Being paid $200 for research!
Thread Starter
Insanely Yellow
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo Grove IL
Being paid $200 for research!
So, about 3 weeks ago, I got a survey in the mail from a company called Fisher Research - and they are doing a satsifaction and owner-input survey on the Mazda RX-8. The written survey came packaged with a letter and a dollar bill and was quite lengthy - took about 20 minutes to fill out - 12 pages or so.
In the letter they stated that if I were willing and if I were chosen, they'd call me to schedule a personal interview for which I'd be paid $200.
Well, they called this morning, and I'm one of the chosen and the details they gave sound awesome - I'm to report with my RX-8 on Friday, Feb 25th to a hotel in the area, where I will first meet for 15 minutes or so with a panel of Mazda engineers for an interview. Then for the next 90 minutes, one of the engineers will hop in the car with me for a personal ride and drive interview that will include a highway drive, an urban drive, and a drive on a closed "performance course" (presumably a baby autocross).
AND I GET PAID 200 BUCKS FOR THIS! :D
I am totally jazzed - not for the $200 but for the experience. The $200 is icing on the cake.
Anyone else get this survey? Have you done the "personal interview" thing?
Stew
In the letter they stated that if I were willing and if I were chosen, they'd call me to schedule a personal interview for which I'd be paid $200.
Well, they called this morning, and I'm one of the chosen and the details they gave sound awesome - I'm to report with my RX-8 on Friday, Feb 25th to a hotel in the area, where I will first meet for 15 minutes or so with a panel of Mazda engineers for an interview. Then for the next 90 minutes, one of the engineers will hop in the car with me for a personal ride and drive interview that will include a highway drive, an urban drive, and a drive on a closed "performance course" (presumably a baby autocross).
AND I GET PAID 200 BUCKS FOR THIS! :D
I am totally jazzed - not for the $200 but for the experience. The $200 is icing on the cake.
Anyone else get this survey? Have you done the "personal interview" thing?
Stew
NW enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: SE Washington state
don't do it. same thing happened to me
The same thing happened to me. I was stoked! I went along with it, and all was going pretty well, they even gave me $200 cash before we got started. We took the test drive, and the rep said he was going to show me the performance course first, then let me drive it. No problem, looked easy enough, and seemed legit. After I let him get in the car, the panel of mazda folks walked away to "observe". they climbed into their van, and I watched my beloved silver RX-8 disappear into the sunset!!!!! I was soooooo irate you have no idea. I called my insurance company, who is investigating this fraud. I was going to post this today, then saw your post. I'll post another in the general discussion. (by the way, just kidding. sounds like a fun deal)
Tbone
Tbone
Smooth Criminal
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia
I got the same one you did. I filled it out, and then it got covered upon my desk, and I missed the deadline. It would have been fun. I spent all the time to fill it out, and forgot to mail it in. Oh well, let us know how it went.
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
I hate you...lol, just playing....YOU LUCKY DOG!!!!
Tbone...you big jerk...LOL, don't play like that....lol
OK, make sure you tell them:
We want 500HP & 30mpg in the city
The engine must last for 3 million miles
The car defends itself against theft by becomming a transformer...
Ummm, ummm...what else....lol
But, for real please STRESS that too many punks in 350Z's, S2000's, Mustang GT's, and a few rice burners....try to mess with us too much, we need 300HP...for free...please!
LOL
Have fun!
(for real:
Bigger gas tank
An unFLOODABLE rotary
Jelly like tranny
Oh, and that pesky 300HP goal...or at least 265HP...PLEASE...I said pretty please
)
Tbone...you big jerk...LOL, don't play like that....lol
OK, make sure you tell them:
We want 500HP & 30mpg in the city
The engine must last for 3 million miles
The car defends itself against theft by becomming a transformer...
Ummm, ummm...what else....lol
But, for real please STRESS that too many punks in 350Z's, S2000's, Mustang GT's, and a few rice burners....try to mess with us too much, we need 300HP...for free...please!
LOL
Have fun!
(for real:
Bigger gas tank
An unFLOODABLE rotary
Jelly like tranny
Oh, and that pesky 300HP goal...or at least 265HP...PLEASE...I said pretty please
)
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by rx8wannahave
I hate you...lol, just playing....YOU LUCKY DOG!!!!
Tbone...you big jerk...LOL, don't play like that....lol
OK, make sure you tell them:
We want 500HP & 30mpg in the city
The engine must last for 3 million miles
The car defends itself against theft by becomming a transformer...
Ummm, ummm...what else....lol
But, for real please STRESS that too many punks in 350Z's, S2000's, Mustang GT's, and a few rice burners....try to mess with us too much, we need 300HP...for free...please!
LOL
Have fun!
(for real:
Bigger gas tank
An unFLOODABLE rotary
Jelly like tranny
Oh, and that pesky 300HP goal...or at least 265HP...PLEASE...I said pretty please
)
Tbone...you big jerk...LOL, don't play like that....lol
OK, make sure you tell them:
We want 500HP & 30mpg in the city
The engine must last for 3 million miles
The car defends itself against theft by becomming a transformer...
Ummm, ummm...what else....lol
But, for real please STRESS that too many punks in 350Z's, S2000's, Mustang GT's, and a few rice burners....try to mess with us too much, we need 300HP...for free...please!
LOL
Have fun!
