Opinion Central

[Heath]

Believe it or not, I have something positive to say about an otherwise dreadful survey site, ECN. It was through them that I got an invitation to Opinion Central in March. It was only available for a short time, but it did give me the opportunity to check it out for a review. As you’ll see, I was going to ask Yourfreesurveys to look into offering the link, but I changed my mind.

Opinion Central looks good enough at first glance. Graphics are great and it’s very professionally done. They do send out surveys infrequently, at least to me, as I’ve been a member since March and have only accumulated about 1800 points. What will that get me, you ask? Not much. The bigger issue here is that even if they sent out a survey a day and you had a pile of points to spend, there’s not a heck of a lot to choose from. Here’s what they offer:

slim super lightweight pocket calculator with translucent body and raised black rubber buttons (3825)

Men’s watch with matte/polished silver case, blue sunray dial, raised silver hour markings, silver hands, black leatherette strap and second hand (8450)

iPod Shuffle Silver 1GB (25,000)

iPod Nano Silver 4GB (60,000)

I can assure you, it will take several years by my calculations to get your hands on that iPod Nano. I’m not patient enough for that. And their website will tell you that no survey will take you longer than 15 minutes. Ha…now that’s a good one. Try no less than 30 and mostly more than that. Please let me know if I’m way off base here, but the surveys I got were looonnnnggg. There is a long list of sweepstakes winners for April. And from the Opinion Central website:

“We currently do not offer incentives on every survey. Occasionally, an opportunity will arise where compensation for survey completion is offered. Email invitations will note if compensation is offered for a specific survey. ”

I did find an interesting issue on my “search”. Apparently, there have been big issues with their pop-up, whereby it has locked up more than a few computers. I’ve never experienced the pop-up, but I think Maplaver mentioned that she did. (I block all pop-ups) One guy had to pay the “geek squad” big bucks to remove it from his computer. Sounds like a nightmare. But to be fair, this may be an issue that’s been resolved. I’ve just never heard of a pop-up jamming your computer. You can read about it here, http://www.lockergnome.com/technobabble/2007/07/07/opinion-central-pop-up-ad/

[LapisLee]

I am not overly thrilled by Opinion-Central (https://www.opinion-central.com) because I don't like prizes, but here is additional information. I have 3675 points with them and will probably cash out and unsubscribe when I have enough for the Men's watch (8450). I don't think I am patient enough for an iPod Shuffle (25,000).

What is Opinion-Central?
Opinion-Central is a website for members of the InsightExpress Consumer Panel.

On this site members can:


View and modify panelist information
Take a survey
See selected survey results
Read interesting facts
Participate in polls – coming soon!
Who is InsightExpress?
InsightExpress is acknowledged as a pioneer of high quality, online marketing research services. With the support of survey respondents, InsightExpress provides its clients with the market research data they need to make better business decisions. Some of the companies that have used InsightExpress’ technology for research include: Ben & Jerry’s, Universal McCann and Zagat.

InsightExpress is headquartered in Stamford, CT and maintains offices in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.insightexpress.com or contact 203-359-4174.

COMING SOON!

We value your participation in our research panel and we know how valuable your time is. We are working on a new and exciting rewards program that will allow our panelists to earn points for participation in our surveys. These points will be able to be redeemed for a wide variety of items. Stay tuned… our new point system will be rolled out to our panel members in the coming months!

Membership Benefits

Providing your honest opinion can be a fun and rewarding experience. As an Opinion-Central panelist, you can:

Test new products before they are available to the general public.
Evaluate new product ideas and concepts before they hit the shelves.
Tell companies what you like or dislike about products you use every day (from laundry detergent to insurance plans to cell phones). Help companies better understand your needs so they can better meet them in the future. Your opinion makes a difference. Our clients are looking to you for advice. Your input can change products, and even legislation. For example:


A large book publisher looked for answers from Opinion-Central panelists to decide on the exact layout, structure, title and price for a series of Do-It-Yourself books to insure it would appeal to readers.

Results from research conducted with Opinion-Central panelists helped pass a Federal ANTI SPAM law.

One of the largest CD/DVD/Book clubs made use of survey results to create new, more user friendly membership bundles.

Cruise Lines and Resorts frequently contact our panelists to learn about trends in vacations so they may better understand what amenities and services travelers expect.

Opinion-Central panelists helped a major music cable channel helped to streamline the features of their web site and their feedback generated new features that the client incorporated into their new site.

A major ice cream manufacturer relies on Opinion-Central panel members to help test new flavors they have developed.
We are working hard to make your participation a positive experience.

We value your time. Our goal is to keep surveys concise and to the point.

We will only contact you via email. No phone calls or dinner time interruptions.

You are in control. You can take a survey when and where it is convenient to you - as long as you are at a computer.

Your privacy is protected. All of your responses remain completely anonymous and your answers will always be evaluated in combination with other panel members.

