I’ve been a university student for three years now, and not a single day has passed without me wishing I had more money. Balancing a part-time job, work experience and university isn’t an easy task – especially when I am looking in between the sofa for a couple of pounds.
Last year, I decided I wanted to find a better way of putting more money into my pocket. After a recommendation from a friend and a quick web search, I stumbled upon the wonderful concept of market research. Within minutes, I signed up for my first assignment.
I worked as a paid respondent, meaning a company would pay me actually give me money to share my opinions, feedback and experience on their products.
Photo: Archie Payne
Throughout my second year, I made around £1000 by completing market research every other month or so. It is perfect for students who want to earn cash in their spare time.
My latest research project was with Otrivine, a nasal spray brand, where I had to buy one of their new products and test it for myself. I then took part in a joint one-hour call and shared my experience with the product. For the whole process, I was paid £80.
I’ve also tested products I really like; last year, I travelled to Battersea to give my thoughts on Heineken beer (something as a student I’m well acquainted with). I was actually paid £100 to give feedback on booze. What’s not to love?
Another one had me working with Alton Towers to give feedback on some new rides they were planning on building in the park. As much as I enjoyed this one, it was top secret, meaning I couldn’t tell all my friends about the market research I had just taken part in.
With the fun experiences come the weird ones too. Another trip to London had me putting a hat on my head with lots of wires sticking out and some funky glasses, like I was in a sci-fi movie. All I had to do was watch social media for ten minutes, and that was that. It was to track my brain activity – though I don’t know what they possibly could’ve found. I didn’t mind; I was £100 richer.
An easy way of finding these market research opportunities is through a third-party company, which then puts you into contact with the actual company. Many operate on Facebook, and you can find them by just searching for ‘market research’. Be careful of scammers, however, as they can operate on these sites. Never agree to give any bank details until the market research has been completed, and it is safer to go with the sites with the most members.
Once you have found a legitimate third-party company, you can then subscribe to receiving weekly or daily emails from them. Once you find one you are eligible for, you then fill out a form on how you fit the audience quota and wait for a reply. Sometimes they may offer to pay for travel, as you may have to go into London for a task. However, a lot of the time, it can be done at home on a Microsoft Teams call. They are usually very well organised, and I am paid within a few days of completion.
Market research has been a saving grace for my finances and even helped me pay for a couple of holidays. Just get stuck in and who knows? You might find yourself making more money than I ever did.
