Before getting into my experiences with Greenfield Online, let's take a look at who they are and what they're all about. Greenfield Online surveys (also using the name Ciao Surveys in some countries) has been a global Internet Survey Solution provider since 1994. They claim to have clients and survey respondents in more than 60 countries, and member websites for more than 25 countries.

Greenfield Online was acquired by Microsoft in 2008. Then in June 2009 Toluna acquired Greenfield's internet survey business from Microsoft. Toluna is also a leading global online market research panel and survey technology company. It claims to have the support of over 1500 of the world's leading market research agencies. Toluna has built and manages a panel community of over 4.3 million members across 33 European and international countries.

Well that all sounds very impressive, doesn't it, and in all probability very effective market research information is delivered to their clients. However, despite all that, my opinion of Greenfield Online/Ciao Surveys from the perspective of a panel member is, in a word, terrible.

The best means of highlighting their deficiencies is by a comparison of important criteria with GlobalTestMarket, another global survey panel, that I regard as one of the best international sites for Online Paid Survey participation:

Rewards

GlobalTestMarket - Converting their points, cash rewards normally range from US$1.50 to $5.00 depending on length and urgency of survey. Attempting but not qualifying (screened out) earns 25cents.

Greenfield Online - Pays in the currency of your country. In my case AUD0.62 to 0.91 for most surveys. Failing to qualify - nothing.

Frequency of Surveys/Qualifying

GlobalTestMarket - Very regular, at least 2 or 3 every week, with a qualifying rate of about 60%.

Greenfield Online - Also regular, with at least 3 a week BUT with a qualifying rate of less than 20% - which defies comprehension when you take into account the extensive profile surveys they have you complete (for no reward). Also, it is not uncommon to be 10 minutes into a survey before being informed you do not qualify. This is infuriatingly unprofessional.

Payment Threshold

GlobalTestMarket - US$50.00, paid by check and converted to your country's currency.

Greenfield Online - In my case AUD5 via PayPal. The thing is it took longer to achieve than GlobalTestMarket's threshold - and longer to be paid.

Support/Help

GlobalTestMarket - Have an efficient "Contact Us" where any inquiry is answered promptly by a real person and followed up until satisfactory resolution is achieved.

Greenfield Online - Have a "My Help Centre" - which has to be used regularly due to constant technical problems with their surveys. Unfortunately their initial reply is automated and if a follow up is received it is generally stereotyped and/or condescending.

Reading other articles on Greenfield Online suggest to me that at one time it was a top survey site. It is disappointing that such a reputable and legitimate site has deteriorated so much. Perhaps under Toluna management it can regain its former standing. Although I wont be expecting too much - Toluna does not have a reputation of being overly rewarding to their panel members either!

Learn more about this author, David Baylis.
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