Your membership is for research purposes only. We will never rent or sell your email address to anyone. We will never allow our clients to "sell a product" within a survey or market a service to you. We’ll never ask you to buy anything!

Rewards

We currently do not offer incentives on every survey. Occasionally, an opportunity will arise where compensation for survey completion is offered. Email invitations will note if compensation is offered for a specific survey.

Privacy Policy (https://www.opinion-central.com/privacy.aspx)

Contact Us (https://www.opinion-central.com/contactus.aspx)

Panel Member Correspondence
Chris Arnold
Director, Member Services
Opinion-Central
1351 Washington Blvd.
Suite 5000
Stamford, CT 06902
CArnold@Opinion-Central.com

Corporate Headquarters & General Correspondence
InsightExpress, LLC
1351 Washington Blvd.
Suite 5000
Stamford, CT 06902
USA

Here is what you can expect to earn from Opinion-Central if you have a similar demographic as myself.

Awards

Date Awarded Survey Number Points Awarded Points Awarded to Date
3/3/2008 129908 275 275
3/10/2008 129870 350 625
3/10/2008 130156 500 1125
3/10/2008 129965 275 1400
3/26/2008 130848 1000 2400
3/27/2008 121994 175 2575
5/12/2008 132825 275 2850
5/31/2008 135410 275 3125
6/8/2008 135703 275 3400
6/30/2008 137771 275 3675

Balance: Your current point balance is 3675 points

Here is a list of the rewards:

Points Required: 3700
Cosmetic bag with make-up mirror, zipper compartment, and velcro closure.

Points Required: 3825
Slim super lightweight pocket calculator with translucent body and raised black rubber buttons.

Points Required: 3825
Tape measure with a built in notepad with a pen for jotting down notes

Points Required: 3900
Watertight six pack cooler with adjustable 32" double rivet shoulder strap, front slip pocket for additional storage, and fold away bottom stiffener.

Points Required: 3925
Transparent Red - 22 oz. transparent polycarbonate bottle features a 16 oz. measurement scale.

Points Required: 4175
Screwdriver and socket set, 8 1/2" x 2 1/2". Contains 6 sockets, 3 Phillips bits, 2 flat head bits, socket adaptor, extension and snap plastic case.

Points Required: 4175
Tumbler with smooth rubber accents and bold color metallic panel, double wall insulation and stainless lid with slide lock prevents spills. No slip bottom.

Points Required: 4250
Tote bag with shoulder length handles, zippered main compartment, inside organizer drop pocket for pens, business cards and cell phone. 600 denier polyester canvas.

Points Required: 4400
Sling Backpack, This simple, unique pack conforms to your body shape it features a slanted open pocket on front with pen & card-holder inside, and a mesh pocket on the side for a water bottle.

Points Required: 4750
Mini multi-plier tool, 1" x 2 1/2". Includes pliers, wire cutter, knife, wire stripper, scissors, bottle opener, flat head screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver and nylon belt pouch.

Points Required: 5125
Junior size portfolio with beautiful ostrich skin finish, includes interior file sleeve and replaceable signature letter size 30 page writing pad. Single fold closure.

Points Required: 5625
Nylon weave travel wallet with embossed vinyl detailing and multi stripe finish features interior mesh pocket, interior zippered pocket, passport pocket, airline ticket sleeve and single zippered closure.

Points Required: 8100
3 LED Flashlight, FM scan radio, 6V dynamo charger, crank generator to recharge, ABS plastic construction

Points Required: 8450
Men's watch with matte/polished silver case, blue sunray dial, raised silver hour markings, silver hands, black leatherette strap and second hand.

Points Required: 8450
Ladies watch with matte/polished silver case, blue sunray dial, raised silver hour markings, silver hands, black leatherette strap and second hand.

Points Required: 8500
Barbecue set containing serrated spatula, brass grill brush with scraper, tongs and bottle opener. All stainless steel construction.

Points Required: 8775
Any occasion is livened up with this fun six-in-one game set. It comes with boards and game pieces for checkers, chess, dominoes, backgammon and cribbage, 4 dice, and a deck of playing cards. Includes 1-piece gift box.

Points Required: 9000
1 GB Executive USB Flash Drive Genuine top grain Tan leather

Points Required: 11575
Ying Yang clock and photo frame with gray finish.

Points Required: 13050
Jensen portable compact disc player w/ AM/FM radio

Points Required: 15000
2 GB Executive USB Flash Drive Genuine top grain saddle Black leather

Points Required: 19000
Hamilton Beach 5 qt slow cooker

Points Required: 19500
Burton Morris Poker set

Points Required: 25000
iPod Shuffle Silver 1GB

Points Required: 27000
Weber Go anywhere gas grill

Points Required: 30000
Uniden 2.4 GHz Dual-Handset Cordless Phone System.

