I was researching some ways to make a little extra money in my free time and came across a site that listed a number of paid focus groups being conducted in my area. Some of these focus groups advertise they are willing to pay $250 and up for your time.
I've always thought when something seems too good to be true that it usually is, but the more I dig the more I can't help but think I could apply to be in one or more of these studies and actually get some extra money on the side for participating.
So I'm interested to see if anyone has ever been paid to be in a focus group and what your experience was like if you did. I always assumed focus groups were voluntary, but I'd happily participate in some if they would provide a little extra "spending cash" for me.
I once did this at a mall. Was asked a series of questions about my movie tastes and given a few free movie tickets for my time. At the time it was a good deal. Only took like 5 minutes.
I think it is fairly legit way to make some side cash. I think they bake focus group monies into their marketing budgets, which for big companies usually is quite sizeable. So if they want good data, they better pay you decently at least.