Survey research is a legitimate and scientific process of acquiring data from the public, the information is used to develop new products, improve services and is used by health care providers, the government, businesses and others.
How can you tell the difference between a legitimate opinion poll or research survey, and a business that is trying to sell something? If you are not careful you could end up providing information that will be sold to third parties, or used to generate contact lists for the sales of all types of products and services. Legitimate survey research companies should never divulge your identity, personal information or individual answers unless you specifically give them permission. Also, they should never sell or give your name or phone number to anyone else. No one should ever contact you as a result of your participation except perhaps to validate your participation
Before you sign up for a market survey or opinion poll, question the survey if they are selling something, or will your participation in this survey result in your name and personal information to be sold to a company who will try to sell you something?
A legitimate research company does not try to sell you something. Legitimate researchers and professional marketing and opinion research firms do NOT ask for money or attempt to sell products or services.
Occasionally, survey research companies will offer a gift in appreciation of your cooperation. Such a gift could be a cash donation to a charity, a product sample or a nominal monetary award.
What do you do when a "research company" tries to sell you something?
Such companies are not survey research companies. While selling is not against the law, pretending to be "conducting" a survey, when it is not true, is certainly unethical. Survey research companies don't do this.
A legitimate survey site will ask for more that your name and email address. Read the Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy. Read the "About" page for contact information such as company name, address and phone numbers, etc. Look for a privacy seal such at BBB, TrustE or Webtrust on the site. Avoid sites that have vague information about the business or the "about us" or contact page. Do not sign up if the terms of service say you need to complete "offers" in exchange for rewards.
Avoiding scams: scambusters.org
Online advice from Work at home moms: wahm.com
More: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_do_you_find_legitimate_survey_sites
Saturday, March 28, 2009
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