Points Required: 43950
Hamilton Beach Cappuccino & Expresso Maker

Points Required: 60000
iPod Nano Silver 4GB

Points Required: 80000
iPod Nano Silver 8GB

Points Required: 95000
iPod Classic Silver

[eddieMX07]

I first heard of this panel in one of Lee's comment on the blog. The first thing I looked for when I visited their homepage is a link to join, but I didn't see one so I said "Oh well." I later learned that they recruit members by invitation only. When I learned that, I knew I was NEVER going to join this panel unless I find a link. Even then I might not join because it's in this forum's "Survey Sites' that are NOT recommended" list.

[LapisLee]

I first heard of this panel in one of Lee's comment on the blog. The first thing I looked for when I visited their homepage is a link to join, but I didn't see one so I said "Oh well." I later learned that recruits members by invitation only. When I learned that, I know I was NEVER going to join this panel unless I find a link. Even then I might not join because it's in this forum's "Survey Sites' that are NOT recommended" list.
Don't bother. It's a waste of time for their lame prizes. This is a prime example of a survey site that I joined before I knew what I was doing and got sucked in by having a few points and now I just want my freakin' watch and will unsubscribe. Tik Tik Cash is 'Exhibit A' of sites that I joined back when I was young and dumb in February that sucked me in and I can't quit until I cash out... :(

[LapisLee]

I received my extremely cheap-looking cooler bag, which also has Opinion Central emblazoned on it's side. This site is a complete waste of time and I am unsubscribing.

http://i38.tinypic.com/24eucea.jpg

Points Required: 3900
Watertight six pack cooler with adjustable 32" double rivet shoulder strap, front slip pocket for additional storage, and fold away bottom stiffener.

Here is all it took to earn it:

Awards
Date Awarded Survey Number Points Awarded Points Awarded to Date

3/3/2008 129908 275 275
3/10/2008 129870 350 625
3/10/2008 130156 500 1125
3/10/2008 129965 275 1400
3/26/2008 130848 1000 2400
3/27/2008 121994 175 2575
5/12/2008 132825 275 2850
5/31/2008 135410 275 3125
6/8/2008 135703 275 3400
6/30/2008 137771 275 3675
7/28/2008 140652 350 4025

Redemptions
Date Redeemed Points Used

8/18/2008 3900

Balance: Your current point balance is 125 points

[maplaver]

I received my extremely cheap-looking cooler bag, which also has Opinion Central emblazoned on it's side. This site is a complete waste of time and I am unsubscribing.



By reading this I want to unsubscribe too cuz IT IS a waste of time. How did you do it cuz I didn't find an UNSUBSCRIBE button? I sent a message thru CONTACT US.

[LapisLee]

By reading this I want to unsubscribe too cuz IT IS a waste of time. How did you do it cuz I didn't find an UNSUBSCRIBE button? I sent a message thru CONTACT US.
Same here.

[da3693]

I don't even remember how I joined opinion central, however I have been a member for one year and currently have a balance of 31,000 points. If you wait for them to e-mail you surveys you won't get much. I sign in everyday and do a survey several times a week and some days 3 or 4. As far as what they offer for the points, what site is good? Just remember this is a hobby. Dale at dawillits@msn.com

[LapisLee]

I don't even remember how I joined opinion central, however I have been a member for one year and currently have a balance of 31,000 points. If you wait for them to e-mail you surveys you won't get much. I sign in everyday and do a survey several times a week and some days 3 or 4. As far as what they offer for the points, what site is good? Just remember this is a hobby. Dale at dawillits@msn.com
I am not a fan of prize sites, but I think Zoom Panel has the best prizes.

[eddieMX07]

I am not a fan of prize sites, but I think Zoom Panel has the best prizes.

I'm a fan of prize site only if they offer video games related products. I think Permission Research and Opinion Square have the bes prizes because there several items I will eventually redeem.

[YogaPrincess]

I'm curious how many people are members of Opinion Central. I like their surveys and the fact my survey history is automatically updated so I know how many points are in my account. However, their rewards are disapponting. I'm not interesting in a tote bag or a pocket knife.

I'm hoping some of the members here will contact Opinion Central about their rewards. If they hear from enough people maybe they will improve the prize list. I'm not a diehard "cash" survey taker. I don't mind accumulating points if there is something on the reward list that I would actually want to claim.

[DAMO36]

I'm curious how many people are members of Opinion Central. I like their surveys and the fact my survey history is automatically updated so I know how many points are in my account. However, their rewards are disapponting. I'm not interesting in a tote bag or a pocket knife.

I'm hoping some of the members here will contact Opinion Central about their rewards. If they hear from enough people maybe they will improve the prize list. I'm not a diehard "cash" survey taker. I don't mind accumulating points if there is something on the reward list that I would actually want to claim.

Yeah i've been a member of this site for a long time now but i usually pass on their survey invites. Like you said their rewards are very disappointing.

[LapisLee]

I ruled it out over a year ago. I don't care for sub-par prizes. Cash or Amazon gift certificates only.