For many people the idea of making money online to participate in short surveys and get paid to try out new products and services sounds like a dream job, but one that isn't really possible because the number of scams that steal your money and personal information.
But the fact of the matter is that there are also many legitimate online programs that will actually pay you to take surveys, mystery shopping and try out the new products from various companies. Businesses want real unbiased opinions from potential customers on whether or not their product will be successful and they are willing to pay a few thousand dollars to find out, rather then spending millions to release a product and find it to be a complete flop.
Identifying SCAMs
So how can you differentiate between those programs which are legitimate and the scams?
- The only way to be sure is to visit a number of web sites which review these survey programs and determine which ones are worth looking into. Make sure the site that contains the reviews is unbiased and reputable to avoid making decisions based on false information.
- You should also try and secure proof that some people have actually received payment from the company and choose the survey program that has a good track record and best fits your needs.
Mystery Shopping
Apart from taking surveys online from the comfort at your own home, getting paid to mystery shop is also something that is appealing to many people.
In mystery shopping, people pay you to try new items and compare goods and keep the items that you use while mystery shopping. This is how some people get paid to watch movies or visits restaurant and shop at the mall. Companies want to see how customers behave in the marketplace and that is the motivation behind paying people to shop, or watch a movie, or eat out.
Research First
Many of these survey programs also have a section where participants can get paid to shop but again, before submitting any personal and financial information, do some research on the program and find out if it is legitimate and reputable.
There are many web sites that are dedicated to reviewing these programs and a quick Google Search on "Get Paid Program Reviews" should help you find some information. Unbiased forums that talk about how to make money online using these programs are also great ways to learn more information. One of the largest get paid forums on the Internet is Get Paid Forums at http://www.getpaidforum.com. There are ways to make money through survey programs; all that is required is some research.
Best Directories
- Mystery Shopping Directory - Free listing of 200+ mystery shopping companies. As the companies are sorted alphabetically, it is very handy to browse the entire database. Highly recommended directory for mystery job seekers.
- Get Paid Surveys Directory - Excellent directory of paid surveys. Reviews and rating about each paid surveys are available. Paid survey companies list are can be found in 3 different formats - regional, special interest and recommended paid survey companies.
More Resources
- Search for Mystery Shopping Guide
at Amazon Store
Popular Articles
- Mystery ShoppingMystery shopping is an excellent way to make extra money. In fact, some people make a full time living doing it. There are many mystery shopping companies that will pay you to shop, eat at restaurants and take part in focus groups. A mystery shop consists of getting paid to go into a business without the employee's knowledge and reporting back to the mystery shopping company.
- How Do You Avoid Online Survey ScamsOnline surveys pay you good money for sharing your comments and feedbacks, mostly through paid online sites. These sites give a bright hope for many people who cannot afford to leave their home to work part time. The bad news is, there are many complaints made against paid online survey sites up to this point.
- Get Paid to Drive Programs Real Deal or NotIs it true that you can get paid to drive your own car? Is this for real, or is it some kind of scam? It is not a scam because there are companies who actually offer this kind of opportunity. And there are real people who are participating in these programs all over the U.S. and Canada, as well as in many other countries.
- Online Paid SurveyAround the world, companies spend over $250 billion dollars a year trying to convince consumers to buy their products and services. And about $800 million dollars is devoted to market research. That's why your opinions on goods and services are so important and as highly paid for.
- What is Mystery Shopping and Can You Really Get Paid to ShopMystery shoppers visit businesses "disguised as normal customers," and do the things other customers do-ask questions, make a purchase, make a return-but with a twist. These undercover customers are there to evaluate the businesses and their employees. After a visit, the mystery shopper completes a report or questionnaire detailing what occurred.