Taking Surveys for Money

Scam, or a Legitimate Self Employment Opportunity?

Aug 11, 2009 KC Morgan

Taking surveys for money is an idea that positively grips the imagination. Just think of how easy it is to sit at one’s computer, merrily clicking away to answer questions- and then, actually getting paid to do it! The cold, hard truth about taking surveys for money is that it’s absolutely possible, a very real and legitimate self employment opportunity.

However, don’t expect to make a full-time career out of it. Taking surveys for money will yield results, but not such a large income it can be used by itself alone for full-time self employment.

Online Survey Companies

The trouble with paid surveys is that many online companies use this promise as a lure in a scam. Rather than paying the survey-takers, these companies actually manage to wrangle money out of their so-called employees! There are some survey companies which are absolutely legitimate, however…though finding them can be a bit like mining for gold. Sources say the following two companies will actually provide payment for surveys taken:

• Mindshare Surveys. A very instructive home page shows survey-takers exactly what they may expect from signing up with this company.

• HCD Surveys. This company offers cash and/or gift certificates to those who take the surveys they provide.

When searching for paid survey companies, don’t just take their word for it. Do research and search forums for information on the company. Many self employed professionals are happy to share information on the opportunities they’ve used in the paid, and some of those opportunities will include info on paid survey companies.

Taking Surveys for Money

Here’s the rub of taking surveys for money: it often means offering up personal information. Some online survey companies may take this information and sell it, as data like phone numbers can be very valuable to marketers of all kinds. Take careful note of privacy policies when signing up with paid survey companies, and do research before joining any one of them. It’s important to earn, but personal information has its own worth - and no one likes spam or telemarketing calls.

Paid Surveys? Really, That’s Legitimate?

Why paid surveys? It almost sounds like it has to be a scam in all cases, but actually consumer opinion is very important to many manufacturers. Companies want to know how buyers are reacting to them, what people want and what online traffic notices. Taking surveys for money can indeed be a legitimate self employment opportunity, but it won’t create an entire career. What it will do is provide a little extra cash and other perks, while giving companies the consumer information they crave.