I lately participated in a paid focus group in San Francisco. You recognize, the sort with the one-way mirror on the wall.
We talked about journey habits and preferences for an hour and half, and I obtained paid $150 for my time and opinions. Not dangerous!
(I additionally gained an additional $50 in a raffle for displaying up 10 minutes early, which undoubtedly sweetened the deal.)
The entire thing was fairly fast and painless—and really type of fascinating—which obtained me considering that this might be a enjoyable facet hustle. Particularly if I might do it from dwelling!
So down the rabbit gap I went, looking for different firms that conduct paid analysis research on-line.
And I ought to be aware earlier than we get began that these aren’t the standard firms that pop up whenever you seek for “on-line surveys.” These firms, like Swagbucks and InboxDollars, are legit, however pay relatively little.
(Although generally they do have higher-paying on-line focus teams.)
The businesses I used to be after right here have been those that pay greater sums to make it extra value your time. I earned $100 an hour for my little focus group journey, and you’ll too.
1. Person Interviews
User Interviews facilitates in-person and on-line client conversations about merchandise, web sites, and companies. The pay charges range, however the common appears to be round $50-100 an hour.
I’ve earned $105 by the positioning up to now, in trade for about an hour a half.
In certainly one of my research, I earned a $10 Amazon present card for finishing a brief on-line survey for bald guys! It mentioned it ought to take quarter-hour, however all of the questions have been straight sure/no, so it most likely solely took 5.
Click here to join User Interviews.
Or take a look at our full User Interviews review.
2. Respondent
Respondent is a cool service that facilitates client analysis research on-line—and sometimes pays $100+ an hour!
When you create your account, you’ll be capable to browse all of the open research you may qualify for. The analysis temporary shares the kind of individual the corporate is trying to join with, the anticipated time dedication, and pay charge.
If it appears like a match, reply the temporary screener questionnaire to throw your hat within the ring. Don’t get discouraged in the event you don’t get chosen instantly—I’ve been chosen for five research out of fifty screeners up to now.
Whereas there are some “common inhabitants” research, the best-paying alternatives are for {industry} professionals—as much as $750 an hour!
The corporate takes a 5% processing payment, however the remainder of the funds you earn will hit your PayPal account inside 8-10 days of your examine. (I did a $200 in-person focus group by Respondent and netted $190—not dangerous for a pair hours!)
Click here to join Respondent.
Read our full Respondent.io review here.
3. Uncommon Affected person Voice
A number one supply for medical analysis, Rare Patient Voice pays $100 an hour. You possibly can browse a full listing of accessible research on their website—almost all of that are cellphone or webcam interviews.
When you undergo from any kind of medical situation (even when it’s not tremendous uncommon), this one is value a glance. The positioning is open to residents of United States, Canada, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.
4. Survey Junkie
Whereas most Survey Junkie incomes alternatives don’t pay a lot, you’ll sometimes get emails for better-paying focus group and product testing research.
These admittedly are fairly uncommon, however pay as much as $75.
Nonetheless, energy customers of the common Survey Junkie website/app report incomes as much as $40 a month.
The positioning boasts greater than 20 million members and pays out greater than $1 million each month.
Click here to sign up for Survey Junkie.
Too Many Selections?
Begin right here as an alternative. Punch in your title and e-mail under I will present you step-by-step how one can add $500 to your backside line.
Be a part of the Free 5-Day $500 Problem
You will additionally obtain my greatest facet hustle ideas and weekly-ish e-newsletter. Decide-out anytime.
5. FocusGroup.com
FocusGroup.com affords nationwide paid analysis alternatives. (The positioning is powered by Sago, a number one market analysis firm.)
Be looking out for the “Nationwide” research that pay between $75 and $200. These are scheduled over the cellphone or webcam so you possibly can take the calls from wherever at instances which can be handy to you.
Once I signed up, I answered a number of of the screener surveys however didn’t find yourself qualifying for something but. Nonetheless, website is easy and simple to make use of. For the sake of reference, the research I noticed have been associated to beer, pets, and banking.
Since then, I began to obtain a number of e-mail notifications each month with research. These ranged from round $3 for 15-minute surveys, as much as $125 for an hour-long in-person focus group.
6. PingPong
I used to be excited to find PingPong as a newcomer to the net market analysis area. The service makes a speciality of consumer expertise testing for apps and web sites, with pay charges ranging between €40 and €100 an hour. (Roughly $45-110.)
