Opinions Unlimited

Opinions Unlimited is a marketing research firm that different companies hire to do marketing focus group studies. I got started participating in their paid focus groups many many years ago. I am reviewing them from the focus group participant view…
Opinions Unlimited periodically calls or emails me when there are studies that might suit me or sometimes they just call when they just need to fill some more seats. They ask a series of questions to determine if I fit the needs of the focus group and then schedule me for a time that I’ll come in a participate. Some of the studies have been during the day but most of them are after work hours. They are always paid typically $ 50-​$ 200 for a single focus group. The focus group session lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. I have been asked to participate in a full day session once, but I declined.
When you get there, they have light snacks and sodas. You go into rooms that has a table and typically a single person from the client’s company conducts the focus group. There is a large mirrored wall where people from the company will sit on the other side in a separate room and will usually video tape you. They do not use the videos for anything other than reference because you don’t sign a waiver allowing them to use your likeness in commercials. The focus group might consist of just questions, watching commercials and responding, trying food items, etc… It’s typically interesting and the time goes by quickly. At the end you check out and are handed a check and a parking validation. They always book more people than they need and if you show up and they don’t need you, they pay you anyway and you are on your way home! You can only participate like 2 – 4 times a year, depending on the requirements of the client.
Some of the studies I’ve participated in are for Biore skin products, lean cuisine commercials, army marketing to students, something about computers a long time ago, etc…
I get paid for my opinion! How great is that?