Many of us are looking to pick up a little extra cash these days. Many companies are spending millions with survey companies that are popping up on the Internet right and left to find out what you think. These survey companies offer money and prizes in exchange for your opinion. While you are not likely to ever get rich, you can earn a little extra and possibly pick up a few products you want for free. You may even get some handy discounts you would have missed out on if merchants did not know so much about you.
Avid survey takers spend one or two hours a day taking surveys that last from 5 to 30 minutes. They claim to earn $40.00 to $100.00 per day while getting as much as $250.00 worth of free merchandise by mail per month. Surveys that pay for your participation typically pay from $5.00 to $.50 per survey although occasionally you can find a survey offering a $10.00 to $20.00 gift card.
Survey takers also claim that because they take surveys they receive advertised offers that are more targeted to their needs and wants. They say they are more likely to get discounts and coupon offers specific to their interests, which saves them even more money. For example, if you know you are about to buy a new car or even a new set of tires, completing a few surveys about cars or car parts is likely to bring you in a slew of special offers. If you complete surveys about babies you will likely get a stack of coupons for diapers and other useful baby products. Additionally, people who are coping with chronic illness can often complete surveys about the condition and get special offers as well. For instance, diabetic patients can get free glucose meters or testing materials and other monthly supplies discounted or for free in exchange for completing surveys about their condition.
If you are feeling unheard in the world today, you can find a whole host of political surveys asking your opinion. Imagine a politician or political organization actually paying YOU for your opinion in the form of cash and / or gift cards. It seems reasonable to assume that if they are paying for surveys they might actually be paying some attention to the results.
If your are considering taking surveys as a means of earning a little extra here are some things to consider first:
Surveys that seem to be too good to be true usually are, so avoid surveys that say they will pay you hundreds or thousands of dollars for your opinion. Most of these survey companies are trying to get you to buy something or worse are trying to get your credit card information.
Survey companies should pay you, you should NOT pay them. Never give out your credit or debit card information.
Companies are gathering information so they can market to you. Expect to get email and snail mail advertisements. You may want to get a free email box that you use just for surveys to avoid filling the email box you use daily with spam. Never use your work email address when completing surveys. Your employer is not likely to appreciate the influx of email.
Protect your personal information. While most survey companies are legitimate, like anything on the Internet, there are those companies that exist just to take money from you. Do not give out your personal information such as your social security number or driver’s license. ABSOLUTELY NEVER give provide both.
The IRS considers money you earn taking surveys income. Most companies do not report to the IRS until a survey taker earns $600.00. At this point they are required by law to ask you to complete a W-9 so they can send you a W-2 detailing your earnings for the year. They send a duplicate W-2 to the IRS as well, so do not forget to report your income.
Many surveys will ask you for names and email addresses of your friends. Some will pay for the information while others just say thanks. Make sure you talk to your friends before you provide their personal information. You do not want to loose a friend over a survey.
Be honest, there is no benefit to you to give false information. You will only by targeted by ad campaigns for products and services you do not want at all.
Here are some survey company options:
