If you’re reading this, you’ve may have already applied to take part in paid focus groups and been accepted – great news! However, this may be a new experience for you and you might understandably be feeling a little bit nervous. If you’ve received all the information about paid focus groups and are still feeling worried, read on for a step-by-step guide of what you can expect throughout the day (and here’s a tip to start: we think you’ll really enjoy yourself!).
Preparation and getting there
To get the day off to a smooth start, you should leave plenty of time to make the journey to the location of the focus group, which could be a hotel, a supermarket, a high street shop or somewhere else the client has chosen (don’t worry – you will be given this information well in advance). You should arrive 15 minutes early, but in case you do end up running late you need to let someone from the research team know, so make sure you have their contact details on you.
Meeting your fellow group members
When you arrive you will be met and welcomed by someone from the research team, then introduced to the other participants who are taking part in the research too. At the start, you will probably be asked to take part in an icebreaker exercise which will allow you to get to know everyone better and create a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
A little bit of ‘housekeeping’ about paid focus groups
Next, the trained individual who is conducting the session will talk you through some important information. This will include points such as:
- The session might be recorded both sound and video recorded due to market research regulations. (you can read more about them here). This is usually for training or marketing purposes, and you will be told which it is in advance of the day. Sometimes the brand or organisation behind the paid focus group might be watching the session behind a screen or in another room (the researcher will let you know if this is the case)
- How long the session will last for
- Where the fire exits are
- Where the toilets are
The exciting bit: the session itself!
When the session begins, the researcher will work through a series of pre-determined questions about the brand or organisation that you are there to chat about. This is your chance to share your thoughts and opinions about a brand or organisation – so be completely honest and have fun!
Throughout the session, the researcher will gently encourage you to elaborate on your answers to gain more detailed answers and help the discussion move along. This won’t be scary though and you will never be pushed to answer if you don’t want to. The researcher will be very experienced and you are guaranteed a session that is fun, stimulating and rewarding.
After the session
Once the session is over, you’ll usually be given your incentive straight away. If this is not the case, someone will let you know on the day when you will receive it.
This will usually come in the form of cash unless you have been told beforehand that you will be receiving something different. If you’ve enjoyed yourself at the paid focus group then do let us know – we love hearing from you!
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