Saturday, November 8, 2008

Making Money By Taking Online Survey - Scam or Reality?

By Steve Halladay

Marketing research is an important part of any business as companies need to get customer opinions in order to make crucial business decisions. It is likely that you have completed a survey before that was being used for this exact purpose. Question is - Can you make money filling out surveys?

One of the online business ventures that has recently been advertised offers you cash for completing surveys and giving your opinion. The idea is that since companies find this information worthwhile, they are willing to pay you for your time.

Given the amount of scams in circulation, it's understandable that everyone is asking if it's really possible to make money, simply by completing surveys.

Feelings of scepticism are only to be expected, given the circumstances, but the truth is, yes, there certainly is money to be made. Right at this very moment, there are a vast amount of people, completing surveys and making an attractive second income.

Gaining access to these surveys is of course the first basic step, and for this we will have to locate a suitable survey network and choose between the two different network options available.

Option #1 - Free to Join Survey Networks:

These networks will let you join for free and will email you periodic notifications about survey opportunities. The problem here is that almost all of these surveys will only give you an entry into a sweepstake or some kinda of draw. They don't pay you real money for your time.

In the majority of cases, companies who utilize the services of these networks are small enterprises, lacking the financial power required for paid surveys. Of course, for the novice, the possibility of winning free prizes can be great fun but remember, there will not be any real money to be made. In addition, the odds of you actually winning a worthwhile prize are extremely slim.

Option #2 - Membership Based Survey Networks

This option is used by people who are doing this for a second income or as a real business opportunity.

These paid membership networks typically charge an initial sign-up fee of approximately $35 to $45, in return for unlimited access to scores of lists containing the relevant details for paid survey opportunities.

These networks work with larger companies that are able to offer cash for your opinion as they have good-sized marketing budgets. They are willing to pay money to get your opinion which will help them in their business decisions.

Additionally, the membership based networks are remarkably adept at maintaining good relations with these larger companies, resulting in constantly updated lists of opportunities. It is then up to you, the member, to decide just how much time you are willing to dedicate to completing these surveys. Of course it stands to reason, the more time and effort you invest, the more attractive your returns will be.

Potential members would be well advised to search out reputable networks before signing up, if real money is to be made. Remember, if a network is confident in the service they provide, and they're confident that you will achieve results, they won't have anything to hide, so look for those who offer a money back guarantee.

Completing surveys really does offer the opportunity to earn a second income, an income from the comfort of your own home. Best of luck! - 15224

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