Bringing Clarity to Online Survey Qualification
If you are a member of MindField Online Internet Panels – or any other reputable survey company – you know that it can be hard to qualify for surveys at times. Sometimes you respond to an invitation, begin to answer some of the background questions and, before you know it, the survey has “kicked you out.” That can be a bummer, and you have probably wondered why it happens. Today, we will try to explain.
Good Products Come from Good Surveys
To begin, take a look around your house. Is there a product in your home that you simply LOVE? It might be a snack food, children’s vitamin or stain remover that you couldn’t live without. Why did you fall in love with that product? Odds are, you probably tried many products like it, never satisfied, until you found the one that truly met your needs.
How did this “perfect” product come about? Through rigorous, detailed and expensive market research – much of it conducted by companies like MindField Online Internet Panels, gathering opinions from people like you.
So, let’s pick an imaginary brand of children’s vitamins. You would want it to be a medically safe and effective product, but you would also want it to have been tested by folks like you, namely, moms of young kids. Not single men, not retirees, not even moms whose kids are grown.
MindField Online’s Responsibility to Clients and Members
The point is that online surveys – reputable ones, anyway – are very selective. The client is making a product for a specific customer, and they need to know how that type of person truly feels about it so they can improve the product, the packaging or the sales pitch.
MindField Online’s responsibility to the client is to make sure – as best we can – that the right people are being surveyed. We also have a responsibility to our members to provide as many potential survey opportunities as we reasonably can. “Qualifying” is where those two interests meet. And it’s why many folks are invited but, unfortunately, fewer are actually chosen.
Going Beyond Your Profile Information
MindField Online Internet Panels has a large membership, and a large database. We can paint a rough picture of you for the client– in this example you’re a mom, age 30, three kids, income level, etc. If this describes you, or thereabouts, you’re probably going to get a survey invitation for kids’ vitamins.
But an online survey invitation is not a guarantee of completion, cash and prizes. Based on your profile info, you SEEM like a good candidate, which is why we sent the invite. But what we don’t know is how your profile info relates to (in this case) kids’ vitamins. Did you take them when you were growing up? Do you use them with your kids? Have you ever? Sometimes you buy them but sometimes you forget? Is there a brand you totally love or hate? Do you buy the little bottles at the market or the giant bottle at the club store? Do you even believe in vitamin pills, or do you think kids should just eat their vegetables?
At MindField Online Internet Panels – or any reputable survey company – your honest answers to questions like these may qualify or DISqualify you from the survey. We know – believe us, we read every comment on Facebook – that it’s a drag to be kicked out. But this process is how we get an honest sample, help assure the integrity of the survey and provide usable information for the client.
Can You Improve Your Odds of Qualifying?
Update your profile: So what can you do to avoid “wasting your time?” There’s no formula. But we always say to fill out your profile info completely, to paint as full a picture of yourself as you can. And revisit your profile from time to time and make any necessary updates. Had any new kids? Any left the nest? Have any of your household habits changed? Have you switched from fabric softener to dryer sheets? And so on.
Think about your answers: Carefully consider your answers as you are qualifying. You may be asked how many times you ordered pizza delivery in the last six months. You may say “three” right away. But you forgot that your husband ordered one, and you weren’t even aware that your teenager ordered two. So, instead of three you have six, and THAT may be the difference that qualifies you.
Act fast: Most online surveys have some form of demographic quota. As we said in our last blog post, whoever you are – sex, age, income, marital status, etc. – you represent a certain portion of the general population. The survey may only accept a certain number of folks like you, and after that you will be excluded. Answering the invitation as soon as you receive it will help improve your chance of qualifying for an online survey.
Maintaining Integrity
Finally, no matter what, whether you are completely happy or sometimes frustrated, please remain honest. The internet is full of “Tips and Tricks” to get more surveys, and none of them bear repeating. The entire system depends on solid, credible, honest information. It’s why our clients keep coming back, and it’s how we keep providing survey opportunities, money and prizes to you. MindField Online members are as honest as they come, and we’re grateful for that!
