The Subject of Surveys

Among my many small hobbies and ways to save money (namely, couponing and cloth diapering), is another method called doing surveys. Awhile back, I realized that I really enjoy doing surveys, so I researched and tried to find the best survey websites out there and signed up for them. As for rewards, most of the sites will pay out cash rewards, either paying a certain amount per survey (Pinecone Research) (usually $1-$5) or using a points system (My Survey, Toluna, Lightspeed) (1000 points = $10). Some sites exclusively use prizes (HarrisPoll) so I usually take advantage of the I-gift cards because they give me the most bang for the buck.

I have cashed out checks for over $50 before, gotten prizes in the mail, and I've even been selected to evaluate products such as laundry detergent, mints, baby wipes, and iced tea. BUT the best reward I've ever gotten came in the mail today - a check for $250. Usually each survey you do, regardless of the main reward, also enters you into a cash drawing. And this time, a health survey I did for Ipsos Online Research gave me the goods. So it IS worth it, especially, as with all things, if you enjoy it too.

The best things to remember if you want to start doing this:

• Create a separate email address specifically for things like this. I also use mine to sign up for coupons and freebies that require an email address.
• Be sure to fill out all of the "basic info" surveys. Although they don't earn you rewards, these surveys will help narrow your invites down to ones you are more likely to qualify for saving you more time overall.
  
• Not all surveys work as well for some as they do for others. Factors like age, gender, and the number and ages of kids you have make a big difference in the amount and type of surveys you qualify for.
• Don't do surveys that merely enter you into sweepstakes. You would spend way too much time on them and not have maxiumum results. My rule is I only do surveys that guarantee you a reward, unless they take under five minutes to complete.
  

Here is the list of survey companies I use, in order from best to least:

• Pinecone Research - This comes by exclusive invitation only. If you EVER see a banner for this one, click on it immediately! Each survey they send that isn't labeled "Household Questions" will get you $3, no screening process necessary!
• Harris Poll Online - Gives you points for every survey invitation they send. You can redeem the points for prizes or gift cards but not cash.
• InboxDollars - This company sometimes offers you surveys but it's based on clicking on an email to view an advertisment, and getting paid .10 for it.
• Lightspeed Consumer Panel - I'm kind of newbie to this one, but have been offered many survey invitations that are listed in your panel, and have qualified for most of them. Not sure about the prizes yet but earnings are points-based.
• Ipsos i-Say - Even though I just won a good chunk of cash through them, I don't rate them very high. The point earnings are small and I don't get a lot of invitations. However, if you do not qualify, you usually get a point just for doing the survey. Plus, they do have a fun poll you can do at the end of each survey that enters you into a drawing.
  
• Toluna - Earn points that convert to cash, not a huge fan but it's decent.
  
• Opinion Outpost - I was able to redeem a ton of cash from this one recently, but since then I haven't gotten as many invitations. However, this one rewards cash only prizes.
  
• SurveySpot - I could take it or leave it. I get TONS of invitations but most of them are just for sweepstakes entries, and the few that are for points or money I usually don't end up qualifying for anyway. Plus, I just realized that I haven't been getting credited for any of the surveys I have done. :/
  
• Hotspex - Upon looking for information on how to redeem your points for prizes, I realized that the only things you can use your points for is to enter contests and donate to charity. And donating to charity is great, but I'd rather do that a little differently. So I don't really recommend this company if you want to earn money or cash in for prizes.
  

Those are all of the companies I subscribe to, I do believe. I hope that helps you on your journey to earning more money!