A perfect balance between urban life and nature, conservative and liberal, spirituality and technology…. Denver has the best of both worlds.
Focus groups also have that characteristic. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too??? Focus groups are fun AND you can make some extra cash to fund your beer runs in between hikes. Or maybe just your 401k.
And yes, sometimes they do actually serve cake (other refreshments, too!)
We’ve scouted the best paid focus groups in Denver and ranked them for your convenience. Keep reading to find out how to make some extra cash in Denver!
Studies you can participate in
Besides the many breweries that live in Denver, some very popular brands also find their homes in the city. These are just a few of the companies that you may be able to provide feedback for:
- Crocs
- Core Power Yoga
- Gaiam
- SmashBurger
- EVOL Burritos
- Ibotta
- Western Union
Denver hits all the major three buckets of self-actualization: health, wealth and relationships… well with food, that is 😉 Of course, there’s so much more to explore in the Mile High City. Participating in focus groups near you is a great way to rediscover your local areas.
Online focus groups that are worth checking out
With so much to experience in the city and outdoor activities, I understand that online groups may not be your first choice for focus group options.
However, online focus groups are a convenient way to supplement your income without the plan and commute. I recommend you sign up for a few for a steady stream of opportunities.
1. YouGov
is one of the leaders in market research with over 3 million members, They have a consistent flow of well-paid surveys, product tests, and focus groups. Once you register, they will email you only the studies you qualify for, which is super convenient.
Qualification: Residents of the USA and be at least 14 to join.
Click Here to Apply for YouGov
2. SurveyJunkie
though based in California, this company offers plenty of online interviews available through a mobile app! Talk about convenience.
Qualification: Residents of USA 16+ only.
Click Here to Apply for Survey Junkie
3. Respondent
is an online marketplace that connects big brands to consumers. Compensation ranges from $20 to $150 per online study. Some studies are fairly specific and difficult to qualify for, but might be worth the effort, especially if you have a professional background.
Qualification: Residents of USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Must be 18+.
Click Here to Apply for Respondent
4. Branded Surveys
offers video surveys, focus groups, and more study options. Get paid by PayPal, via e-gift cards, or choose a prepaid credit card.
Qualification: Residents of USA 14+
Click Here to Apply for Branded Surveys
5. Toluna Influencers
is a popular option that offers a wide variety of studies, including video surveys. They also offer a wide variety of rewards (cash, gift cards, etc.). You can redeem your account balance at $10.
Qualification: Residents of USA must be 14+
Click Here to Apply for Toluna Influencers
Top 4 Companies with Active Paid Focus Groups in Denver
Denver has a concentration of some of the top research companies in the country. That’s pretty rare – feel special. We’ve ranked 4 out of 5 of these firms in various lists, so they are vetted and proven in different markets. You really can’t go wrong with any of these.
1. L&E Research:
Going by L&E Opinions for their consumer-facing side, this firm earned our number 1 spot for a few reasons.
For one, they offer a variety of studies including focus groups, taste tests, shop-alongs, etc and are conveniently located on the edge of downtown.
They also list available studies on their site to browse without an account, and give you a dollar indication for expected compensation, Yelp style. I really appreciate this, as the transparency can save you a lot of time and headaches upfront.
Of course, the general public agrees. L&E Opinions has 4 stars on Yelp, 4.3 stars on Facebook with over 8k likes. They are also the only company on this list that is BBB accredited AND has an A+ rating. Very impressive.
Once you create an account, you apply directly to the studies that interest you. If you meet the initial criteria, a recruiter will further qualify you.
Bonus: they offer a referral rewards program!
2. Fieldwork:
Located in the the former WeWork Wells Fargo Center, Fieldwork boasts a very diverse range of study options, including focus groups, taste tests, product trials, in-home interviews, shop-along interviews, phone interviews, and online research.
If that weren’t enough, they advertise study topics ranging from video games to breakfast food. Choose your own adventure.
Though slightly above average reviews on Yelp at 3.5 stars, they have raving fans on Facebook, where they frequently post studies. Check out their page for studies and what others have to say there.
Once you sign up, you can fill out questionnaires for studies that interest you. If you qualify, you will be invited to participate via phone or email.
3. Plaza Research:
Located conveniently in the heart of downtown Denver, study opportunities include sampling new products, previewing TV commercials, or talking about future products in a traditional focus group fashion.
On average, focus groups last about 2 hours, and pay ranges from $50-200. And we didn’t lie earlier: this firm advertises refreshments during their groups.
Their website is a bit outdated, and it took some digging to find their (rebranded) Facebook group. However, they do have over 10k likes and 4.5 stars on their page. They also frequently post studies there.
To sign up, you do have to fill out a pretty extensive initial survey to qualify for future studies.
4. Opinions Ltd:
Famously located in malls nationwide, this firm is located in Southwest Plaza. They don’t have much of a local presence outside of their national brand.
They do have generally favorable reviews on Yelp with 3.7 stars from 5 users.
Once you create a profile, you will receive emails for available studies.
Other Great Focus Group Companies in Denver
Most of these companies are also well-known across the country, but we didn’t find any current studies running at this moment. Of course, that can change any moment. Keep these companies in your front pocket.
Insights Center – 345 Inverness Drive South Suite 110, Englewood, CO 80112
Murray Hill National – 14221 E.4th Ave, Bldg. 2 Suite 126, Aurora, CO 80011
C&C Market Research – 14500 West Colfax Ave Suite #326, Lakewood, CO 80401
Boulder Focus Center – RRC Associates, Inc. 4940 Pearl East Cir., #103, Boulder, CO 80301
Resolution Research & Marketing, Inc. – 490 S Santa Fe Drive Unit E, Denver, CO 80223
Blackbox Companies
Below are a few firms that were missing some key information for us to recommend with confidence. We call these companies blackboxes.
Check these out if you feel inclined, and let us know your experience in the comments!
Market Perceptions, Inc. – Health Care Research, Inc. 733 E. 8th Ave., Denver, CO 80203
Food & Drink Resources – 6555 South Kenton St. Suite 302, Centennial, CO 80111
CRG/Test America – FlatIron Crossing,One W. FlatIron Circle, Suite 2128, Broomfield, CO 80021
Final Thoughts
You can never run out of things to do in this great city, but we just gave yet another (few) options to consider for some extra cash!
Focus groups are fun and profitable, so they definitely meet the criteria of ‘best of both worlds,’ in my opinion. Check out a few of these focus groups and tell us if you agree in the comments 🙂
Till payday!
I am a father to a beautiful baby girl, a husband and a serial gigster 🙂 I live in Toronto, Canada. My claim to fame: I made thousands of dollars from focus groups and surveys over the last 15 years. Studied Marketing in Ryerson Univerity and worked in Marketing and Marketing Research for the last 14 years+ My mission is to educate others how to be successful with side hustles. You can contact my be email or on Facebook.
