So, you’re actually tired of the Space Needle? Could never be me! But if you’re a native or transplant Seattleite, I get that it may get exhausting just looking at the thing.
Focus groups are a productive and fun alternative to the fresh air and water of The Sound, especially if it’s raining. So… always.
I looked long and hard to find the best focus groups in Seattle, so that you don’t have to waste your time and can get straight to the money making 🙂 Let’s go!
Studies you can participate in
Focus groups are basically a match made in heaven for companies and consumers in Seattle. A pioneer in the tech and business world, Seattle is great for early adopters and people seeking the latest and greatest. For businesses, innovation is only a conversation away.
As a participant, you can swing for big hitters such as:
- Starbucks
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Nordstrom
- Alaska Airlines
- Costco Wholesale
From techies to foodies to shopaholics, Seattle has a marketplace for everyone. These are just a sample of the companies that may solicit local focus groups.
Online focus groups that are worth checking out
If you’re the indoorsy type, even venturing to your car can be a big ask on some days. (I definitely have those days. No shame).
But don’t let FOMO get to you! We researched the top companies that offer online focus groups, which means that you can make money 100% from home. Or Starbucks. Wherever.
1. YouGov
is one of the largest market research companies in the country. They have a steady flow of opportunities and payouts, from surveys to product tests. You fill out a survey upfront to register, so you won’t get spammed with random opportunities you won’t qualify for.
Qualification: Residents of the USA and be at least 14 to join.
Click Here to Apply for YouGov
2. SurveyJunkie
is based in California, but they offer online interviews that are even available through their mobile app! So you could be making money while you’re on the subway to work. That’s pretty cool.
Qualification: Residents of USA 16+ only.
Click Here to Apply for Survey Junkie
3. Respondent
is a platform primarily for business professionals that can provide feedback for companies such as Allstate and eBay. Because they are looking for certain corporate demographics, some of the studies may be difficult to qualify for, but worth it, especially if you are the target market.
Qualification: Residents of USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Must be 18+.
Click Here to Apply for Respondent
4. Branded Surveys
is one of the most versatile, dynamic research companies out there. You can participate in video surveys or focus groups, and collect rewards via Amazon, Visa, or even PayPal!
Qualification: Residents of USA 14+
Click Here to Apply for Branded Surveys
5. Toluna Influencers
also offers a wide range of opportunities and payout options – from cash to gift cards. You can claim your rewards as soon as your account hits $10.
Qualification: Residents of USA must be 14+
Click Here to Apply for Toluna Influencers
Top 5 Market Research Companies hiring for Focus Groups in Seattle
If you own a car and are brave enough to use it in Rain City (God bless you), traditional focus groups are probably right up your alley! Here are our choices for the top 5 firms that offer focus groups in Seattle:
1. Fieldwork:
Fieldwork is a national firm that offers taste tests, product trials, in-home interviews, shop-alongs, and phone and online interviews.
They frequently post opportunities on Facebook, where they have over 24k likes and 4.6 stars. They have mixed reviews on Yelp.
Studies are geared toward consumers, employees, and healthcare professionals.
Fieldwork follows a bit of a different process for qualification: you sign up for their database, and once they determine if you qualify, you will log back for the final decision.
2. Insight Space:
Located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, this is a small yet very active firm that seeks out a wide variety of participants.
Their offerings are the most diverse on the list. Studies include focus groups, taste tests, website usability tests, mock juries, and more!
As always, pay ranges vary widely, but they advertise between $75-200 on average.
Facebook is their social hub, where you can also find studies posted almost daily.
Once you sign up, they contact you via email or text you if you qualify for studies.
3. Consumer Opinion Services :
If you signed up for the previous two companies, you might as well sign up for this one too! Located walking distance from the Fieldwork office and a few minutes’ drive to Insight Space, you can make a day of focus groups if the scheduling fairies align.
With generally favorable reviews on Yelp and Facebook, survey says Consumer Opinion Services is a great choice. Bonus for parents: they also have studies for children!
Compensation options include cash, coupons and gifts (mysterious)!
You must complete a short demographic survey to begin the qualification process.
4. Seattle 2401:
For my foodies, Seattle 2401 primarily offers taste tests. I have a sneaky suspicion that this firm is a part of the Starbucks Corporation, since they have the same address and privacy policy 😉
Whatever the case, they do have customer experience in common: Seattle 2401 has a very fun and interactive website and makes sure you are fully informed with an FAQ section.
On top of in-person studies, They have occasional online mini-surveys in time for fun ‘holidays’ such as National Wine Day and Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.
To participate, fill out a short questionnaire about your demographics and food preferences. Once you register, they send emails about upcoming focus groups and taste tests.
5. Strategic Research Associates:
Working with heavyweights such as YMCA, Disney, Amazon, and Microsoft, this company is a manifestation of what we described earlier.
They even offer snacks and refreshments!
And they offer more than typical focus group discussions. From mock trials to all-day activities on new products, services, ideas, commercials, you won’t be bored.
If all this sounds too good to be true… it’s not. With an A+ rating on BBB and 24 years in business, they are pretty official.
But, they are about 30 minutes outside of Seattle in Federal Way.
Other Great Focus Group Companies in Seattle
Seattleites take deep pride in their city and we tried to respect it by only selecting the best of the best. Tragically, we had to leave some good options out. However, Options Ltd is a national brand that is also worth looking into.
Opinions Ltd – 152 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA 98188
Blackbox Companies
I found these companies in my research, but was unable to confirm if they were running studies and other basic criteria we use to rank market research companies. Find out how we determine blackbox companies.
This doesn’t mean that these companies aren’t legit, but they don’t have our official seal of approval yet. But, we’re fair over here. If you can vouch for any of these companies to boost their ranking, let us know in the comments.
Paramount Focus Groups – No Address
Phinney Bischoff – 614 Boylston Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
EMC Research – Pacific Building, 720 3rd Ave #1110, Seattle, WA 98104
That’s a wrap for our top 5 choices for focus groups in Seattle, as well as some alternatives that are definitely worth trying out.
Please comment below your thoughts and if you will try (or have tried) any of these studies!
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.