by Sean Bennett

Created on: August 17, 2010   Last Updated: December 30, 2010

For all the market research oriented gigs to choose from, focus groups pay the most by far. I've really only been participating myself for about three years, but have been able to make some pretty good money in that time. If you've never heard of a focus group, it's a pretty simple concept. A market research company is hired to gather the opinions of a number of people from different backgrounds, but with similar interests, in a group-setting. This is to get as wide of a variety of responses about how well their product or service idea will perform in the market.

As for what content is discussed in focus groups, it can be pretty much anything. Usually you will be discussing new or existing products like; faucets, food, cars, computers, etc. But, movies, commercials, tv shows, video games and movie trailers can also be the topic, too. When the recruiter calls, you'll find out what will be discussed.

These can either be done at an office, online, over the phone, or in your home. Usually, you will have to go to an office, though. You'll know beforehand exactly where it is. But, no, you won't be reimbursed for any travel expenses. They try to get respondents who live within an hour from the office so it isn't quite so inconvenient and to reduce the chance of having someone not show up.

Focus groups themselves vary in length from twenty minutes up to four hours. The more time it takes, or more in-depth they need to be, the more it pays. The shorter ones usually pay $20-$75, while lengthier sessions can be as high as $450. The amount of pay is always specified beforehand. After you complete your session, if it's at an office or your home, you will be paid as soon as you're done. If it's online or over the phone, you will receive a check in the mail about 2-3 weeks later.

You can search out individual focus groups near you at www.focusgroups.com, or find a listing of different focus group companies at SurveyMoneyGuide. There you can join their databases to be considered for future studies and they will call you when something in your area comes up. If you sign-up for multiple databases, you can expect to be called a few times a month.

How often you participate is up to you. But, recruiters look for people who haven't participated in one in the previous three months. They will ask is if you've participated in a focus group in the last three months. How you answer could have an effect on whether you qualify or not.

Either way, participating in focus groups is 100% free to do and you will never be asked to buy anything. For everyone involved, it's a win-win situation. Businesses get an honest opinion to help them make better products and you get paid!

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