Synovate (Global Opinion Panels)

[eddieMX07]

Synovate (http://www.globalopinionpanels.com) is a panel that rewards you with points that can be used to redeem cash. They give points instead of direct cash because they think that a cash reward influences the survey taker's opinion. Here is what they said:

While some companies pay for responses, many researchers believe that paid responses can be different from unpaid responses. For this reason, we try to avoid paid responses. However, we realize your time is valuable, so in cases where the study is complicated or lengthy, we offer incentives for every household completing the survey.

I have been a member of their panel since October of last year and so far I have 26,045 points with them. That means I can redeem $25 whenever I want.
Synovate is an ok panel that is in the top 25 survey sites but it does have certain things that I don't like.
First of all, I don't like the high points required to earn $25. It took me more than six months to make $25 with them but I made over $100 with Survey Spot in about three months. You decide which one of those deals is better.

Another weak point is their Customer Service. I took a survey in March that was about a new beverage product. I qualified for the survey but when I was at 93% thoughout the survey, I encountered a bad question. Here is what I told them in an email:

I was recently invited to participate in a new survey (Project ID 1S4701). I currently stuck on a question that I don't know how to answer. The question asks me to rank all the names I saw during the survey. It asks me use 1-6 to rate how I like the names but there are only five names shown. I typed a number in each box shown making sure not to repeat a number but once I click the "next button" a message is shown saying "Please use a number only once ". I tried to mix up my response to see if that would solve the problem but the same message appears. Hopefully you can help me with this problem so I can finish the survey and get points.
Thanks you

They sent me an email that didn't help me solve this problem and it was about two weeks after I sent the original message. By that time, the survey was already closed.

I rate Synovate (http://www.globalopinionpanels.com) panel a 7 out of 10 only because I can redeem a $25 check. The survey problems were what made me rate them with a low score.

[eddieMX07]

Here is some information about Synovate that can be found in their home page.

Reinventing Research
We help our clients meet the commercial challenges of the information age by constantly creating innovative ways of gathering facts, and turning that data into strategic business insights. If there's no existing method of finding out what you need to know, we'll invent it.

Synovate case study from Kotler (http://www.synovate.com/about/doc/Synovate case study Kotler Dec 06.pdf)

Synovate in a nutshell
Founded in 2003
No headquarters
50 countries
5,925 staff*
22,611 projects across the globe*
27 million+ interviews worldwide*
57,000 focus groups/ in depth interviews*
$720 million annual turnover*
*as of December 2007

Brochure (http://www.synovate.com/about/doc/Curiosity%20in%20Action.pdf)

Company Values — The 3Is

Our company values consist of the 3Is. They underpin everything we do and stand for International, Integration and Innovation. But what does each one mean?

THE 3Is
They underpin everything we do

International
Being international is not the same as being global. We are a company built on borderless cooperation. Our structure fits wherever our people are based and fits the needs of clients wherever they are based.

Integration
Integration means our geographies, practices, industry verticals and teams work as one to power Synovate's growth. Our strength lies in involving and learning from each other.

Innovation
Innovation is about challenging the norm and stretching boundaries in order to create a more efficient and better quality business. It's not just about research techniques and big initiatives; innovation can come from anyone and anywhere within our business

Learn more about the 3Is on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBhhl8uLjaY)

Where we are

The world of Synovate goes beyond geographic boundaries. We're close to the action all over the globe. With almost 60 branches worldwide, you'll probably find there's a Synovate branch near you.

[LapisLee]

Just adding a little more information to Eddie's great post above. I have cashed out once for $11.40 with 11,400 points and I have 1430 points now. I probably don't do as well as others who really seem to like this site.

Join the World of Curious People!

Synovate is one of the largest marketing research firms in the world. Membership in our Global Opinion Panels provides you with many opportunities to voice your opinions on the products and services you and millions of other people across the globe use every day.

As part of the Synovate Global Opinion Panels you have the power to...

Improve existing products and services
Test innovative consumer goods
Be among the first to see what's new
Influence new items that will later appear on store shelves
And, receive rewards just for participating
What’s Involved?

