Review and sign up opportunity: Pinecone Research

Update: I'm sorry, but it appears the link is no longer working and that they are no longer accepting new members. However, given your interest, I will definitely let you know when I get another email like this!

I first heard of Pinecone Research several years ago, in a very positive way – they paid $5 per survey and always paid in a timely, reliable fashion. I think it was the first time I'd heard about getting paid for doing surveys online, and I was intrigued, but Pinecone membership was restricted and they weren't accepting new members at the time.

Fast forward to a little over a year ago, and I managed to sign up for Pinecone after spotting an ad on Slickdeals. Now that I've been a member for a while, I thought it was time for a proper review.

The first thing to note is that they now pay only $3 per survey. If you're going to be sitting around watching TV anyway, you might as well get paid to answer a few questions at the same time. But, each survey does take 5 to 20 minutes, and when time is precious, $3 may not seem like much.

At the end of some surveys, you'll be asked if it would be okay for the company to send you a product to try out. You'd test it out, and then complete another survey (and receive another $3). In my experience, I've also gotten to keep the product, so I have no idea if there are ever instances when you have to send it back. Sometimes the company sends the product, sometimes not. I was hoping I'd get the last one I agreed to, but I haven't seen it yet and am actually kind of bummed about it.

I wish I could tell you what it was, but to become part of Pinecone, you have to agree to keep the products you learn about confidential. I take it very seriously because I wouldn't want to be the cause of a major product development leak. All I will say is that Pinecone seems to work with major, well-established companies, who are looking for input on products they are developing.

It's been my experience that Pinecone pays very reliably, by paper check or Paypal. I usually get a Paypal deposit within two days of completing a survey. However, I get surveys very infrequently, and I've wondered if it's because of my demographic.

If you are interested in Pinecone, you'll be happy to know that they're currently taking new members. I got an email giving me carte blanche to invite all of my friends – and we're all friends around here. Just keep in mind that only one person per household may register.

Go here if you're interested in signing up with Pinecone.