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Review content:
When you manage to hedge your way into this marketing panel, you are sworn to secrecy. I would imagine the ritual is similar to the one FreeMasons swear to... blood of the firstborn type deal. Stagnant robes and pungent candles...
Ok, not really, but they are kinda strict about you running around and telling your friends. I cannot blame them, either. You get cash in an envelope if you are invited to a focus group discussion panel, tax-free, and usually at least $50, sometimes more.
The surveys can cover anything. Discussions about your purchases in meat products, reviewing pictures of potential products, discussing Nascar. It is kinda cool, because you know a group of people from a large company are behind a mirrored wall listening intently to everything being said. You truly get the impression your opinion matters.
What is really neat, though, is seeing a commercial for a product you knew about months earlier.
I really cannot list how you join; right now, things are done via email. Every so often I will get a short email out of the blue, asking for some information to determine if I would qualify for an upcoming panel. If I meet the base criteria, I will send the application back, and if I qualify, I will get a phone call in a few days.
If not, I do have the option now to forward the email to someone that may be able to participate. From that point, I would imagine the process is the same, and they would reply, etc.
The surveys are fun, and they always provide refreshments. Payments are always in cash, and given the same day of the survey. It is not reported to the IRS, at least, as far as I know. Plus, they usually have opportunities to earn more money in small contests, like those who arrive early, etc.
If you find yourself with a way to join this group, it is worth it. The downside is that most of the surveys tend to take place during the day, so you might miss work. However, depending on where you work, the hourly payoff may be worth the missed time.
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