We hope we have been able to answer some of your questions about qualifying for surveys – and sometimes not. If you have further technical questions, or if you believe you are “never” getting surveys for some reason, you are always welcome to contact our member helpdesk at (800) 969-9235 or by email at support@mindfieldonline.com.
This is a well written article that is completely honest. Kudos! Hopefully, Everyone will understand how market research works from this. Well done to the writer.
Thanks Jesse, that means a lot. We try to tell it straight, even when folks don’t always love the answers.
You have covered all the bases with this write up very well, explaining everything to the tee. This really does make it easier to understand. Thanks to whomever wrote this, job well done, I must say.
Thanks Colleen. It’s a question that everybody wonders about! Glad it helped.
Thank you for this article it explains a lot,I have a 8 year old son which is actually my grandson but I am his legal guardian,so I consider him my son,but sometimes surveys ask me my age before asking if I have children and I think this is why sometimes I don’t qualify for some surveys about children. But again Thank you for explaining. Jeanette
Thanks for your comment jeannette!
i’m raising 2 of my grandchildren and when i’m asked my age 65 some surveys tells me i don’t need my opinion.
that can be a frustrating fact of life in the survey biz… we wrote about that a while ago… http://wp.me/p14kZm-23
Thank you! This explain alot to me. I could not understand why I usually got disqualified now I know! Standing “O” for this!
glad it helped tiffany..thanks for the nice comment!
Thanks for clearing up some questions we all had.
you bet, carol!
Makes much more sense now.
glad to hear it clayton!
Very well at getting to the point and as always thanks for the info !
Thank just trying to learn everything before starting and this helps alot.
Thanks for the information – Since I turned 72 years old, I very seldom get a survey – Perhaps they think I am to old, but I don’t answer survey questions any differently now than I did when I was 50 years old, so don’t understand about the age thing as that is when it started – no qualifying surveys is all I get now.
Hi Jan… I guess it’s no big secret that we tend to get fewer surveys as we get older. It would make sense that, as the society keeps getting older on average, we would be paying more attention to the opinions of older folks. I think we will get there, but not yet. But trust us, it’s not OUR intention to exclude anyone, it’s according to the clients’ needs. We appreciate your membership, and we will continue to send you invites whenever we can. We blogged about this a while ago… http://wp.me/p14kZm-23
Thank you for your response! It is not just Mindfield, it is a lot of the survey companies that I do surveys for. I do stay busy, but nothing compared to the surveys I use to get. I do surveys for about 20 companies and yours seems to have fail off the most from not being qualified. I will keep trying though on every survey you send me and “HAVE A GREAT DAY”
Jan Mayfield
Thank you for this information. I love your site and will continue to fill our your surveys.
Thank you – “HAVE A GREAT DAY”
JAN
Thank you for answering about the older people taking surveys. I take so many surveys and alot of them tell me I don’t qualify for a survey. Now I know thank you was wondering why now I know. It seems like the older people have already had their children and alot of the surveys are about children. I don’t like all these survey’s that you have to buy something to get points.
You are right about all the surveys seem to be about if you have children,etc.but also I have tons of surveys asking me about the smart phone, Ereaders,etc. I don’t have a smart phone nor am I connected to the internet on my cell phone and when you put that answer in the survey – BAM – you are gone. I wished I knew the surveys types other than that they want approved. Two years ago before I hit 72 years old I had all the surveys I wanted, but now hardly none.
I have the same problem, Jan. I do not have a cell phone but have received alot of surveys about cell phones (or smart phones) so I just delete them. I also receive alot of surveys that are irrelevant to my position and do not realize they do not pertain to my lifestyle, so I delete those also. If I had to depend on surveys for a living, I would starve.
Thank-You that explains alot.I was beginning to think that it all was just not real.But now I under-stand Thanks Again Brenda Wilkerson
Thank You know I understand why sometimes I don’t qualify for a survey, even after I started the survey.
