Market research focus groups

Traditional market research can also be a banker. Companies pay cash for taking part in focus groups. These take place at a pre-organised address, in your own home, on the phone, or online in a designated chat forum.

All it involves is giving opinions on the chosen subject, usually over sarnies and a cuppa, and you can walk away with anything from £30 to £160.

You can only do one or two a year

The catch is agencies restrict the amount of focus groups a person can do, typically to one every six months - and that's not just with their own agency, but ANY agency. Though if you sign up for a few and combine it with other income-boosters, it's a welcome addition.

To get started, sign up with the following agencies. As the number of focus groups you can attend is limited, we've picked the ones with solid feedback from MoneySavers.

01

              Saros 
                    big name agency with plentiful focus goups

Established agency Saros typically pays £30 to £100 for two hours' work. You're only allowed to take part in two discussions per year, and it can take a while before you're selected.

MoneySavers report when you do get picked, it's easy cash. Forumite LEJC says: "I did a three-hour forum at a local hotel on the concept of chocolate, and got paid £50. I tasted three pieces of chocolate, had a lovely bacon roll and unlimited tea - not too bad for a morning's work."

02

            Focus4People
                     mainly in the south east and london

It's possible to earn £40 to £100 a time with Focus4People. Most focus groups take place in London and the south east of England, but it also runs telephone and online sessions, so it's worth everyone joining.

Forumite MartinLewisisalegend says: "Without wishing to brag - I got £90 for the one focus group I attended. Cash in hand on the day for a couple of hours giving my opinion - I highly recommend it."

03

         Researchopinions
                 top for northerners

A must-join for northerners, Research Opinions runs most of its focus groups in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It recruits for focus groups, individual depth interviews and online sessions.

04

          Headbox
                Good for teenagers & young people 

MoneySavers report hip agency Headbox is especially good for teenagers and young people. While it doesn't send as many requests as some other agencies, when you get lucky, payment's generous.

MoneySaver lindauk says: "I signed up to headbox months ago and hadn't heard anything. Then I got an email today to complete a little task and get £10 paid straight into my Paypal account. Not bad for 10 minutes work, if that."

05

          Indiefield 
              a good bet for londoners

Another big player is Indiefield. Be sure to update the profile section - your postcode, age and gender means you will be notified of pertinent research events in your area.

Most focus groups are in London, and MoneySavers say they typically pay £35 a time.

06

        FocusForce
             within the m25

While we've a little less feedback on this agency, FocusForce holds focus groups within the M25, mostly after work, typically paying £40 - £50 a survey. Keep an eye on the site's ‘project applications' section.