When we began talking about the potential perils of Online Surveys and the warning flags that should make you ask yourself, “Could this be a rip-off?” – I was asked a simple question, “Why would someone take these surveys?”
We’re all different and what could entice you to take a survey, may not appeal to the next visitor to the site. But generally, the online surveys offer coupons or claim random prize drawings for those who participate.
Why all the fuss? Well, one way to know if those catchy jingles, adorable characters, or the slogans that sometimes become part of our culture actually work is to get the opinions of the public. “Can you hear me now?” Online surveys allow brands to test out a concept or tweak improvements in a product or service or in the way one is promoted. We help drive that marketing bus when we answer their questions.
While many surveys are just fine, your BBB has concerns when you are enticed to answer online surveys because you think the following:
- You’ll reap BIG earnings, fast!
- You’ll get TONS of prizes, free products, and other cool rewards
- You’ve been offered guarantees that simply promise you the moon (and even stars!)
- You are swayed by the Web site testimonials (most are written by ropers, not satisfied customers)
While a modest incentive to provide opinion information yields higher returns for marketing companies, let’s make sure we know what we’re getting into before we munch on those dangling carrots known as $$$$.
1. Independently
check out the company with
BBB and other Internet searches to see if other survey takers have had a positive experience. BBB reports on companies like SurfJunky and Surveyhead clearly indicate that consumers completing the surveys are often not “paid out” and contacting customer service reps to discuss the pay issue is nearly impossible and often fruitless.
2. Work ONLY with paid online survey listings who post a prominent and detailed
privacy policy outlining exactly how they will use all the personal information you provide. If they are requesting your credit card, bank information, driver’s license information, or mother’s maiden name - then steer clear or they COULD drain you of your resources or steal your identity.
3. If they require you to
pay hefty upfront “registration fees” or membership fees, and they are making the company’s making their bucks off of you and not from the surveys you complete, stay clear!
4. Go to
www.whois.net, insert the survey’s URL, and if the site is registered by a proxy service, meaning the owner is not identified, be wary. BBB believes trust is built on full disclosure. If you don’t know who it is that you're considering doing business with, then don’t do business with them at all.
There are some really good Web sites whose parent companies are accredited by BBB AND reputable professional associations like Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO). Your opinion counts, but your time is a valuable commodity, so don’t waste it or your money.