Thanks for everyones replies as it seems there a lot of us in the same boat and not I don’t feel so bad. jan
I understand that I will not qualify for all surveys and am happy I am at least asked to see if I do . No hard feelings here . Have an OUTSTANDING DAY .
Hello, I am sorry I started such a ruckus about not qualifying for a survey. I just merely thought it was my age. When I read all the responds, I realized it wasn’t just me that several other survey users were having the same problem. I use to get really lots of surveys from Mindfield that I was approved on and I really was just wondering why they stopped. I do love doing your surveys and I hope I will be able to be qualified for some. Please do not quit sending because of my original question. May you all at Mindfield have a very Blessed day. Jan
My husband works for a supermarket and that seems to disqualify me from surveys, as well as my age (61). As others have expressed, it is very frustrating. I have only tried few times so far, but have not been accepted for any. Ready to give up.
Hi Karin… age can be a factor, but it is probably hubby’s job. Anybody who has “inside knowledge” of marketing, merchandising and retail is usually disqualified. Sorry…sincerely!!
I work for a market research company. Are all of the surveys going to kick me out because of that?
Mary, you gave me a laugh…and I don’t mean to be a jerk!! But YES, that will do it. I am a freelance blogger…and I work in marketing. I get kicked out of surveys all the time. I am sorry, but this probably isn’t for you.
Thanks, wish it would have told me that upfront when I filled out all of the surveys to increase odds of being sent surveys. I mean, of course, I thought it was a possibility but I figured the site would tell me.
Mary, THANK YOU for a mature attitude. It’s just business. I wish you the best.
Thanks for all the comments from everyone. The letter at the start really did
help me understand a lot. Really I guess getting older, no kids and retired does make a big difference. I am happy though with receiving the surveys from all the companies I do surveys for and every now and then I hit a winner and get to complete a survey. “Sure Feels Good” Please just hang in there and don’t give up – who knows they may start having surveys for us older folks. “Have A Great Day Everyone”
I understand completely how you feel! I have been doing surveys for 9 years.
I am now 69 years old, and the surveys have dwindled to almost nothing. I am
sure it is my age, because when I put my age in, it’s automatically dropped. The irritating part is that just because I am older, doesn’t mean I know nothing about the world. I have traveled over a lot of this world, more than most people, but no longer. I have lived in a lot of places. But now I don’t take flights, or rent hotels, or take cruises anymore. That seems to be important to them also. It seems to be how much money you spend, rather than your opinion about things. Oh, and by the way, I don’t have a cell phone either.
you make strong points sandy. just know that if anyone is excluding you for income, age, etc. it’s not MindField… it’s the clients who commission the surveys. i happen to think they will eventually come around to the growing influence of seniors.
Sandy, it seems we are in same boat accept I am just a little older. Yes use to I couldn’t get all the surveys done in one day and now I do good if I get and complete one survey a day. I can’t wait until they do come around to the growing influence of seniors and that just because we are old, we are not dumb as we must have had a pretty good life to get as old as we are. I feel the Lord has blessed me richly, but I live by myself and when I was able to take all the surveys my time passed much faster and I really loved it. Best to you and hopefully all will turn out great for you. The other day a friend sent me a nice note. – “How to tell when your mission in life is over. If you are still alive, it isn’t.”
Jan, I like your outlook on life. I know being close to 80 yrs, that things do change especially time, which seems to be speeding by faster and faster as we get older. I also live by myself except for a little mixed breed dog which is a wonderful companion and between her and my surveys I sure would be lonelier. Every now and then I do get to complete a survey from mindfield which I enjoy giving my opinion on different products, so I think we do make a difference in a certain way.
Well said, Jan!
GIRLS, I LOVE YOUR SURVEYS !!! ITS MY WAY OF EARNING A COUPLE OF BUCKS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!
Wouldn’t do it if you didn’t listen – but this actually makes a difference!
it’s good to know that our (mindfieldonline family) is really reaching out to everyone,this is great
Hey Donald Hang in there with your little dog and just be happy as that is the main thing and always remember “Don’t ever never give up” and always believe you can do it. By the way we are blessed to still be around talking about it, don’t you think??
