Participating In Surveys for Sweepstakes
It used to be that you would receive gift cards or other compensation for filling out these things, but not anymore. Instead they dangle the chance at winning a cash prize. I mention this because I participate in a product evaluation panel and it appears likely that they are moving towards that sweepstakes model. I just filled out a questionnaire that asked if they did move to it,if I would quit, and I answered ‘yes’.
First, I don’t gamble. I don’t participate in the stock market; I don’t even have a 401k. I’ve been in a casino once in my life and refused to play anything; in fact I felt more uncomfortable there than I have just about anywhere, and that includes the Japanese sento. I don’t gamble for philosophical reasons. I cannot profit from the misfortune of others is about the best way I can describe it, but it also involves a supernatural element of risk that is irrational and illogical, but it’s part of who I am.
Second, if the market research firm doesn’t value my opinion enough to pay for it, why should I give it to them for free? These firms are paid money by their clients to evaluate services and products; why should I help them? I’ve participated in market research where my earnings were donated to charity, and that’s fine, but giving me the chance to win $500?
I’m sure there are others out there like me who are being missed by market research. Unfortunately it’s not enough to make the clients of market research firms tell them to get a broader market sample. But until that happens I’ll throw away every survey request that’s printed on my receipt or comes with a product.
Eve:
Hi Scott, fellow former St. Louis metro area citizen here. I’ve been reading your blog for a few months (can’t remember how I came across it) but this is my first comment. I believe I am part of the same research panel and agree with you 100%. I specifically joined that panel because they paid money instead of gave points you could redeem or a mere chance at $500, give or take. It’s never a lot of money, of course, but at least I could get a “free” lunch every once in a while. If they do end up changing the compensation to a sweepstakes entry, I will not hesitate to leave. If they are getting paid, why shouldn’t I be paid as well?
1 May 2008, 3:32 pmScott Kirwin:
Eve
Where are you from? I grew up in Affton but went to high school in the city (SLUH). Even though I felt that I had to escape the place when I was growing up, I now appreciate it.
Gambling has really become common in our society, and while some people hesitate when using their money, they don’t seem to have a problem using their time. I value my time, and to me the money from the market research firm shows that they respect that. By changing it show that they don’t. If they don’t respect my time, there’s no reason for me to put up with it.
1 May 2008, 6:30 pmEve:
Scott,
2 May 2008, 5:30 pmI grew up in small town Smithton, Illinois (about 30 mintues southeast of St. Louis) and then moved to Edwardsville during high school (Metro East Lutheran) and graduated from SIUE. I never felt a huge desire to “get out of Dodge” but I also appreciate what St. Louis has to offer after feeling like there wasn’t anything there for me (except for close family and friends). I now live in Las Vegas. Your comment about gambling becoming common couldn’t be more true. There was a time when I thought all of the different kinds of lottery tickets you could buy at any gas station was bad and I was never interested in going down to the Casino Queen or other river boats in the St. Louis area. Then came Las Vegas. My first ever visit here was a trip to look for a job (we moved because of my husband/then fiance’s job) and I was amazed by the slot machines that greeted me as I got off the plane. I’m still nauseated by the video poker and slot machines in every gas station and drugstore in the valley. If all of that wasn’t enough, there are myriads of other ways to gamble with all of the “Enter for a free stay at ABC Resort or XYZ Hotel/Casino!” Winning cars, trips, cash, meals, etc. has become so commomplace that even walking through the mall in Las Vegas can mean possibly getting accosted by someone trying to sell you a timeshare, but you could win a free trip! It saddens me to see people who look like they could be spending their last few dollars in the hope of winning big money while they get high-priced gas, wether it’s with lottery tickets or video poker. It’s also disgusting how the casinos reel people in with all of the bogus freebies they get, as long as they are throwing money down their toilets (aka slot machines, table games, etc.). Great blog. Keep it up.