Ever used a product or app and thought, “I wish they built this differently”? Companies in Australia spend millions every year trying to figure out what real people actually think. Before launching a new food product, updating a banking app, or rolling out a public health campaign, brands run market research to test their ideas.
And the best part? They will pay you for your time.
If you’re looking for a simple, legitimate way to earn extra money or gift cards in your spare time, paid market research with Focus People is a great way to do it.
What Does Paid Market Research Look Like?
You don’t need any special qualifications – just your real experiences and honest thoughts. Depending on the project, you might join:
- Focus Groups: A casual 60–90 minute group chat (in-person or over Zoom) with 4–8 other people.
- One-on-One Interviews: A relaxed chat with a researcher about your daily habits, shopping, or tech choices.
- Product & Taste Testing: Try out new snacks, drinks or home products before they hit store shelves.
- UX & App Testing: Test out new websites or apps and tell developers what works and what’s frustrating.
- Online Boards: Complete quick daily tasks, short surveys, or video responses over a few days at your own pace.
What’s the Pay Like?
Incentives depend on the session length and topic, but standard rates generally look like this:
- Standard Focus Groups (60–90 mins): $80 – $150+
- In-Depth Interviews (60 mins): $100 – $200+
- Specialised or B2B Projects: $200 – $500+ (for business owners, trade professionals, or niche roles)
Rewards are usually paid via GiftPay e-gift cards (redeemable at Woolworths, Coles, Bunnings, Apple, Big W, Country Road, Flight Centre, Cotton On, IKEA, Officeworks,Target and many other stores or occasionally via direct bank transfer shortly after you finish the session.
How to Get Started
Getting involved is straightforward:
- Sign Up: Head over to Focus People and got to he REGISTER NOW button at the top of the page. Set up a free profile. The details you share help us match you with the right studies.
- Check Your Invites: When a project fits your background, we’ll email or text you an invite.
- Take a Quick Screener: Answer a few quick questions to confirm you fit what the client is looking for (e.g., dog owners, recent home buyers, or weekly grocery shoppers).
- Confirm Your Spot: If you’re a fit, our team will give you a quick call to confirm details and lock in your spot.
- Join & Get Paid: Show up, share your honest feedback, and get rewarded!
How to Get Picked More Often
- Keep your details current: If you move, switch jobs, or buy a new car, update your profile so you get matched with relevant studies. You can do this by going to our website and clicking on the UPDATE MY DETAILS button at the top of the page. Enter the email address your registered with and your password (if you have forgotten your password then please click on the Forgot my password button and a link will come to you).
- Be genuine: Answer screeners truthfully—clients are looking for authentic, everyday experiences.
- Be reliable: Arrive on time (or log into Zoom a few minutes early). Show up consistently and you’ll stay top-of-mind for future projects.
Ready to share your thoughts and get paid for it?
Sign up with Focus People today and check out current opportunities!