Being a panel member is simple and provides rewards for your opinions. Once you join, you will be contacted by e-mail when a survey is available. This e-mail will contain instructions on how to access the survey and details about the rewards you will be eligible to earn. Participation for all surveys is voluntary, with no penalty if you choose not to participate.

Most surveys take 5-10 minutes to complete. You can even stop in the middle of a survey and return at a later time, picking up right where you left off. But, we ask that you try to complete them as soon as possible, since most surveys are only available for a limited time. From time to time, we may invite you to test a product or participate in a research project conducted by telephone. Your participation in these studies as well is always voluntary.

New Points Reward Program! Earn Points For Every Survey!

Every survey invitation will indicate how many points you can earn for completing the survey. The more surveys you complete, the more points you can earn! To view your points balance, please login to your account and access the My Rewards page. And, you will still receive an entry into our monthly sweepstakes drawing for every survey you complete. Please see our Terms and Conditions of panel membership for more details.

Please note that we may deny registration if you:

Use a false or misleading name, address or e-mail address to create or use a Panelist account;
Provide false or misleading information to any entity involved in the Program;
Fail to properly complete the registration form;
Have previously had your registration with Synovate Global Opinion Panels cancelled or terminated; or
Activate or use more than one account; duplicate accounts are subject to cancellation with all accumulated points forfeited.
Reward Points

Panelists enrolled in and in good standing with the Program may be issued "points" which they can redeem for cash. Points can be redeemed for cash according to the following formula: US$1 for each 1000 points awarded. Points may only be redeemed for cash once the total points aggregated reaches 5,000 points. There is no maximum amount of points that can be earned and redeemed. No cash will be awarded for fractional amounts; e.g., a Panelist with 5500 points will receive $5 in cash; the excess 500 points will remain in the account until there are sufficient additional points for redemption.

Monthly Sweepstakes

When you register with Synovate Global Opinion Panels, you will be entered into our Monthly Sign-up Sweepstakes with over 200 winners monthly:

1 prize of $1,000
10 prizes of $100
15 prizes of $50
30 prizes of $25
150 prizes of $10

The total value of all prizes is $5,000 each month. Please see our Official Contest Rules for more details. Then, each time you reply to an e-mail invitation and complete a survey, you earn ANOTHER entry into that month's sweepstakes drawing. Sweepstakes winners are selected at random based on entries received during each calendar month, with the prize drawing held on or around the 15th calendar day of the subsequent month. Please allow 6-8 weeks after the date of the sweepstakes drawing for winners to be posted.

Still Have Questions?

If you would like to know more, check out our frequently asked questions or contact us at marie@synovate.net

Here are my results:

Survey Id Subject Member Assigned Survey Method Points Earned Date Earned

7S64 ELECTRONICS Lee Internet 50 07/02/2008
4T89 FOOD Lee Internet 50 06/22/2008
1 Redemption Lee -10000 06/07/2008
5233 MISC Lee Internet 250 06/07/2008
9Q34 ELECTRONICS Lee Internet 6500 06/04/2008
3S44 FINANCIAL Lee Internet 50 05/24/2008
5085 MISC Lee Internet 195 05/16/2008
5R11 MISC Lee Internet 750 05/11/2008
8S59 FINANCIAL Lee Internet 700 05/08/2008
6R92 TRAVEL,VACATIONS Lee Internet 150 04/18/2008
8R12 PERSONAL GROOMING Lee Internet 750 03/26/2008
1S93 MISC Lee Internet 50 03/18/2008
2S53 FOOD Lee Internet 600 03/17/2008
5110 FOOD Lee Internet 45 03/04/2008
7R58 MISC Lee Internet 50 02/29/2008
5R11 MISC Lee Internet 50 02/26/2008
6Z33 MISC Lee Internet 800 02/25/2008
5082 MISC Lee Internet 180 02/17/2008
99 Registration Qualification Survey Lee Registration Qualification Survey 250 02/05/2008
1 Registration Lee 10 02/05/2008

[ambitiouz]

I don't really like this survey site much. I got my first check from them for $10 yesterday, I had completely forgot I requested it

[paddysmum]

I don't really like this survey site much. I got my first check from them for $10 yesterday, I had completely forgot I requested it

They've sent me quite a few products to try at home since I joined Synovate this year.