My question is for MindFieldonline I have a blog and I do a lot of product testing & PRs for many companies, Does your clients use testers much? I have tested techno gadgets, fashionista products, Home goods, And many more. Tyvm *+*
hi marjorie…yes MindField does product testing as well as surveys. But it’s all part of the mix. You can’t just sign up for testing (not that you suggested that.) But, whatever demographic you are in that you are doing testing for other companies, the same should hold true for MindField. So come aboard!
How does one create a blog and product test for companies? I live in South Carolina and would love to do this. Thanks for any info. you can share.
Mrs Terrie Kenoyer
ladykeno1@yahoo.com
Hi Terrie! Testing a product really has nothing to blogging. Testing here at MindField (and everywhere else) is a much smaller activity than surveys, and really depends on your demographics. I can also tell you that her at MF (and anywhere else, I assume) our clients prefer that survey or test participants NOT talk about the tests and surveys – especially if you use names. So if you write a blog about your Ivory Soap test (for example) you just might get kicked out.
I used to do alot of surveys for Mindfield just was kicked out or did not qualify if you can please start sending me more Im always compleatly honest and true to the tee.Im disabled from car wreck lost right arm. I do enjoy doing surveys also would like to do focus groups too,If in any way there was some type of employment it would be nice also.I have enjoyed doing surveys for many yrs. for Mindfield. Sincerely Mike V.
hi mike… thanks for your comment, and your membership. Qualifying is just one of those things that can be frustrating at times. Basically, you are who you are, and when the clients want to hear from someone in your profile, we try to make sure you get an opportunity. The other thing you can do is to make sure everything is OK from a technical standpoint. To do that, contact the helpdesk during regular business hours at support@mindfieldonline.com or 800.969.9235
You folks need to join the 21st Century. Not everyone lives in a house with a family of two or more kids. There are post-50 people out here who use the same products and services as 20 and 30-somethings. Most of these products have been around for a long time, and we post-50 folks were some of the first to buy them. Your surveys are too age biased to be accurate. To be more relevant, you need to widen your target audience to the people who have money and jobs. We post-50 folks.
read this, bob: http://mindfieldonline.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/great-news-for-our-50-panelists/
I understand. So how does one get in to testing products for any company?
Yes, this truly explains clearly how the survey selection process works! Well done!
My problem is that as soon as I give my age, I am immediately disqualified. I think that if you didn’t want people over 65 taking you surveys, you should say so when someone is trying to sign up.
hi mary… please read this about “MindField Over 50′s” http://wp.me/p14kZm-ed
During this time that I am applying for disability your surveys have helped me to make it through.
Thank God and Thank you,
Jim
thanks for the kind words jim…best wishes!
I dont get a reply on what was wrote and I also like to do surveys. Mike
I have the same problem qualifying and am also on disability. Seems they would prequalify us before sending us the surveys.
Mary and Jim: I agree with you about as soon as you put your age in you are gone. I also agree with Jim as it does seem like they should pre-qualify everyone before sending the surveys and that way it would save our time and theirs. Guess I will never understand so I just keep trying…….some I get and some I don’t and it is mostly don’t. “Bless you”
Thanks guys! I feel much better knowing that there’s a logical explanation. Yes, I had many questions….you answered them all. I understand much better now that I know why I was disqualified from some of the surveys. Again, thank you. I’ll continue trying.
I just joined this week. Integrity is paramount to my online reputation. I will enjoy providing accurate and meaningful service to the clients of Mindfield. Respectfully, Nicholas Chase
Age seems to be a non-qualifying factor in your surveys. Tell me if I am wrong. Every time you send a survey, when it comes to filling in age I am immediately disqualified. Older people still have an interest in many aspects of everyday life.