You may be curious—with the charges in euros—if this one is open to non-Europeans. PingPong let me be a part of as an American and says they welcome testers from everywhere in the world.
Since becoming a member of, I’ve obtained invitations to a number of research however haven’t been in a position to guide one simply but.
7. Fieldwork
Fieldwork was the corporate that hosted the San Francisco focus group I participated in. They’ve places all through the US:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Los Angeles (Orange County)
- Minneapolis
- New York
- Phoenix
- San Francisco
- Seattle
Compensation begins at $75 for collaborating in focus teams, which often final between 1-2 hours. The downside was I obtained paid in Visa present playing cards as an alternative of money, so I went to the grocery retailer and acquired Amazon gift cards with them as an alternative.
8. Product Report Card
One other well-established market analysis firm is Product Report Card. They provide paid surveys, product testing and assessment gigs, and on-line focus teams.
The perfect-paying work is for in-home product exams and distant interviews and focus teams — typically within the $75-$150/hour vary.
Product Report Card may also provide you with a $5 welcome bonus for finishing a brief survey after you be a part of. There’s a $25 minimal to cash-out.
9. Expertise Dynamics
Experience Dynamics makes a speciality of consumer expertise and consumer interface testing (UX and UI). Company shoppers pay Expertise Dynamics to assist “make their customers smile,” they usually flip round and pay individuals such as you for sincere suggestions on web site designs and software program functions.
Based on the positioning, they recruit testers worldwide with all ranges of expertise expertise. Most research pay between $50-$150 {dollars}.
Expertise Dynamics additionally facilitates:
- Subject Research, 1-2 hour interviews at your own home or work.
- Diary Research, the place you to file your ideas over 1-2 weeks.
- Cellphone Interviews
- On-line Focus Teams
- On-line Surveys
10. American Client Opinion
American Consumer Opinion is one other market analysis firm the place you possibly can qualify for a number of surveys a yr.
Annoyingly, they insist on utilizing their very own “digital foreign money” level system. Nonetheless, you possibly can earn as much as $50 value of factors for longer market analysis surveys.
There’s a $10 minimal to money out and you’ll deposit your earnings instantly into PayPal. To present you an incentive to finish the low-paying screener surveys, American Client Opinion will add your title to a month-to-month $50 drawing.
11. FindFocusGroups.com
FindFocusGroups.com is an aggregator service that lists focus teams and paid analysis alternatives across the nation.
At press time, they’d the best-looking interface of most of those websites. The banner advertisements are distracting, however you possibly can simply navigate to discover a listing of research close to you or on-line.
Once I checked the compensation for these ranged from $50 to $200.
12. Mindswarms
Mindswarms is a singular video client analysis platform. They’ll pay you $50 through PayPal to reply 10 questions on a services or products. These research usually take round 10 minutes and might be recorded through your webcam or smartphone.
To create your account you’ll must file a 60-second video about certainly one of your passions. Or you are able to do this by the Mindswarms app on iOS or Android.
13. SurveyFeeds
Just like FindFocusGroups above, SurveyFeeds isn’t a market analysis firm itself, however as an alternative a promising “feed” of paid survey alternatives.
I discovered their Facebook page up to date extra often than their web site, so it may be worthwhile to test there and see what you may qualify for.
The net research I noticed ranged from $75 to $300.
14. Subject Voices
Once I checked out Field Voices, I discovered a pair obtainable research to use for. One was a neighborhood enchancment interview that paid $150 for one hour, and the opposite was a gaggle workshop on snacking habits that paid $300!
This agency works instantly with firms as effectively, which suggests they’re not simply pulling collectively lists of different analysis tasks.
15. SIS Worldwide
Via “compensated interviews” and focus teams, SIS helps manufacturers determine route for his or her merchandise. You possibly can see a full listing of accessible paid research on this page.
I discovered charges from $25-200, relying on the time required and complexity of the subject. SIS recruits contributors from all around the globe, not simply the US.
16. Survey Squad
Survey Squad is a singular aggregator of paid focus group and survey alternatives. (The mother or father firm Focus Ahead helps present contributors to different analysis firms.)
