Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Market Research

If you are looking for a way to make a few extra bucks here and there, this may be an option for you. I just got done yesterday testing a product at home for two weeks. I won't mention anything here about it because we signed a form that we wouldn't discuss it. I'm not sure if that applies now that the testing is over but just to be sure I won't.

The company that I'm registered with is called Lein Spiegelhoff. I started doing testing there when Skowt was still in diapers, so about 11-12 years ago. A co-worker of hubby's referred us because they did (and I'm assuming still do) a lot of testing of diapers and pull-ups. Basically, over a two week period or so you would go pick up a 4-5 day supply of diapers, use them as you normally would, fill out a log sheet for each day, return it all to the facility and get your next few days supply. At the end of the study you would get paid for your time. Not a bad deal........two week supply of diapers AND you got paid for it.

Sometimes, like the one I just did you have to participate in a focus group at the end. It's really not that bad. If I can do it, anyone can!


Since doing the diaper studies I have kept my name on the list for other products. This is the first testing I've done in about 3 or so years though so don't expect to get rich! (I do plan on heading to the camera store and checking out the camera bags with my payment from this one though!) They hadn't called for a while. But I've probably gotten about 5 calls in the past 6 months. They ask you a bunch of questions to see if you qualify and if you do they invite to do the study. You can always decline if you are not interested in the product.

Looks like LS is only located locally in Wisconsin. I have a friend that does the same thing for a place called J. Reckner Associates, Inc. They have locations in WI, PA, NY and NJ. I haven't signed up with that one yet because it's a little further away. If you're interested and not in one of these states you can try searching online or in the phone book for Market Research companies.

I just found this directory online and the place I go is listed there....http://www.marketsdirectory.com/focmkt.htm

Good luck!


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've done a few from different companies that sent me things in the mail. They've only paid me a couple dollars here and there, though. Sometimes they can be fun!

Sooz said...

I did this when the kids were younger and I enjoyed occasional new products. There's a local company that pays pretty well to sit in on a 1-2 hour focus group...but they call you, and they screen the heck out of you over the phone, so I only occasionally fall into their focus group criteria. It's fun though!

Unknown said...

You should also check out mazur-zachow (in WI). www.mazurzachow.com