We have gotten several comments about AGE and qualifying. Age can be a disqualifying factor, depending on the survey. We have been looking at ways to get more opportunities for our over-50′s…read this: http://mindfieldlive.com/2012/03/23/great-news-for-our-50-panelists/
Well, now I feel better. Thanks for the explanation. I thought it was something I ate. Margaret Kemp
A beautifully fair information, as marketing researchers are looking for specific selected group to evaluate their product(s) and understand how they may appreciate the quality of the product(s) they are using. This helps the company understands where they can improve the product(s) and gives customers their satisfaction in continuing to purchase the product(s).
I don’t feel like I’ve been kicked out, more to the point is I gave my honest answer to start off the survey and I didn’t meet certain criteria, where I’m not part of said selected group of panelists. They’ll be other surveys that will allow me to complete all of their questions.
Thank for the heads up, looking forward to many other future surveys. Enjoy a wonderful day/evening…..until next time
Thanks for your comments, Nathan. Very nicely put!
Very nice to see a survey company take the time to teach this to respondents.
thanks nancy. it’s a touchy subject. but it’s an area that mindfield is working hard to make improvements.
Thanks so much for the details of qualifying. I didn’t realize how much was involved, and I needed the eye-opener. Thank you!
Thanks for all the surveys and test products that Mindfield has sent me, I enjoy doing each and everyone and love the testing of products. Keep up the good work and keeping my brain working! Thank you!
Here’s what upsets me…I sit here for 15 min or so taking a survey and all of a sudden it decides I don’t qualify. That’s not right!!! Now I remember why I quit doing them the last time. It was so frustrating!!!! Does anyone else have this problem? To me, it’s like you have finished the survey and that’s their way of not paying you for it, is how I feel.
Yes Leslie that has happened to me many times. I knew that I had given them all the answers to a survey they needed and then suddenly I was told I didn’t qualify or an error page appears. It is indeed very frustrating and seems very dishonest on their part.
The minute I put in that I am 71 years old! I get the “you are not qualified for this survey”…… If I am too old, then why do you ask for people to sign up without qualifying how old you should be!
I thought at one point that I was missing out on something….. but I am glad I took the time to read this. I knew that most surveys were tailored to solicit the targeted group responses. I really do not feel bad about being “booted-out” certain survey… but now I have a question. If I encounter a survey that is obviously geared toward a female respondee…. may I allow my wife to participate?
my first guess would be yes, that it is more of a household membership, and that they know you are married (from your member profile info.) but let me verify that. thanks
further clarification from the MindField brass: That is fine as long as it is a member of your household but she would need to participate in the screening process herself rather than handing off in the middle.
Yes, but I think everytime I put my age, it automatically gets me off the list.!!!!!!
I think if companys would take a survey where you could split the ages from younger to older to show that even the older floks may have a little more insight on things do to the fact we have more time on our hands.We have raised our kids and now we are helping raise our grandchildren. We are the ones who feed,medacate, and care for there needs. It’s hard to raise kids today when it takes both mom and dad to provide. THANK GOD FOR US OLDER PEOPLE. These big comanys should be made aware of this fact and should give us a try. WE DESERVE A IT. THANK YOU
I am sooo…. delighted to hear from my peer groups on this age matter…. I just would like to say to the businesses that want good and quality survey responses…. look toward your able seniors. We have been around throughout a lot … and I say a lot.. of technological… environmental… and many… many other developments that have brought us to where we are right now. I feel we are an invaluable source of information and input into today’s products… services.. businesses. Why?…. Simply… because we are a part of all that is today.
Thanks for the insight into the panels. I now know how this works. Thank you so much
I’ve just registered. Don’t know about the results of taking the surveys. I’m looking forward to taking surveys. Like to taking surveys, especially those that ask for opinions. I’m retired and have lots of time. Hopefully, it will be more profitable than my bridge playing.
I appreciate the chance to voice my old folks (79) opinion. When I voice my age, I am delighted.!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Thank for the Article, was really a help, didn’t have any idea that so many felt like I did.
How can you get more surveys sent to you without getting “you are not qualified for this survey”?
I appreciate the explanation behind the surveys as to why some don’t meet the criteria etc,
Very well written article. Thank you so very much! It answered all of my questions. (And maybe even a few I hadn’t thought of yet)