Necessary Notice: The “actual” client research are those that pay $50-250 in money, test, or Visa present playing cards, not Survey Squad factors. The Survey Squad level surveys solely pay the equal of $4-5 an hour 🙁
17. Prolific
When tutorial and analysis establishments want opinions from the overall inhabitants, they flip to Prolific. It’s simple to enroll and begin finishing on-line surveys.
The pay on Prolific is a bit decrease — typically within the $8-15/hr vary. However in my Prolific review, I discovered loads of fast and simple surveys obtainable, and you’ll money out to PayPal.
18. Probe Market Analysis
Shoppers, medical professionals, and executives are in demand for Probe Market Research’s panels. Focus teams pay between $50 and $400, and you possibly can typically take part on-line or over the cellphone.
Main manufacturers enlist Probe to conduct on-line surveys, mystery shopping gigs, mock juries, product trials, and extra.
19. Recruit and Subject
Recruit and Field is without doubt one of the longest-running nationwide market analysis firms. Since 1977, they’ve constructed up a participant database of over 300,000 shoppers, enterprise leaders, and medical professionals.
The corporate works with a lot of name-brand shoppers and usually pays $100-275 for in-person and on-line surveys.
20. dscout
The favored and well-rated dscout app connects you with “partaking analysis missions.” Via these, you may get paid to share your suggestions on a services or products.
Typical research pay wherever from $2 to $100, paid out through PayPal. The largest complaints from customers are that the usually in-depth screener surveys are unpaid.
21. GLG Insights
Much less of a market analysis agency and extra of a consulting market, GLG Insights goals to match you up with their shoppers searching for industry-specific experience. Request to turn into a “Council Member” to get notified when related paid research can be found.
On GLG, you’ll be requested to attach your LinkedIn profile and add a resume (or hyperlink to a web-based resume) to confirm your profession credentials. You can even title your individual consulting charge — often $100-150 and up.
After that, I answered a collection of ethics questions based mostly on GLG’s phrases and circumstances.
22. WatchLab
WatchLab has an obnoxiously insufficient web site, however they declare to facilitate all types of focus teams, usability exams, interviews, mock juries, and extra.
The pay varies relying on the analysis, and could also be within the type of present playing cards or money. I noticed ranges from $100 to $175 for 1-2 hour focus teams. WatchLab have places in San Francisco and Chicago, in addition to on-line choices.
For in-person focus teams you might be paid on the spot, on-line might take 4-6 weeks.
23. 20|20 Panel
Earn $50-150 for on-line focus teams and research. Whereas the web site doesn’t essentially encourage confidence, 20|20 Panel has been round for over 30 years.
24. FocusGroups.org
One other website that pulls in a lot of completely different paid research, FocusGroups.org was a fantastic discover. Once I registered, I noticed on-line focus group choices that paid wherever from $75 to $625!
Matters included pets, hygiene, cooking, luxurious automobiles, and plenty extra. There are some helpful filters you need to use to pick out solely on-line or “Nationwide” research.
25. Focus Insite
I discovered a number of on-line focus teams paying $50-200 on Focus Insite. The corporate popped up in my Instagram feed, a sign they’re actively recruiting new contributors.
You possibly can be a part of their panel database as a medical, technical, or enterprise skilled, or simply as a common client. Alternatively, you possibly can apply on to the obtainable market analysis research listed.
Too Many Selections?
Begin right here as an alternative. Punch in your title and e-mail under I will present you step-by-step how one can add $500 to your backside line.
Be a part of the Free 5-Day $500 Problem
You will additionally obtain my greatest facet hustle ideas and weekly-ish e-newsletter. Decide-out anytime.
Different On-line Focus Group and Paid Analysis Examine Choices
The businesses listed above definitely aren’t the one analysis firms round, and for this facet hustle, it is sensible to hitch as many corporations as you’re snug with.
That means, you’re introduced with all of the alternatives obtainable, not simply the tasks managed by one firm.
Listed here are a number of extra to contemplate:
- PrizeRebel – Earn $10-12 an hour doing surveys or finishing different duties. (Simply keep away from the low-paying ones.)
- UserTesting – Earn $10 for finishing 20-minute on-line consumer exams of internet sites, apps, procuring portals, and extra. That is fairly enjoyable however you must be quick as a result of these exams get snatched up shortly.
- Brutal – Earn $30 an hour to present suggestions on web sites and apps. (Love the title!)
