Shop Talk

This post covers a topic that plays a huge role in my weekly schedule.  It’s something that, if you discipline yourself and make time to do it, can really pay off in a HUGE way. No, this is not a post about dieting or developing the perfect workout regimen. What I’m talking about is…dun-dun-dun…online surveys!!

For the record, I am a test-taker…not professionally, or for some designated research company, etc. But in general I have always enjoyed, and been decent at, tests and quizzes—both academically and personally (i.e. personality tests, “what your favorite movies say about you” quizzes, etc.).  And years ago when I initially learned of various websites who offered rewards for completing surveys I didn’t hesitate to sign up.

Some give points, some give money, some give coupons, gift cards, samples, and so on. And I was interested in them all, or at least trying them all, however skeptical I may have been.

So I began taking an online survey every single day; not always on the same site, or of the same type, but definitely every day.

Now, let’s talk real-life for just a sec, who really wants to spend 45 minutes of their life every day to answering a bunch of questions about the last watch they purchased, or which pattern you like best for preemie diapers? Simple answer…nobody! So YES I have skipped many surveys, or simply quit while taking surveys…and in some of those instances, I very well could have been only a question or two away from obtaining $2.45 in my account…but some days I just couldn’t do it.

But I have had great success with several sites that offer different types of rewards, and I wanted to share that info with others who may be interested in doing the same. In my experience, the best site for:

–>Gift cards – Yale SOM elab. These surveys are administered by the Yale School of Management, and there is an application/selection process before you may begin taking their surveys. But they are worth it. Many of them are short, as in 10-15 minutes for a 1 in 40 chance to receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. And I have indeed received quite a few gift cards from completing their surveys. Some of their surveys will offer a gift card simply for completing it; however, these are typically smaller in the dollar amount…maybe $5-$7 or so.

–>Rewards earned from accumulated points – e-rewards, mPoints, and Rewards Gold. By taking e-rewards surveys (who reward you with SOMEthing even if you don’t qualify for the full survey) I have accumulated THOUSANDS of miles in my US Airways Dividend Miles account. Granted you don’t have to cash in your points for just miles…e-rewards does offer magazines and gift cards; however, I haven’t been traveling as much as I used to, so being rewarded in miles is a great way for me to keep my Dividend Miles account active (so that none of my miles will expire).

mPoints has been great for me as far as receiving material items. For example, I received a case of wine for free as a reward for completing their surveys and viewing ads. This one was great because it took no time at all! I had been accumulating points for only several weeks before I was able to begin cashing them out for rewards. Way to keep me interested!

Rewards Gold is a free magazine site. It is as simple as signing up, filling out your information, and completing a short survey…well, MOST of them are short, but there have been a few that took a little longer.

But the thing about their surveys is that they require more text answers from you, not simply 20 multiple choice questions and done.

So if you’re a fast typist, then it’s possible to complete a survey in 5 minutes.

The best part is the reward is instant! You don’t have to spend days and weeks accumulating points before you are offered a subscription…I’m talking you hit “submit” on your survey, then you’re immediately taken to the screen to select your choice of magazine.

You are not providing ANY payment information, and these are FULL subscriptions…not trials.

 

The list of subscriptions my household currently receives is:

The Wall Street Journal (daily print and digital versions)

Professional Photographer Magazine

US Weekly

Family Circle

Wine Spectator

Cigar Aficionado

Watch!

Martha Stewart Living

Martha Stewart Weddings (digital version)

Bloomberg BusinessWeek

Shape

Self

Better Homes & Gardens

Forbes

 

These are ALL from submitting Rewards Gold surveys.

 

–>Ca$h money – Opinion Place. This is survey site I’ve been using the longest. They do restrict you to one survey per week (that you qualify for), but they pay cash via Paypal.

My payouts have varied from $2.50 to $7. To ensure that you don’t forget to take advantage of their surveys, simply put a reminder in whatever calendar you use and have it as a standing appointment every week. Note: Opinion Place surveys are never very lengthy.

I’m sure that there are hundreds of survey sites that people swear by, but the ones I’ve named here are simply the ones that I have had the most experience with.  If you know of any great ones that aren’t named here, please feel free to share your experience by posting a comment.

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Jessica D. Williams of Rock Hill, SC has experience in banking, the mortgage industry and tax consultation.  She is the Owner of Jessica DeVinney Photography and enjoys serving the Greater Charlotte, NC area—with specializations in Senior, Family, and Wedding Photography.