Over the past few weeks I’ve been bombarded with emails to earn extra money by filling out branded surveys. So, I gave it a try.

Here’s a typical advert:

“Start a fresh survey now.”

I filled out a number of 5 to 35 minute surveys. Each survey has a point value ranging from 5 and more points. Each point is worth 1 cent. So 100 points equals $1. Branded Surveys pays out on request once 500 total points is reached. So, quite a few surveys must be completed before pay-out is done.

I completed my first 3 surveys and from that point on, this what I began experiencing:

I’m 10+ minutes into the survey and it says I don’t qualify. I go onto the next next survey and the same thing happens. On a number of surveys I was prevented from completing the last page. My points increased very slowly. So, the more surveys I was completing / almost completed, the less I was earning. On each survey I supplied my personal information, my likes and dislikes and then the survey would be discontinued. In other words I’m giving away my personal information and analysis for free.

I’m now on 245 points (received 100 free for joining the survey group). It will take many hours to reach 500 points, only to be paid £5.

So, my conclusion is “this is a waste of time. Find something else to do!“