Here are the top market research companies to sign up to. We've chosen these based on feedback from their users, as well as our own experiences when we signed up. And most of them now work remotely, online, due to Covid-19.
1) Saros – a big, well-established agency
Established agency Saros typically pays £40 to £100 cash for two hours' work. We've also seen projects that involve taking part in WhatsApp groups for a few weeks pay over £200. 'Like' its Facebook page to get first dibs on the latest opportunities.
Typical payment per project: £40-£100
Where does it run groups (normally)? Most face-to-face research takes place in the major cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, but it runs telephone, online and in-home research too.
How is it currently running projects? People can take part remotely, including by telephone, chat forum and Zoom video call.
I have done a couple of things for Saros in the past, got paid on the day in cash. Whoop-peee, £40 or £50 straightaway.
- Danielle1977
2) Angelfish Opinions – good for fun online projects
With plenty of online projects (even before lockdown), Angelfish Opinions has great Trustpilot feedback. Tasks are often on fun subjects – we saw it offer £50 for an online fantasy sports task and £70 for an online forum about travel. Its Facebook page is full of current opportunities.
Typical payment per project: £40-£200
Where does it run groups (normally)? Face-to-face groups are UK-wide.
How is it currently running projects? Methods include telephone, Google Hangouts and Zoom.
3) Research Opinions – one of the higher payers
Based in Manchester, Research Opinions runs focus groups across the country – often for tasty sums. We saw £200 offered for a two-hour luxury car focus group and £120 for an online forum about chocolate spread on pancakes (sign me up...). Join its busy Facebook and Instagram pages for a heads-up on new projects.
Typical payment per project: £50-£200
Where does it run groups (normally)? UK-wide, with many online sessions.
How is it currently running projects? It's interviewing people by phone or by Zoom and Skype video calls.
I attended a focus group with Research Opinions for two hours (drinks and snacks provided) and was given £50 cash. All I had to do was sit in a room with five other people and give my opinion on a certain well-known brand.
- Needeasymoney
4) Market Research 4 U – good for people in the South East
When we checked, Market Research 4 U had heaps of opportunities on offer, from £50 for a one-hour chat on joining the Royal Navy, to £70 for a two-hour chat about nappies.
Typical payment per project: £50-£150
Where does it run groups (normally)? The vast majority take place in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey.
How is it currently running projects? You can take part by telephone or video call (often Google Hangouts).
5) QMR – good for heaps of opportunities
QMR is a well-established agency that had tons of opportunities when we checked. Shout-outs included £85 for a three-hour focus group on snacks and £135 for an online project on beer.
Typical payment per project: £50-£200
Where does it run groups (normally)? UK-wide, with lots of online projects.
How is it currently running projects? Methods include phone or Zoom video calls.
6) Trend Market Research – high payer with lots of projects
Trend Market Research is another good bet, with reams of well-paying projects. We saw £230 for a three-hour discussion on cars (car discussions are often one of the top payers if you fit the bill) and £50 to taste a meal and give feedback. Join its Facebook group for alerts.
Typical payment per project: £40-£200
Where does it run groups (normally)? UK-wide, but mainly London and the Home Counties.
How is it currently running projects? It depends on the project but methods include chat forums, over the phone and by Zoom video call.
7) Focus Force – good for Londoners (plus has online projects)
Holding most of its groups in London, Focus Force typically pays £50-£100 a survey. When we signed up to test it, there were a host of projects, from £50 to test cooking a meal to £60 for a two-hour chat on 'your perceptions of Africa'.
Typical payment per project: £50-£100
Where does it run groups (normally)? Mainly in London venues, but it also offers online and telephone projects.
How is it currently running projects? It depends on the project, but often via Skype.
8) Talking Point Research – high payer with lots of projects
Another established agency, Talking Point Research is well worth a join. When we checked, projects included £60 for a one-hour group on fitness and £40 for a telephone interview if your child has a skin condition.
Typical payment per project: £40-£100
Where does it run groups (normally)? UK-wide, but mainly London and the Home Counties.
How is it currently running projects? You can take part via Whatsapp, telephone and chat forum, depending on the project.
9) Bunnyfield – good for research on fun topics
With decent feedback from MoneySavers, Bunnyfield runs focus groups, as well as many online and telephone projects. Topics are often fun – we saw £50 offered to talk about days out and £50 for an online forum about football kit.
Typical payment per project: £50-£150
Where does it run groups (normally)? London, Oxfordshire and Sheffield, but it also has online and telephone projects.
How is it currently running projects? Methods include Zoom and Google Hangouts.
I've done focus groups for £50-£100. Better still are the telephone/live web ones where you don't have to leave the house. Bunnyfield's good for this.
- MollyDolly
10) Focus4People – runs groups in the South East (and online)
It's possible to earn £30 to £150 per session with Focus4People. Recent projects included £40 for a one-hour video call on news and £50 for an hour's in-person chat about holidays. Like its Facebook page to see the latest projects.
Typical payment per project: £30-£150
Where does it run groups (normally)? UK-wide, though most projects are in south east England. It also runs telephone and online sessions, so it's worth everyone joining.
How is it currently running projects? Most are taking place over telephone and Zoom video call.
11) Fresh Thinkers – worth joining for belt and braces
While it had fewer projects than some of the other agencies we signed up to, Fresh Thinkers is worth signing up to for belt and braces.
Typical payment per project: £40-£100
Where does it run groups (normally)? UK-wide
How is it currently running projects? We have not seen Fresh Thinkers offer many projects recently.
12) Research Helper – join if you're keen
Another site worth joining if you're really committed is Research Helper. When we joined though there were only a couple of opportunities currently available, including £20 for a telephone interview on groceries.
Typical payment per project: £20-£50
Where does it run groups (normally)? UK-wide
How is it currently running projects? Video call and telephone.
If you are at home and need some money, this could be a good idea. Good luck!
G.
(inspired by MoneyMakingExpert)
