An Easy Way to Make Some Pocket Change

Many of us here at hubpages have embarked on the ever-elusive search for easy money. Unfortunately, what we've learned along the way is that the effortless get-rich-quick scheme doesn't really exist. There are, however, a surprising number of sites that do offer small earning potential.

In my searches, I've stumbled upon one such web page: OpinionOutpost.com.

The idea is simple and straightforward. Marketers are always seeking the feedback of consumers to improve. A lot of cash goes into development strategies, and survey taking is an easy and direct way of gauging customer approval. OpinionOutpost acts as a kind of intermediary for marketing research teams and consumer, which assigns surveys based on certain demographics and compensates its participants.

You sign up, answer a few preliminary questions to determine your demographic, receive survey invitations via email, collect some money, request your check and get it in the mail in a matter of days.

Undoubtedly, you are wondering: "what kind of money are we talking about?" The site applies a point system that translates directly into cash once the registered survey taker decides to "check out" their earnings. 10 OpinionOutpost points, for example= $1.00. Surveys tend to range from 15 to 30 points (or $1.50 to $3.00 in cash rewards). In rare instances, you will get some 8 point surveys, but these are negligable and may be completed quickly. On the other side of the spectrum, there are the coveted $5.00 surveys, but those are just about as rare as Bigfoot sightings.

Additionally, any referrals you make after becoming a member will earn you a 20 point reward upon completion of the referred person's first survey. Needless to say, if you send me a personal message with your email, I will be more than happy to refer you.

The surveys themselves tend to take anywhere from 20-45 minutes. Usually, its the standard text-based Q&A format, but occasionally marketers will mix things up by adding audio and video for a much more interactive mutlimedia experience. Its never quite fun, but with some companies exploring a few innovative techniques, it can become quite bearable.

My registration with the site began in June, and since doing so I have made, on average, a little over $20 a month. Its nothing to write home about, but its certainly a nice sum for virtually no effort and only a little bit of my time. While the site tells its users to "allow 4-6 weeks" to process their check requests, I tend to get mine mailed to me within 4-5 days (sometimes as little as 2). Before you can request a check, you must have accrued a minimum of 50 points ($5.00), but this should happen quickly. I personally tend to check out everytime i hit the $15 mark.

What's more, there is no "starting fee" and you're never asked to fork over a credit card number. The most personal information you disclose is your name and mailing address.

Recently the site began promoting a new offer in which users can redeem their earnings for an Amazon Gift Card claim code, but I personally have not bothered with this feature.

OpinionOutpost initially stood out to me because, unlike many of its kind, there was not a "catch." You've got to be careful about the sites you're signing on to, but this online panel has proven, time and again, to be risk free.