At-a-Glance
Highlights
- Get paid up front for regular mail surveys
- Earn $1-$5 per survey
- Surveys via snail mail and online
- Never get disqualified from any survey
- Operated by TNS, a leading global market research company
Joining
In the registration survey, you’ll be asked for information about your lifestyle and members of your household. It should take you about 10 minutes to complete. Only US residents 18+ are eligible.
Rewards Summary
You can expect to receive a survey 1-2 times per month through the US Mail and about once per month online. Expect to receive $1-$5 depending on length of time to complete.
Redemption & Processing
Consumer Opinion institute breaks the mold and pays you up front before you take a survey. You’ll be paid cash when you receive a survey via regular mail and be issued a check for online surveys.
Customer Support
Backed by global market research company TNS, Consumer Opinion Institute has an extensive background in customer service and responds to any inquiries very quickly.
Issues
This could almost be considered a positive, but it can be extremely difficult to join Consumer Opinion Institute. Their clients demand very specific information from particular demographics, so you kind of have to be lucky if you happen to fall into one of the groups being accepted.
It should also be noted that no one is getting rich from this program as you’ll generally receive only about three surveys per month. However, you will receive this consistently, so you can depend on the supplemental income.
More Details
Be advised that COI is extremely selective about who they accept as members. If you don’t qualify the first time, be sure to try again from time to time. It’s worth it.
Closing Thoughts
Consumer Opinion Institute is a favorite among veteran survey takers. The company is 100% above board and pays you cash in the mail BEFORE taking the survey. With all the games some survey companies play with payment this policy is a refreshing change of pace and has engendered 1000’s of loyal members.
Although you won’t make a ton of money with COI, you know you’ll be paid upfront. Combine that with the fact you’ll never be disqualified from a survey because of their extensive screening process; joining this program is a no-brainer.
Official Description
Here’s a summary from the official Consumer Opinion Institute website.
Where your opinion counts! At Consumer Opinion Institute you have the opportunity to influence future products and services by participating in survey research. As a member, you have the unique opportunity to:
Share your opinions and experiences about the products and services you use every day. Receive cash and prizes for taking surveys.
Judith Schwartz
May 14, 2018
Judith Schwartz
I have participated in Consumer Opinion Institute surveys for more years than I can remember. I find them easy to fill out and complete and look forward to the $5.00 that is always included in the long surveys. I call it my “mad” money and save it to spend on something that I want that is not part of my budget.
Sonja Littleton
Aug 4, 2017
Sonja Littleton
The last survey that I received had an unreadable return envelope. I need the return address in order to return it.
clarence stapleton
Jul 20, 2015
clarence stapleton
very good place too give your input and opinion on a very of interest and products that you use