Comments on: Paid Focus Groups: Easy, Infrequent Money

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:54:52 +0000

They won’t send you a tax form but you are responsible for claiming all income on your tax return.

By: johanna

johanna — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:38:13 +0000

I was wondering if you have to report the focus group pay as income on taxes.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Here in the Bay Area, lots of IT jobs pay $35/hour or more.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:42:50 +0000

I did one a few years ago – it was $75 cash, for two hours. Nine guys showed up for it, they only needed eight. A random selection of the one person to be excused (and still paid) resulted in MY name being called! As I walked out of the waiting room, I barely noticed the 16 eyes shooting me jealous daggers – all I was focused on, was the $75 cash for hanging out for ten minutes in a waiting room.

Unfortunately, although I have received a few random calls from them over the years, I am yet to return for another survey. Either the timing or the subject of the survey, have just not worked out for me. I was all set to participate in one yesterday actually, but when I called up to tell them I was interested – they told me my brother had already signed up and there was a “one family member per survey” rule. I’m punching my brother in the head the next time I see him.

By: Jason Unger

Jason Unger — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:09:48 +0000

My wife has done these for awhile, and enjoyed them.

We’re also in Maryland (Silver Spring), so she just signed up for both of these — thanks Jim!

By: Omar

Omar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:10:26 +0000

I participated in a focus group a few months ago. A director wanted feedback on his film.