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A "Focus Group" is a group of individuals selected and assembled by researchers to discuss and comment on, from personal experience, the topic that is the subject of the research. Just like surveys, you simply share your opinions and discuss them with others.
Just in the United States, companies spend over 250 Billion dollars a year trying to convince consumers to buy their products and services. That's a lot of money. And while the majority of it is spent on advertising, a portion is devoted to research. You see, understanding how people think and shop, why they buy certain products, etc. ultimately helps companies improve their products and services and make THEM more money. Knowing this, and that they won't get our help for free, companies are willing to pay people like you and me good money - up to $150 an hour! - for our opinions, because when the dust settles they know they will come out ahead and generate even more profits for themselves. So you see, this is no "scam." It actually makes a lot of sense doesn't it?
In the case of certain focus groups you may be paid by the hour, but generally you are paid a set amount for participating in a survey, focus group, or other opportunity.
Concerned you won't be eligible for many surveys because you live outside of the U.S.? That is usually not the case, but there's only one way to find out. If this is something you're interested in, we suggest you just give it a try and see how it goes. You have nothing to lose ...
There are plenty of survey opportunities for just about everyone. We hear from members outside the U.S. all the time who are shocked at the number of surveys available to them.
Market research companies know that people like you and I are the lifeblood of their business. They are usually paid by large corporations to conduct surveys on their behalf, but without consumers like us to take their surveys they would be out of business in a hurry.
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