Online Survey Sites: Helpful Hints, Traps, and Pitfalls

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In our last post, we here at FreeWebServ tried to define the legitimacy of two online survey companies: Swagbucks and CashCrate. With so much information on the web, it's difficult to determine which companies are real, and, which are scams. We realize that not everyone will share the same experience. However, we were able to deem through a side by side comparison experiment, that both sites are legitimate. We tried both sites, we followed the rules, we filled out surveys, and, we participated in other aspects of both sites. In the end, we racked up enough points/dollars to receive a payout. We considered our experiment to be a success.
We follow the old adage: "Try it for yourself." If you don't believe us, click the two links below and try both sites. Then, make sure you send us feedback. We appreciate your feedback. If you have had a different experience, please let us know about it.

After reviewing some of our emails, it became quite clear that a lot of people are concerned about using these survey sites. We received many questions about "what to look for" when you are thinking about joining one of these sites. So, we decided to compile a list of factors that you need to consider before joining one of these survey sites. Following this list of factors will be a helpful hint section.
Factors: Things you need to consider before joining an online survey company.
1. Time: Time is money. And, time is your most valuable asset. Once it is gone, you can't get it back. You have to decide whether or not your time invested in participating in these survey sites is WORTH the future potential reward. And, remember, many people participate in these sites for fun. This means that there is an entertainment value in your participation. Not everything has to be serious, right?
2. Security: Whenever dealing with a online survey site, you come to expect that at some time, you will have to reveal your personal information. If you are concerned with privacy issues, your concerns are a reality on the web. With the theft of personal information and identities at a world wide high, safety of your identity and personal information is a legitimate concern. If you are concerned about your personal information and identity, online survey site are not for you.
3. Trust: Online trust is a hot topic these days. If consumers do not place a high "trust" value on using your site, they will avoid the site at all costs. If you don't trust an online survey site, then, avoid using the site. "Safety first" is always the best advice.
Dos and Don'ts about using online survey sites. There are numerous helpful hints on the web concerning the Do's and Don'ts of using online survey sites. These hints can be helpful, so, here is our list.
Do:
1. Set up a separate email address for the specific use by these online survey sites. The amount of emails you will receive from these survey sites is enormous. You will not want all these emails jamming up your primary email account.
2. Be careful about sharing your personal/identity information.
3. Check out the site. Use agencies such as the Better Business Bureau to check the reputation of these sites.
4. Compile research. Always research the online survey site.
5. Be skeptical. It's your time and effort, don't waste either.
6. Do report problems. If you have a problem, report it to the online survey site. Legitimate online survey sites will respond.
7. Use online social networking. Connecting with other people using the same online survey site can be extremely helpful. Especially when you are dealing with problems.
8. Keep records about your surveys and the results from these surveys. Also, keep track of activities on the online survey company's site.
Don't:
1. Don't sign up with an online survey site that promises "cash back" if you take advantage of the sites "special offers." This is not a good enough reason to join a online survey site. If you do a high level of online shopping, sign up with a legitimate "cash back" site like eBates. eBates is one of the best "cash back" sites on the web.

2. Don't expect to make a lot of money, because, you won't. You may make enough to pay your cable or cell phone bill every month... If you're lucky.
3. If you accrue enough incentives (cash or points) to "cash out" then, cash out immediately. Never leave money in your online survey company account.
4. Don't pay to join an online survey site. You never have to pay to join a legitimate online survey site. So, if an online survey site tries to charge you money to use their site, avoid the site.
5. Don't harass your friends. Most online survey sites allow you to sign up referrals. They even request that you list your friend's email addresses. Revealing email addresses from your friends will not make them happy.
6. Don't worry about being disqualified from online surveys. Getting disqualified happens to everyone. That's life, isn't it?
7. Don't forget about legal issues. This includes paying taxes. Making money from an online survey site is fine, getting into trouble with the IRS is not fine.
8. Don't forget to review the "Terms of Service." Reviewing the TOS can be extremely helpful, especially during complaint processes.
If you have any more suggestions, please, do not hesitate to let us know.