RepNation

RepNation is a site that's very similar to BzzAgent, except for the fact that most campaigns pay in cash. As a member, you can earn RepRewards by completing various tasks, which usually include product tests, surveys, or simply spreading the word about new products and brands. Compensation also includes getting to keep any products that you test. You can earn more RepRewards by building up your member profile, which is also beneficial in that it allows you to qualify for more tasks. You can fill out profile surveys, upload a photo, and upload your resume. You can give as much or as little information as you like, but the more you give, the more opportunities you'll get. Each month, you can also earn a little extra by submitting your "Monthly Stats." Basically, this is just a list of what you think is hot right now in various different categories, including TV, music, and more.

Once you reach a minimum of 25oo RepReward points (equivalent to $25), you can request payment via Paypal.

Paid Surveys at Datatelligence

Another great paid survey panel is Datatelligence. Not only do they conduct regular online surveys, but they also host many high-paying focus groups and at-home product tests. I haven't had any experience with their product tests, but the focus groups I have participated in with them were very simple and not too time-consuming. One of them only lasted a week and took between 5-15 minutes a day. It paid over $20 for what ended up being less than an hour of work! They send email invitations for these and other surveys fairly frequently and I've had a lot of luck qualifying for them. The only negative thing I can say about them is that the rewards system is kind of difficult to figure out. Still, I definitely think it's worth a shot.

And don't forget, every time I add a new survey review, I also add it to the Paid Survey Directory (so it's always updated.)

Paid to Talk About What's Cool

For the past week I've been trying out two new programs that pay you to tell them what's hot right now. They're basically, word-of-mouth programs. So far, I really enjoy them both. They're fun and involve a lot of social networking.

BzzAgent
This is my favorite out of the two. There are so many different ways to earn points, which make you eligible to get free samples and products to try. Social networking is a big part of it, I even got to promote this blog a little bit! I haven't gotten an opportunity to try an products yet, but I've heard very good things about it from many people.

Buzzsponge
This one includes a paid survey component, but the main part is where you simply write a sentence or two about whatever is a hot topic for you at the time. Then people can discuss it and rate it. All of this gets you points.

I'm only just starting out with these, but I will definitely keep everyone updated!

Great Survey Panels

Here are some great survey panels that I have not reviewed in detail yet. The following are some of the more well-known and established panels. Not necessarily better than other panels, but I would definitely recommend them.

Despite it's name, the American Consumer Opinion Panel (ACOP) is an international survey and focus group panel. Surveys are not as frequent as other panels, but they offer much higher pay for each survey. Advice: make sure you participate in the screeners they send out. They are not for pay, but they allow you to qualify for the paying surveys.

Pine Cone Research is definitely one of the more "elite" survey panels. They offer higher compensation for your time and frequently offer "paid to try," which is when they mail new products to your home for you to test. However, it's very difficult to get into since they are usually not accepting new members. What you have to do is just keep your eyes open. I just found a link one day on some message board and that's how I joined. It's all about being at the right place at the right time. It's definitely worth it though!

Harris Poll is probably one of the market research companies that's been around the longest. It was even discussed in my Sociology textbook! The surveys are generally pretty short and fun sometimes. However, their compensation is definitely not as high as most other companies. Still, it's a good idea to sign-up because it's not at all time-consuming.