[eddieMX07]

They've sent me quite a few products to try at home since I joined Synovate this year.

Synovate has also sent me about more than two different products to try. The first product I used was for one week and the follow up survey was an online survey. I was disqualified from that survey after I said I used the product for six days. They obviously wanted people who used that product for 7 days (1 week).

The second product was a 5 day test to used 5 different products each day. Then the follow up survey was a paper survey then I mailed to then about a week after I finished this study. I'm NOT sure if I received any points for this study and I don't think I did.

[maplaver]

Number of Points Available: 1110
Minimum Points Needed for Redemption: 5000

STILL A LONG WAY TO GO :(

[LapisLee]

I just got Schick disposable razors from GOP to try for the next two weeks, but I forgot how much they are paying me to use it, probably $15 to $25.

[maplaver]

Number of Points Available: 1110
Minimum Points Needed for Redemption: 5000

STILL A LONG WAY TO GO :(

Yesterday I received my first check from them... $5 :p

[LapisLee]

I'm Sorry!

We made a mistake......and accidently ended your survey before you were finished. I want to make it up to you, so I am crediting your panelist account with the full 200 points you should have earned for completing the survey!Thanks for being such a great panelist - we'll talk soon!

Global Opinion Panels

DEAR LEE,

I recently requested your participation in a survey which accidently ended your survey before you finished. All of your opinions are important to me, so I am awarding you the full 200 points you should have earned for finishing the survey!

I'm so sorry for the inconvenience again!

Marie Brighton

[eddieMX07]

On Monday the 17 I received my first check from Synovate global Opinion Panels. I redeemed this check on October 12th. That means it took more than five weeks for me to receive my check. That is not the best time compared to Your2Cents and Survey Spot but that is ok since I already have over 10000 in my account waiting to be redeemed.

[LapisLee]

Do these surveys immediately because they are always product trials.

DEAR LEE,

A New Survey is Available!With your permission, we are requesting the participation of the 49 year old male in your household. Points: Earn up to 350 reward points PLUS an entry into our monthly sweepstakes (with 200+ prizes totaling $5,000).

Length: Approximately 7 minutes.

Link: Please Click Here to access the survey. Or, copy and paste this link into your browser:

(Link deleted)

Many thanks for your participation! Marie Brighton Panel Director

[LapisLee]

DEAR LEE,

10,000 Bonus Points Drawing!~ Everyone qualifies ~ Complete this 20 minute survey, and you will earn:

* 1000 reward points
* A chance to be one of 50 panelists to win 10,000 bonus points in this month's BONUS REWARDS drawing!
* An entry into our monthly sweepstakes with prizes totaling $5,000 Link: Please Click Here to access the survey. Or, copy and paste this link into your browser:

(Link deleted)

Many thanks for your participation! Marie Brighton Panel Director Redeem Points for CASH!

That's right! Just click here to log in to www.GlobalOpinionPanels.com and access available surveys, update your household information, view points you've already accumulated, and redeem your points for cash!Unsure of your password? On the login page, click the "reset my password" link to create a new one!

Post #2, January 16, 2009

[maplaver]

i´ve made only $25 in a year :(

[maplaver]

have u noticed their new look change?
if not, pay attention 2 ur next survey invitation!

[maplaver]

Synovate (Global Opinion Panel): Online Review Update
Survey Site Reviews April 14th, 2009

Synovate (Global Opinion Panel) squeaked in as #10 on my list of the best online paid surveys last year. Always reliable, I would still include them in the top 15 but it didn’t make it on the Top 10 list this year.

I’ve found that it takes quite some time to reach payout (5000 points = $5) and several of the surveys have only paid 50 cents. But I do get 1 to 2 a week, and they are not excessively long or annoying. I have received several extended offers (product testing opportunities) which are always a huge plus.

