Where do you live?

Participating in market research studies is, not only a great way to get your voice heard, but also a way to earn some good money! Where you live often plays a part in what studies you can do, and how much money you can earn. For instance, where I lived in Oklahoma, there weren't many market research companies nearby. That cut into what I could earn doing in person studies, BUT, there are some advantages to living in regions like that. For a lot of online and telephone studies, companies like to get the opinions from people all over the country, and there isn't as huge a database of people in a lot of smaller areas, so I would sometimes get selected because I was from that area.

If you do live near a major metropolitan area, your best bet is, often, the in person studies. Don't let those scare you... they're really laid back, and usually fun! You go in, sometimes for a one on one interview, but usually, with a group of other consumers. You give your opinions on the product or service... just be honest... that's what they really want! And then you are rewarded for your participation right then and there, nice and easy!

How do you find out about studies in your area? Look in your phone book for market research companies. Call and ask to be added to their database. When they are looking for consumers that match your demographics, they'll call you! Or, look on Craigslist! Oftentimes, companies will list upcoming studies, as they really need a certain number of participants in order to get accurate information for the company needing the research. They are usually listed in the jobs section, under part-time or etc jobs. They will usually provide a list of questions, and an email address to send your responses, or a link to a questionairre that you can complete. If they think you may be a match, they'll give you a call and give you the specifics.

Don't give up if you don't qualify for one or two... they are always needing different people, and it'll be worth it when you make that extra couple hundred bucks for an hour of chatting about your opinions!

Good luck!