Jersey Shore (no, not that one – don’t worry) has to be the greatest thing about New Jersey. The other being access to New York without having to deal with the hustle and bustle while claiming half of their landmarks. Also, the bagels.
New Jersey has a lot to be proud of, and its residents know it and show it.
Focus groups are yet another way to demonstrate your Jersey Pride by participating and impacting your local economy! If you are looking to make some extra money to fund your weekly (or daily, we don’t judge) run to Dunkin or Wawa’s, giving feedback to local businesses is a great way to start. Not sure what I mean? Check out this article where I break it all down.
Here, we scoped out the best focus groups in the state: North, South and even Central, to help you earn some extra cash so you can enjoy the simple pleasures in life – guilt free. Oh in case you want some other cities, check out the bet closest focus groups near you.Â
Focus Groups and Studies you can participate in New Jersey:
New Jersey may be a small state, but it is home to quite a few Fortune 500 companies, such as:Â
- Johnson & Johnson
- Burlington
- Prudential Financial
- Merck and Honeywell
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- ADP (that company that runs most of America’s time clocks)
- Campbell Soup Company
Other popular businesses headquartered in New Jersey include Foodtown, Century 21 Real Estate, Maidenform, Wyndham… and of course, we’d be idiots not to include Jersey Mike’s (duh).
NJ has every industry in its pocket, which is useful to focus group participants (like you!) to provide feedback for a wide variety of fields that actually interest you. That’s what a good side gig is all about, after all!
Online focus groups that are worth checking out
In-person focus groups have typically been the main bread and butter for both company and consumer. However, as the world shifts toward a digital economy online groups are becoming more popular and convenient for both parties. We recommend you sign up for a few on this list:
1. YouGov
With over 3 million members YouGov provides a constant influx of studies: from surveys, product tests, and focus groups. You are notified via email when you qualify for an opportunity.
Qualification: Residents of the USA and be at least 14 to join.
Click Here to Apply for YouGov
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2. SurveyJunkie
Whether you are at-home or on the go, Survey Junkie has a survey for you. Participate on the computer or with their mobile app. Convenience is their game.
Qualification: Residents of USA 16+ only.
Click Here to Apply for Survey Junkie
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3. Respondent Focus Groups
This platform runs a bit on the professional side, so some may be a bit specific or difficult to qualify for, but they do allow you to browse the projects available before you sign-up so you can see if it’s a good fit!
Qualification: Residents of USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Must be 18+.
Click Here to Apply for Respondent
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4. Branded Surveys
From video surveys to more traditional focus groups, you can get rewarded with gift cards, PayPal, or e-vouchers. Choose your own adventure!
Qualification: Residents of USA 14+
Click Here to Apply for Branded Surveys
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5. Toluna Influencers
If variety is your spice of life, also check out this firm. They have a wide variety of surveys and payout options – from cash to gift cards. You can redeem your reward after you earn $10.
Qualification: Residents of USA must be 14+
Click Here to Apply for Toluna Influencers
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Top 5 Market Research Companies offering Focus Groups in New Jersey
1. Fieldwork Fort Lee:
As indicated in the name, this national focus group company is located in In Fort Lee right at the foot of George Washington Bridge.
They are well-established with 15 locations across the country, and have been in business since 1980.Â
Focus groups are the most popular offering from Fieldwork, but they also run taste tests, shop-alongs, and product trials. Their groups are geared toward consumers, business owners, and healthcare practitioners, so there’s probably a little bit of something for everyone.
You can find available studies on their Facebook page, where they have amassed over 16.5k likes and 4.4 stars.
Once you sign up, Fieldwork will contact you if your information matches a study. Â
2. Schlesinger Group:
Another big wig in the focus group space, Schlesinger (previously Focus Pointe Global) has two locations in New Jersey: Iselin & Teaneck.Â
Their Teaneck location is near the Teaneck Creek Conservancy and is a bit off the grid, but may be worth the trouble. They boast 4.5 stars on Yelp, and 3.5k likes on Facebook with nearly 4 stars.
The Iselin location, on the other hand, doesn’t have a strong social media presence or favorable reviews on BBB.Â
Their groups are targeted to healthcare professionals and general consumers.
3. CEC Research:
If you’re looking for a more local, smaller firm to spend your time with, CEC research is an excellent choice. They are conveniently located in Cranford near Garden State Parkway.
They offer product tests and traditional focus groups, with more specialized tests like hair care and test kitchen for those who like to experiment!
CEC Research boasts 5 stars on Facebook and a close 4.7 on Google, where participants note their fun and interesting studies with professional staff.
Fill out a short questionnaire to get access to their database and sign up for studies. All payments are compensated with a Visa gift card.
4. Opinions Ltd:
This is yet another well-known firm located in Wayne, New Jersey at Willowbrook Mall (it’s ALWAYS a mall).
Generally favorable reviews on Google with 4 stars, and a similar reputation on Facebook, though their page isn’t specific to New Jersey.
You’ll find shop-alongs, taste tests, and traditional focus groups here.Â
Sign up to gain access to their online portal where you can apply to studies that appeal to you. Further qualification is required via phone or online.
5. Partners In Research:
We couldn’t find much current information about this firm, but we know two things that instill confidence: they are running studies currently, and have been in business over 35 years.Â
Currently, they are focused on product tests and taste tests for household goods like air fresheners, candles, and various other products.
Partners In Research has 3.6 stars on Google and 2.5 stars on Yelp. The reviews are few and pretty mixed… and old, so we wouldn’t put too much weight in those metrics. There are no red flags of non-payment, which is a good sign.
They are located in Totowa and have worked with companies such as ADP, Johnson & Johnson, Shell, Coca-Cola, and plenty more.Â
Answer a few questions to get into their database.
Other Great Focus Group Companies in New Jersey
Below are a couple of other companies that have often ranked in other cities, but didn’t make it in New Jersey. They often have great studies, so check them out at your convenience!
Plaza Research – 120 Rte. 17 N. Paramus, NJ 07652
CRG Test America – Freehold Raceway Mall 3710 Route 9, Suite 238A Freehold, NJ 07728
Blackbox Companies
We also found quite a few other companies in the state, but were unable to verify key information to rank them. We call companies blackboxes. These companies are wild cards, so if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, check them out and let us know how it goes!
The Understanding & Insight Group – 3 Rosewood Lane Suite 103 Denville, NJ 07834
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re from North Jersey or South Jersey (or even Central Jersey), being in such a mecca of college towns, busy cities, and good food can get a bit pricey.
We hope we gave you some options to alleviate your pocket woes. If you try any of these groups out or have any other great focus group companies, let us know in the comment section!
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.