Synovate doesn’t offer Paypal, but instead sends out a check. I have found that it can take up to 6 weeks to receive it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not ever going to complain about a legitimate survey site that is as steady as this one! Paypal just speeds up the process and I would prefer it be offered by everyone.

Although Synovate slipped out of my original Top Ten list, this online paid survey site is still recommended.

[maplaver]

We've made some mistakes...

(too many in our mind).

We want to say that we're sorry for any issues you have experienced as a panel member in the last few weeks - we know we've let you down.

We are in the midst of making some enhancements to our web site and unfortunately, we encountered some bumps along the way. Please bear with us as we work through these issues - we know it's not perfect.

We appreciate your participation,
Marie Brighton

[tidyclean]

Yes. and I'm waiting for everything to get changed over because I've been getting quite a few surveys lately and my points still aren't added up correctly. I know I should be able to cash out shortly to, once they give me all my points.

[LapisLee]

21. Global Opinion Panel/Synovate $50.00 (5000 = $5 po) (product trials) (Joined: 2008-05-02) ($40 rec'd) ($10.00 req'd)

Global Opinion Panel is another site that does not send enough surveys to make it into my Top Ten, but the free products they do send are more than enough to make it worth anyone’s time, so they are highly recommended by me. Their surveys are short, well constructed, arrive frequently and usually pay from 200 to 1000 points. They also have a monthly sweepstakes with over 200 monthly winners: 1 prize of $1,000, 10 prizes of $100, 15 prizes of $50, 30 prizes of $25 and 150 prizes of $10. Minimum cash out is 5000 points or $5 and checks arrive in 6 to 8 weeks. Any problems are quickly resolved with an email to: marie@synovate.net

[DAMO36]

21. Global Opinion Panel/Synovate $50.00 (5000 = $5 po) (product trials) (Joined: 2008-05-02) ($40 rec'd) ($10.00 req'd)

Global Opinion Panel is another site that does not send enough surveys to make it into my Top Ten, but the free products they do send are more than enough to make it worth anyone’s time, so they are highly recommended by me. Their surveys are short, well constructed, arrive frequently and usually pay from 200 to 1000 points. They also have a monthly sweepstakes with over 200 monthly winners: 1 prize of $1,000, 10 prizes of $100, 15 prizes of $50, 30 prizes of $25 and 150 prizes of $10. Minimum cash out is 5000 points or $5 and checks arrive in 6 to 8 weeks. Any problems are quickly resolved with an email to: marie@synovate.net

I agree with you Lee.....they do send out a lot of products for you to test and i recommend this site too just for that alone....

[Penny Lane]

Today I received my first product test for Synovate sent Fedex. They didn't mention anything about payment/points but I liked receiving the free product anyway. I'm all about FREE!

[DAMO36]

Today I received my first product test for Synovate sent Fedex. They didn't mention anything about payment/points but I liked receiving the free product anyway. I'm all about FREE!

Yep i love getting free products to test as well....Synovate and Pinecone are among the best for that....

[Dan Lambskin]

Yep i love getting free products to test as well....Synovate and Pinecone are among the best for that....

mysurvey sends quite a bit too

[LapisLee]

Redemption History 2009

Points Redeemed Date Type Status

10000 12/05/2009 Mailed Check Pending
10000 10/30/2009 Mailed Check Closed
5000 09/24/2009 Mailed Check Closed
5000 08/14/2009 Mailed Check Closed
5000 08/03/2009 Mailed Check Closed
5000 07/31/2009 Mailed Check Closed
10000 06/04/2009 Mailed Check Closed
5000 05/11/2009 Mailed Check Closed
5000 04/09/2009 Mailed Check Closed

Total: $60

[LapisLee]

Celebrate New Year’s with Synovate!

As a thank you for being a loyal Synovate Global Opinion Panels member, we are giving you 100 bonus points!

This calls for an early start to the celebrations.

Keep It Up In 2010!

Improve existing products and services
Test innovative consumer goods
Be among the first to see what’s new
Influence new items that will later appear on store shelves

And, receive rewards just for participating

Click for your 100 points now!