TV fans can earn up to £70 just for a couple of hours talking about TV shows.
Market research focus groups and online surveys are a well-known way to earn some extra cash but the subjects – anything from insurance advertising to washing powder packaging – can be dull.
A much more fun subject to sit down and discuss is TV. Everyone has an opinion about the latest mini-series, comedy drama or murder mystery.
A new website offers TV fans the opportunity to take part in paid research – with TV the only topic on offer.
We take a look at how it works.
The Viewers
Theviewers.co.uk claims to be the only organisation of its type – a market research organisation that focuses solely on television.
Owned by Inquisi Research Ltd, it finds participants to take part in paid TV research for broadcasters. Once you’ve signed up it will send you details of suitable projects based on your profile and viewing habits.
Researchers might want to know what you thought of a programme you watched last night or get your thoughts on a new show still in development. You could be involved in generating or developing programme ideas, titles, marketing, having your say on major channel changes or even helping launch a new TV channel.
In some cases participants get to see a private screening of the next big series weeks before it hits TV screens.
The site aims to attract people that don’t routinely take part in market research but who have a genuine passion for TV.
How much can you earn?
The company says respondents typically earn £40 to £70 for a 90-minute to two-hour informal group discussion. Refreshments are normally provided too. The groups normally take place in hotels, the client’s offices, or in the recruiter’s home. You may be given tasks to complete over a period of time or meet with a researcher for a one-to-one interview.
Online focus groups carry a similar incentive while smaller amounts and prize draws are offered for shorter online surveys and polls. You will always be told the incentive before you decide whether to take part.
If you sign up to The Viewers and convince your friends they should too, then for a “limited time” you’ll receive a £10 Amazon voucher when anyone you referred takes part in their first project.
Other market research
If you don’t mind discussing much more mundane subjects than television then you can earn some spare cash by being a participant in a wide range of market research studies.
The likes of peopleforresearch.co.uk and researchopinions.co.uk are hired by clients to find people to take part in focus groups.
The groups might discuss a new product the company is thinking of launching, advertising messages or product packaging. Some will involve trying out websites, games or apps.
In most cases researchers will have a pretty strict list of criteria for participants for each study. If you fit the bill you can earn about £40 an hour cash in hand simply for voicing your opinions.
Online surveys
It’s possible to make cash from market research and opinion polls without leaving the comfort of your own home.
There are numerous survey sites which encourage you to sign up then alert you when a suitable survey comes available. Participation is normally rewarded in cash or vouchers.
One of the best know is Ipsos. Once you’ve signed up for its i-Say service it will send suitable surveys and polls in your direction. A typical survey pays £1 and takes about 15 minutes. Payment is in high street vouchers including Amazon and John Lewis and it will pay out once you’ve accrued £10 in your account.
Other popular sites include Swagbucks, Crowdology and You Gov.
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