Differences between- Online Paid Surveys, Research Studies and GPT/Paid To Sites You should never pay a company or individual to sign up for paid surveys or studies. There are many Legitimate Research, Paid Online Survey and GPT (Get Paid To) sites more than willing to pay you for your time.

Companies I use are no obligation. You are free to opt out at any time. Generally the e-mail invitation has a link included. If not, you can go directly to your account and be removed from the panelist list. Open a seperate e-mail for your paid survey, research and GPT mail.

Sign up for as many Online Paid Survey and Research Panels, as you have time for http://www.tohaveyoursay.com for a full list and details of each site.

Survey Savvy and Global Test Market- (see link below for more Information) are two examples of reputable paid survey companies.

Legitimate Reputable Paid Online Survey Companies are sites you sign up with directly. (They will not sell your e-mail)You will receive invitations to surveys, product evaluations, occasional online forums and chats sent directly to you. Payments are points or cash paid by check, PayPal, gift certificates or gifts once the minimum dollar or point amount is met, (at low as $1 -$50). Companies may house part (or all of the survey’s they offer). Some very good companies partner with reputable paid survey sites and offer paid surveys through them.

Research Panels/Online Forums and Chats differ in the opportunities offered. Fewer invitations are sent, screening to match the panelist with the vendors need, and the amount paid is generally higher. Payments are by check, PayPal, or gift cards (Amazon, American Express, Visa etc.). The lastest studies I posted ranged from $50 to $350. Projects can be phone interviews, posting to a private forum, online chat with a moderator or a survey. Forums, panels or chats can be on going or per project, depending on the need.

Get Paid to Sites (GPT) offer a number of ways to earn towards gift certificates or cash. Paid e-mails or click/ read the e-mail and receive -.01 to .05 cents per reading, depending on the site. Shopping at sites you might use now, receive points, cash back or a percent off. Taking surveys, generally .50 - 1.00, referrals, playing games, free offers and newsletters to sign up for. This is where I have an additional e-mail address. Some offers and newsletters generate spam. I keep this from my personal and paid survey mail. Each company will offer a point or cash account balance, and differ on the minimum to cash out ranging from $1- $30.

I avoid sites that tend to be Brokers - they find surveys for you. A few of these sites pay the same amount or very low for each survey. Brokers may ask for a yearly or monthly fee to find online paid surveys to send you, or have third party offers that involve giving out your e-mail. (Always read the terms and privacy very close)!! I am not saying they are all bad, but why pay to find the same companies you can sign up with directly for FREE and pay no fees. Legitimate paid survey companies and research panels need consumer opinions, product testing and evaluations done, and are willing to pay you directly.

Part 2 –Hubpages -How to Stay Safe and Get Started Taking Online Paid Surveys