A Penny For Your Thoughts? (Part 5)

Fieldworks, Seattle Consumer Opinion, NorthWest Insights and Microsoft Usability

(Physical Seattle Area Locations)

These companies are along the same lines as American Consumer Opinion, however, they ask you to complete studies and be a part of research groups at a physical location. While American Consumer Opinion is available to anyone with internet access, these three companies have offices where you meet at to participate in the study, therefore, I am unsure what companies offer similar services in other states.

Fieldworks has a facebook page, which is the easiest way to join. Join here for Facebook, or directly to their signup form. About once a month, I receive a call to answer prescreening questions for the next surveys coming up, and if I qualify, they schedule an appointment with me, either individually, but usually with a larger group present as well. For a two hour study session, I have received anywhere from $60 to $200, as it depends on what company is conducting the research, and how much they have decided to compensate for that research.

Consumer Opinion’s website is www.cosvc.com, and they boast service to Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Boise, Chicago, and Salt Lake City. Their research is along the same lines as Fieldworks, and runs in exactly the same manner. Although, I have found that they do not call me as often to participate in studies. To be entered into their database, go to their website and find the phone number that corresponds to your area, call it and ask to be added to their database!

NorthWest Insights is another firm that tests products, much like Fieldworks. They used to go by the name Gilmore Research, but now reside at the website http://nwinsights.com and you can sign up by going to the “Participate” tab, clicking on “Join Database,” then filling out the signup form (allott 10 minutes or so for this one, it’s a doozy) as a Consumer.

 

Microsoft Usability refers specifically to Microsoft products, and I believe you can still enroll if you are not a Washington State resident! I have seen compensation for studies done in their “studios” as Microsoft products, which you can then turn around and sell on craigslist if you don’t want to use it yourself. Their website is www.microsoft.com/usability, which is fairly easy to enroll in as well, but another long entry form, so allot some time for it!

Now you are well on your way to earning those extra dollars with the wonderful advent of research groups!