1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

Now they want us to do surveys for free

February 26, 2026 05:16PM
Big surprise, but these mystery shopping companies now want us to do surveys for free.

I received a request from one of these companies asking that I fill out a short survey so they can get feedback. Why would I fill out a survey for free? If they are really interested in my feedback, they should include some form of payment.

Not a "fill out a survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card" or similar, but a direct payment after filling it out. They talk about the value of information and data and they know how to get it. Information is valuable, but they don't get it from me for free.
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

February 26, 2026 05:35PM
4mos opines--Big surprise, but these mystery shopping companies now want us to do surveys for free.

Bob comments--Not at all a surprise to me. This is a natural progression of what Lorie Kern posted on the Volition forum in Jan. of 2009. She requested that shoppers work for lower fees to assist MSCs in financial difficulties.

I have never, do not now nor foresee ever criticizing companies for paying as little as possible to ICs. It is the responsibility of we who perform the work to just say, "NO".
Reply
February 26, 2026 06:13PM
I feel that way about almost every survey. I worked for a Market Research company I know what it costs to do those surveys. So if they can get them done for free they love it. The only ones I will do for free is if a poller calls me on the phone. Cause those people are working for their money so I am usually very nice to them.
Reply
February 26, 2026 06:14PM
I just received another free survey offer from a different MSC.

This one must not have seen my demand for direct payment and not a chance to win nonsense as they offered: "As a token of our appreciation for your participation, we are giving you a chance to win four $25 gift cards to your favorite stores, such as Amazon, Apple, Starbucks, or Doordash."

Appreciate my time with money.

As shopper bob notes, ignore these offers to work for free.
Reply
February 26, 2026 08:51PM
Always. The people do free surveys everyday so they really don't need our opinions anyway. Somebody will always do it.
Reply
February 27, 2026 01:04PM
No, a hard pass.
I get paid to do the wild thing.

Life was passing like a hand waving from a train I wanted to be on
Reply
February 27, 2026 07:25PM
My mother was one of those who filled out every survey that came her way. It made her feel wanted, needed and important. She thought they really valued her opinion. I tried to explain that she was working for free but I guess she really needed that validation.
Reply
February 27, 2026 07:41PM
Not only will I not do them for free, but I will never do them for a chance at a prize or a gift card. Not only that, but I pass disdainful and haughty judgment on those that do it for even the chance at a gift card.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login