Surveys – Does Location Matter?
In some professions, location is everything. For example, you probably can’t bank on being a multi-million dollar real estate tycoon if you live and work in small-town America – however, on the other hand, Manhattan might be a good pace to rub shoulders with the rich. When trying to earn money from paid surveys, location isn’t always so important. While it is universally agreed that taking paid surveys is not going to land you on the Forbes 400 list, you can save up a nice little nest egg by sharing your insights and opinions. And, for the most part, it doesn’t even matter where you live!
Literally, you can live anywhere and still take paid surveys – the only caveat is that if you are taking online surveys, you’ll need to have a computer with a decent Internet connection. If this is not feasible, there is always the option of visiting an Internet café, using the public library’s computer, or hitting up a friend or family member willing to share. From the bright lights of a large city to the quaint quietness of a rural town, there are always opportunities to take paid surveys, especially online. The information super highway has connected us all together and made it forever possible for a market research firm, say in New York City, to hear the opinions of a mom living on the other side of the word in literally just a few quick keystrokes.
The first step in taking paid surveys, wherever you are, is to check out an online survey database that lists and categorizes the various survey sites which cater to your demographic profile. You can choose a large, global company that want to hear from everyone or uncover a smaller, more focused firm that specializes on your part of the country or specific stage of life.
The only drawback to “location” is many of the in-person surveys, interviews, mystery shops and focus groups are conducted in large, metropolitan areas. It only makes logical sense that market research firms would want to set up shop in those cities where the most people live. Therefore, potential participants are likely to have more opportunities at their disposal that if they lived in a small little corner of the world.
In terms of international surveys, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K have long been popular places for market research and paid surveys. But, even if you reside outside one of these prime locations, there is still plenty of opportunity to take paid online surveys that specifically recruit an international panel. As long as you have Internet access and ability to speak the designated language, you are always welcome to take surveys from your home – wherever it may be!