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FocusGroup.com is a well-known market research platform that pays users to participate in focus groups, online studies, and paid surveys. But how much can you really earn from it? And more importantly — is it legit or another online scam?
This comprehensive FocusGroup.com review explains how the site works, earning potential, pros and cons, and real user feedback so you can decide whether it’s worth your time.
Quick Summary
.Earn money through online and in-person focus groups
.Complete surveys and other paid research tasks
.Cash out with free gift cards starting at only $1
.Free to join (18+ only)
.Operated by a reputable global research company
Is FocusGroup.com Legit?
Yes — FocusGroup.com is a legitimate platform where members can earn money for participating in interviews, focus groups, and paid studies.
The company has a 4.2-star rating on Trustpilot with over 1,300 reviews, making it one of the most respected focus-group providers in the industry.
FocusGroup.com is owned by SAGO (formerly Schlesinger Group), a major research firm founded in 1966 with 25+ offices across the U.S. and Europe. This long history adds to the platform’s credibility.
However, income is not consistent. You might qualify for some studies — and other times none at all.
What Is FocusGroup.com?
FocusGroup.com is a platform that connects consumers with companies looking for feedback via:
.Focus groups
.Online interviews
.Market research studies
.Paid surveys
If you’ve used sites like User Interviews or Respondent, FocusGroup.com works very similarly.
Creating an account takes just a few minutes. You’ll provide basic details such as location, employment, and demographics so the system can match you with relevant studies.
You must also upload a photo ID (passport or driver’s license) for verification. Additionally, some regions may not be open for new registrations at all times.
How Do You Make Money on FocusGroup.com?
There are three main earning methods:
- Focus Groups & Interviews (Highest Pay)
Focus groups offer the best payouts on the platform. Sessions can be:
.Online via Zoom
.Phone or webcam interviews
.In-person at research facilities
These opportunities typically pay $50–$150 per hour, sometimes more.
However — they are not frequent. Many focus groups target very specific demographics (certain jobs, health conditions, or lifestyles).
To maximize your chances, check your email daily for invitations from SAGO, FocusGroup’s parent company.
Note: In my own first three months, I didn’t qualify for any focus groups — so treat this as a side hustle, not consistent income.
- Paid Surveys
You can also earn points by completing online surveys in categories like:
.Health
.Automotive
.Finance
.Entertainment
.Lifestyle
Each survey shows:
.Points earned
.Estimated time
.Industry topic
As with other survey sites, you may occasionally get disqualified early — which can be frustrating.
One helpful feature: each survey has a comments icon where you can read feedback from other users, helping you avoid low-quality surveys.
If your main goal is survey income, platforms like Branded Surveys or Survey Junkie offer more consistent earning opportunities.
- Other Paid Research Tasks
FocusGroup.com sometimes lists additional research opportunities similar to surveys. These appear in separate dashboard tabs, which can feel confusing, but they work the same way: complete them and earn points.
Rewards and Payouts
You earn points that convert to cash value:
.100 points = $1
.Minimum cash-out: $1
You can redeem points for digital gift cards from brands like:
.Amazon
.Apple
.Dunkin’
.eBay
.Starbucks
.Target
.Walmart
There’s no PayPal or direct bank payout, though occasionally users report receiving Visa gift card options.
Some users have complained on BBB that payouts can be slow, but FocusGroup.com is known to respond to customer issues.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely because studies depend on your demographics and availability.
Focus Group Income
A single session may pay $100–$300, and extended studies sometimes pay more. But qualifying is not guaranteed.
For example, recent opportunities included:
.$300 for a 6-hour in-person interview
.$350 for a full-day research session
.$300 for an online consultation + 5-day diary task
Some months you may earn nothing; other months you might earn $50–$200+.
Survey Income
Survey payouts also vary. Example:
.12-minute survey → 120 points ($1.20)
.25-minute survey → 190 points ($1.90)
Interestingly, the shorter survey had a higher hourly rate ($6/hr vs. $4.56/hr).
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Free to join
✔ Only $1 minimum payout
✔ High-paying focus groups available
✔ Surveys pay competitively
✔ Good variety of gift card rewards
Cons
✘ Hard to qualify for focus groups
✘ No PayPal or bank withdrawals
✘ Not always open for new sign-ups
✘ High survey disqualification rates
Best Alternatives to FocusGroup.com
Because focus groups are inconsistent, it’s smart to join multiple platforms. Popular alternatives include:
.User Interviews
.Respondent
.UserTesting
.Survey Junkie
.Rare Patient Voices
.Pinecone Research
.Recruit & Field
.Inspired Opinions
.Apex Focus Group
These can significantly increase your chances of getting higher-paying studies.
Real User Reviews
Here’s what members are saying on Trustpilot, Reddit, and Quora:
.Milton S. – “Promised $300 and $400 for two video interviews. Six weeks later, still unpaid and no response.”
.techclubmaster – “Legit. I’ve done several interviews. They paid quickly and the pay was great.”
.emphasizex – “I was paid late by a few hours, but it was legit.”
.Breezybaby79 – “Made around $600 last year and $300 so far this year.”
Overall: mixed reviews, but the majority confirm it’s legitimate — with occasional payment delays.
Who Can Join?
Anyone 18 or older can apply. Entry may depend on your location and demographic match. If you’re not accepted, try other international survey sites.
Customer Service
You can reach them via:
.Email: Help@FocusGroup.com
.Phone: 855-244-0886 (voicemail only)
Users report reply times of around 24 hours.
Final Verdict: Is FocusGroup.com Worth It?
FocusGroup.com is absolutely legit, and one of the better places to find high-paying focus groups. However:
.You may wait weeks or months to qualify
.Income isn’t stable
.Gift-card-only payouts might bother some users
If you treat it as a bonus side hustle and pair it with other platforms, it can be a fantastic way to earn occasional $50–$300 payouts.
For consistent money, consider gig apps or freelancing — but FocusGroup.com is definitely worth adding to your side-income toolkit.