- Pulse Labs – Earn as much as $100 per week offering video suggestions on merchandise.
- Intellizoom – Receives a commission a median of $10 testing and reviewing web sites.
- UserBrain – Obtain new web sites to check each week, an earn $5 for every 5-15 minute take a look at.
- Google User Experience – Google pays present playing cards for suggestions on their merchandise.
- Marketade – Makes a speciality of distant usability testing, market validation, navigation analysis, and extra.
- Engage Studies – Earn as a lot as $100 per focus group by this analysis firm.
- Tell Us Your Opinion – Primarily working in Tulsa however might have on-line/cellphone alternatives as effectively.
- Adler Weiner Research – In-person research in Chicagoland and Southern California, plus distant research nationwide.
- Advanced Focus – Hosts market analysis panels and focus teams in New York Metropolis.
- Nichols Research – Receives a commission to take part in in-person focus teams, primarily in Northern California.
In doing all this analysis, a brand new facet hustle got here to me: internet design and social media for these firms.
I bumped into dozens of severely-outdated websites with copyright dates within the footer going again to 2010 in some circumstances. Their Twitter accounts the place ghost cities and the blogs (if they’d one) hadn’t been up to date in years.
They may have a tough time making gross sales if their on-line presence makes it appear like they went out of enterprise!
On-line Focus Teams Alternate options
As with every facet hustle, there’s a possibility value. As in, what else might you be doing along with your time?
I encourage you to take a look at our monster listing of side hustle ideas, however listed below are a number of which can be equally versatile.
Turn into a Bookkeeper
One of many first jobs that many firms rent out is “somebody to maintain the books.” In case you have expertise on this area, or simply love numbers, becoming a remote bookkeeper might technique to make extra cash.
Most companies don’t want a full-time bookkeeper in order that they’re open to hiring somebody part-time. Most digital bookkeepers cost $100-300 per shopper monthly.
Community with enterprise homeowners domestically or on-line and allow them to find out about your service. It would make sense to take a look at this free training on how to start a remote bookkeeping business.
Various Investments
When you’re after passive income, you may take into account including some alternative investments.
For instance, Fundrise lets you put money into professionally-vetted business actual property. This spreads your threat round with properties in a number of geographical places–and minimums as little as $10.
Cell Notary Service
Turning into a mobile notary loan signing agent is without doubt one of the hottest gigs among the many Aspect Hustle Nation group. The versatile, part-time facet hustle entails strolling new householders by their stack of mortgage paperwork.
Appointments usually take round an hour and pay $75-150.
Begin a Enterprise
One huge disadvantage to focus teams or on-line surveys is you’re restricted in how a lot you possibly can earn. It’s a fantastic facet hustle, however it’ll by no means be a full-time revenue.
Some fashionable options which have extra room for scale are re-selling products or starting a service business.
As an example, my pal Abbey began a digital assistant enterprise whereas she was on maternity depart. Now she helps others do the identical. Take a look at her free coaching on how to get started and land your first clients.
Your Flip
Focus teams or paid analysis research gained’t pay your mortgage, however one or two a month will certainly assist construct your side hustle snowball.
Have you ever had any success in touchdown paid focus group research? What do you consider this little supplemental facet hustle?
Let me know within the feedback under!

Steadily Requested Questions
Is there such factor as a web-based focus group?
Sure! A number of firms facilitate on-line client analysis focus teams, which is nice as a result of meaning you possibly can earn cash from the consolation of your own home or workplace. Take a look at our full listing to study extra.
How a lot do focus teams pay?
The pay for focus teams relies on how lengthy the session lasts. Mostly, you’ll discover charges common round $100 an hour.
The place can I discover legit paid focus teams?
Firms like Respondent, Fieldwork, and FocusGroup.com are all legit facilitators of paid focus teams. Or, for the perfect outcomes, you may strive an aggregator service like FindFocusGroups.com, which swimming pools collectively focus group alternatives from a number of sources. You’ll want to test the listing of suppliers on Aspect Hustle Nation as effectively.
How do on-line focus teams work?
On-line focus teams work both through convention name or extra generally, by a gaggle video chat to extra intently mimic the in-person expertise. A moderator will lead the group dialogue and contributors can chime in by their webcam and laptop microphone or cellphone line.
*********
Stock photo by Akhenaton Photos through Shutterstock