Focus Group Phone Call offering $135..anyone else get the call?

[ladybugb]

I got a voice mail from a company called "Quality Insights." I think it was quality but the guys voice was a bit garbled. They are asking for me to be part of a Smart Fortwo Focus group and are offering $135 for particitpation. I haven't called them back yet. The number was and 818 number out of California, I believe. Anyone else get this call or hear of this company?

[Big Panda]

hey there "ladybugb".....won't hurt to call them and see what they want.

but it they ask for personal info or $$ for ANY reason, don't give it to them.

check it out, but just be very cautious, OK? then of course REPORT BACK!!

[ifishcat]

Originally Posted by ladybugb

I got a voice mail from a company called "Quality Insights." I think it was quality but the guys voice was a bit garbled. They are asking for me to be part of a Smart Fortwo Focus group and are offering $135 for particitpation. I haven't called them back yet. The number was and 818 number out of California, I believe. Anyone else get this call or hear of this company?

first question I'd ask would be 'How did they get your number, and what other information do they have already (on you)?'

the next step, depending on the answer to the above question usually for me is 'Send me what ever you have, through the usps mail'

and *if* they say they don't already have your address, then the phone conversation (for me) is over.

if they do send you information, it should then be easily researchable.

keep us posted

(also, you can type in google, the phone number, and see if there are any hits, and what kind. there are a few tracking boards on the net, that enter phone numbers as alerts to others about telemarketers n such)

[ladybugb]

Thanks, for the helpful info. I think I will give them a call and see whats up and will def. report back.

[Belleveu1]

My wife is a frequent participant in focus groups. Short time - good money.
Don't give out any personal info (numbers) and get cash.

Good luck

[ladybugb]

The focus group called again today and guess what, its funded by Mini Cooper!
They are asking other small car owners why they chose the car they did rather than the Mini Cooper.

They are offering the cash if you show up to a two hour meeting.
Thought it was pretty interesting that Mini was involved.

[timhood]

Focus groups are fun! You get to give your opinion and get paid for it. Real money, not crappy secret-shopper type money. :-) $135 for two hours is a really good deal. Usually it works out to between $75-$100 for a couple of hours. Even if you go three hours, that's tax-free spending money. Every one I've ever participated paid cash at the end of the meeting.