Work from Home... How to Tap Into Paid Surveys Cash

Working from home is an ideal situation most people only dream of.  When you are desperate to dump your job, it is pretty easy to slide into your computer chair to seek a solution.  The problem lies in the information circulating the internet. What you will likely find is an obnoxious amount of information about how easy it is to work from home.  The reality of it is, that most of these offers claiming to help you start an online business, or help you find at-home work, can be much harder than they appear.  You see, earning money from home is very easy, but earning a living from home is a whole different ball game. What you can do in the mean time, however, is take advantage of your ability to earn some extra cash from home each month.  Paid surveys are a great way to do just that.  Here are 5 ways to start tapping into the cash:

1.  Find a Free Paid Survey Company List - This sounds simple, but if you are using a search engine to find it, be careful not to pay for a list.  There are plenty of lists out there that are absolutely free.  You should also be aware that some "survey companies" are really not survey companies at all -- they are more of a front to legally sign you up for spam mail (stuff that is not even close to relating to you).  You should be able to tell the difference if you run across them and avoid those.

2.  Recognize the Different Ways to Earn - Some companies pay straight cash, some pay points redeemable for cash and prizes, and some only give sweepstakes entries.  When signing up it is sometimes easy to blow off the research companies and panels that appear to be giving out minimal points/pay for your surveys.  The trick is to find the right ones. Some of these research panels give bonuses (like Amex gift cards, etc) that come direct from the companies that have contracted the market research, and you receive those payments in addition to the regular points.  This happens most often when you are sent products to test.  Also, consider the savings when testing products -- if you are testing toothpaste, that is one less tube you have to buy.  It all adds up.

3.  Focus Groups - A fabulous opportunity, but some survey sites deceptively hook you on the earnings potential of participating in Focus Groups.  At a rate of up to $175/hr, it is pretty hefty compensation for your time and sounds like a pretty awesome way to earn money.  While this is a very real possibility, the truth is that Focus Groups are few and far between.  Qualification for them really depends on your particular demographic.  You may actually go your entire life without ever qualifying for one, or you may luck out and pick up several a year.  I personally do not know of many people getting regular invitations for them.   If you get an invitation for one (or more), consider it a bonus.

4.  "Paid to Review" Survey Opportunities -- These can be very lucrative opportunities when approached the right way.  Some research companies send you products to test, and you get paid to review them the simple and old-fashioned way.  I always like those.  The newest niche to pop up, however, is the "get paid to review" set.  Be careful with these.  While the rewards are legitimate, there are often terms and conditions attached that may not be in your best interest.  There are valid reasons for a company to need your credit card number for these types, but make sure you protect yourself by always reading the terms and conditions of the offers.

5.  Recognize Which Companies Work Best for You - After you find a list and begin registering for companies, filter out the companies that do not seem to be working for you.  You do not have to leave their panel entirely, but you can decide which surveys you feel are worth your attention and which are not.

Until you find the right fit in your work from home search, paid surveys are an excellent opportunity to supplement your income on your own schedule.  The sign-up process is a little tedious and the worst part, but remember that the more panels and research companies you register for, the greater your opportunity to earn....  and let me leave you with a little hint: 

Register for the survey panels and research companies your are interested in, then go to your email to confirm them all at the same time.  You can make it a little easier on yourself when signing up.