How Survey Sites work

Marketing is big business. By learning to target products at the right people, companies cut their advertising spend and increase sales. Add to that the focus group world of politics and the media, and it's clear why businesses pay for your opinions.

Better still, because the whole point is focusing on different types of people, you don't need special qualifications. You just need to be you.

How to take part

There are two ways to take part:

Online survey sites. All you have to do is sign up, wait for survey alerts to land in your inbox, then zip through the questions. Survey sites then add the cash to your account. Polls are often fun – you get to vent about everything from video games to your sex life. For a full how-to, see Survey Sites below.

Focus groups. Traditional market research focus groups pay much more per session, but you're limited to a few a year. All it involves is giving opinions on the chosen subject, usually with free refreshments, and you can walk away with anything from £30 to £160. See Focus Groups below for more.

Some inspiration...

Dedicated survey-stashers can make £200 a year in cash and vouchers. Some Forumites have even pushed it to the max and made £800 a year.

While we don’t want to give anyone the impression this is a way to earn thousands instantly, a little bit of inspiration may just help. Please add your successes to the Survey Sites forum discussion.


  Survey sites: The DOs & DON'Ts

Before you become a survey stasher, there are a few things worth knowing. Remember, patience and consistency are key virtues.

✕ DON'T store cash in survey accounts

✔ DO set up a dedicated email address

✕DON'T expect to be instantly rolling in it

✔ DO spend gift vouchers ASAP

✕DON'T tell porkies

✕DOn't forget to check your emails

✔DO keep a log

✕DON'T forget tax

✔DO complain via Facebook and Twitter

✕ DON'T pay to join

✔DO refer a friend

✕ DON'T worry too much about screenouts