juice is conducting a survey on new packaging for their new juice boxes, they are probably going to want to find moms with school age children who also happen to drink Mott's apple juice regularly or who are at least familiar with the brand.
Why?
Because these moms and their kids are more invested in
their product and will probably be the ones buying it, so their opinion
matters a great deal!
So now you may see why it is not so easy to make a lot of money doing free online surveys.
First you have to qualify to even complete the survey and not everyone will qualify!
The truth is, you won't make a lot of money taking onlike surveys.
A more realistic expectation is that you might make some extra spending money or win an entry to a sweepstakes.
This may be the opposite of what you have seen promised on the internet.
Perhaps you have seen banner ads with headlines such as "earn thousands a week completing surveys from home!"
These are all scams and you should avoid them at all costs.
Click here to see my page on paid survey scams.
This page will give you more details on how to avoid and recognize survey scams.
It is important to know that you should never have to pay to complete a survey. Remember, they should be paying you!
This means that you shouldn't have to pay some outrageous membership fee to get a list of survey companies that pay.
With a little time and effort, you can find these legitmate survey companies, on your own, for free!
Well, and you can also click here to see my list of legit survey sites!
Another important thing to note is that legitimate survey sites should never ask for your credit card information as they will pay you by check or via paypal.
For a great book giving you all the ins and outs of how to avoid scams, I suggest checking out the following book:
I Got Scammed So You Don't Have To!: How to Find Legitimate Work at Home and Random Jobs in a Scamming Economy
Some extra tips...
When you go to these sites, just know that they will ask for some personal information.
I'm talking name, address and date of birth, any children, etc.
However, they should never ask you for your social security number.
Again, they have to be able to fit you in a certain demographic to know which surveys will be a good fit for you but even this information is to be protected as best you can, so read the terms and conditions before giving it out.
You can never be too cautious when it comes to this!
Also....
Make sure the website states somewhere in their terms and conditions that they are not selling your information to a third party.
Do not rush through the sign up process or you are liable to miss something. Take your time and read it all carefully!
Ok, so I know you have been very patient and if you have actually read through all my dire warnings, then kudos to you!!
Now, here is the fun part!
I've compiled a list of legitimate survey sites. It is a free list and although you now have all the tools you need to find free online surveys, don't forget to research, research, research!
So now, what are you waiting for?
Go get paid for taking online surveys!
For even more in depth information, check out my page on paid online surveys right here!
Click here to see my list of free paid survey sites!
Looking for other ways to earn money at home?
Click here to return from Free online Surveys to:
15 ways to make a supplemental income
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