Market research online survey opportunities are certainly not short in numbers. In fact, many will tell you the market is over-saturated and there is too much competition for the newbie looking to get involved and generate some extra cash. This couldn't be further from the truth.

There are millions of companies using consumer surveys to get a guide on what people want and their spending habits so as long as there are products on the market, there will always be a need for public opinion about them.

The Role Of A Market Research Online Survey

Consumers make certain decisions when purchasing goods. Knowing these decisions before the consumer buys is critical to companies. Gathering information such as target audience; age, gender, income status and leisure pursuits, where and when people shop and what time of the year they make specific purchases in fact, people's buying habits are all important aspects of a companies research process and knowing this information is like gold. That's why you are in a great position to benefit via paid online surveys.

Is A Market Research Online Survey Safe?

This is a very pertinent question. In today's world of opportunity there are many ways to "make a buck" however, this also means there will be unscrupulous operators ready to take advantage of people on the prowl looking for ways to generate extra income. The paid survey environment has copped plenty of scrutiny in recent years because people have had their "fingers burnt" either through parting with their hard-earned cash or getting onto spam lists after giving out personal information.

Someone once described entering the online paid survey field was like "jumping into shark infested waters!" Well, that's right to some degree but in all honesty, with proper due diligence and common sense, the pitfalls can be avoided. The bottom line is, survey opportunities can buffer a person's account balance every month with some much needed extra cash. Here's three tips on finding good survey companies:

• Read lots of reviews before getting involved. By doing this, you'll get an idea of what's hot and what's not and learn from experienced survey takers on the etiquette required on your part to get started.

• Stick with the well known companies initially such as Greenfield Online and Survey Scout

• Don't part with personal information. It could come back to haunt you.

So What Type Of Surveys Are There?

The most popular form of paid survey today is via email. This is understandable given the popularity of the world wide web. People are more inclined to want to do an email oriented survey because it's more convenient. An online survey can vary in cash reward from as low as $3 to anything approaching three figures.

Fun surveys will involve testing out products such as audio and visual equipment or reviewing movies and the incentive here will usually involve a reward point scheme which can be redeemed for goods and services.