(for real:
Bigger gas tank
An unFLOODABLE rotary
Jelly like tranny
Oh, and that pesky 300HP goal...or at least 265HP...PLEASE...I said pretty please
)
Registered
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 808
Likes: 1
How bout some realistic goals. like a interior that doesnt get scratched as easily. some less body roll. a radio system that intergrateable with mp3 players. more paint options harder paint a plastic bra stock for teh front of the car to help prolong paint life and stop most rock chipping.
my other car is blue
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: McKinney, TX
AAAAAGHGHHGHG!
I got one of these and completely forgot to fill it out. I just dug through my stack of stuff to get around to, and it needed to be in by Feb 3. DAMN!
Oh well. Glad to hear it was a legit deal in the first place. I wasn't sure if I wanted my info spread out all over the place, so I didn't do it immediately.
I got one of these and completely forgot to fill it out. I just dug through my stack of stuff to get around to, and it needed to be in by Feb 3. DAMN!
Oh well. Glad to hear it was a legit deal in the first place. I wasn't sure if I wanted my info spread out all over the place, so I didn't do it immediately.
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
How bout some realistic goals. like a interior that doesnt get scratched as easily. some less body roll. a radio system that intergrateable with mp3 players. more paint options harder paint a plastic bra stock for teh front of the car to help prolong paint life and stop most rock chipping.
I think everything you said was GREAT!
Mp3 radio (I mean come on man, it's 2005)
17 Gallon Fuel tank (I would wish for me but 17 is probably realistic)
Better interior plastic (anti-scratch)
Spare tire that hides (like most cars) into the floor of the trunk
35 more HP (there...you happy, I brought it down...lol)
OK...I'm still a little hyper, but I'm just so happy we got our site back!!!
Lubricious
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area, California
Originally Posted by Tbone
I watched my beloved silver RX-8 disappear into the sunset!!!!! I was soooooo irate you have no idea. I called my insurance company, who is investigating this fraud. I was going to post this today, then saw your post. I'll post another in the general discussion. (by the way, just kidding. sounds like a fun deal)
Tbone
Tbone
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
Anyone else unfairly mad at Stew? Why him and not us? I mean...realy guys, be honest and give me a show of hands....here
Stew...where do you live again and what is your full name...umm, I need to send you a package...LOL....yeah...that's right....a package...
We all want a DETAILED report on this experiance, what was said, done, etc....GOD knows we aint asking you for much man....LOL
Stew...where do you live again and what is your full name...umm, I need to send you a package...LOL....yeah...that's right....a package...
We all want a DETAILED report on this experiance, what was said, done, etc....GOD knows we aint asking you for much man....LOL
Thread Starter
Insanely Yellow
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo Grove IL
I love doing market research things ... I recently took part in a study that ...
.... are you ready for this?
.... REALLY ready for this?
.... I mean if you're mad about this RX-8 thing, you're gonna really hate me with this one ...
.... OK, here goes ...
.... beer study. I got paid $250 in late 2004 to go to a market research place and drink beer for three nights.
.... Betcha you are really are jealous now!
Stew
.... are you ready for this?
.... REALLY ready for this?
.... I mean if you're mad about this RX-8 thing, you're gonna really hate me with this one ...
.... OK, here goes ...
.... beer study. I got paid $250 in late 2004 to go to a market research place and drink beer for three nights.
.... Betcha you are really are jealous now!
Stew
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
Well, I don't drink (taste NASTY to me) but I'm more than willing to keep being unfairly mad at you about the RX8 thing.
Stew...what's up with all this market reserch???? Who are you, Mr. Avg....or Mr. Perfect demographic....LOL???LOL
Stew...what's up with all this market reserch???? Who are you, Mr. Avg....or Mr. Perfect demographic....LOL???LOL
Smooth Criminal
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Originally Posted by StewC625
.... beer study. I got paid $250 in late 2004 to go to a market research place and drink beer for three nights.
I had a friend in college that participated in a closed course study on alcohol and it's effects on driving. They fed them booze, at regular intervals, then sent them driving around what amounted to an easy autocross course. He said it was fun, and re-assured him that drinking and driving equals a really bad idea.
Thread Starter
Insanely Yellow
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo Grove IL
The beer thing, you tasted little 2 oz beer "tasters" over a 2 hour period. You were "guaranteed" to not drink more than one 12 oz beer per hour (they were clearly worried about liability).
Yes, we are Joe and Joanne average. My wife has market research tested everything from diapers to sex toys and everything in between (yes, I said that ... sex toys).
Stew
Yes, we are Joe and Joanne average. My wife has market research tested everything from diapers to sex toys and everything in between (yes, I said that ... sex toys).
Stew
JM1FE
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
I had the opportunity to attend the following market research event a few weeks ago. It was a great time. I had the opportunity to see/evalute a car not yet on the market 
in comparison to six other bright shiny sport coupes on display. Very cool.
Bad news: I, along with everyone attending, had to sign an NDA agreeing not to share the details.
in comparison to six other bright shiny sport coupes on display. Very cool. Bad news: I, along with everyone attending, had to sign an NDA agreeing not to share the details.
Earn $150 for Giving Your Opinions on Vehicles!
Dear Vehicle Owner,
You are one of a select group of vehicle owners who may be eligible to participate in a vehicle evaluation. The evaluation is taking place in the Boston area and is sponsored by a German car manufacturer to support the launch of a new sports car. Those who participate will receive $150 for about 2.5 to 3 hours of their time. The project will take place in early February, 2005.
This is a legitmate research project. We are very interested in your opinions. There will be no sales pitch and your name won't be given to any salespersons or mail order firms. You can have an impact on future vehicles!
Primary drivers of the following 2000 to 2005 vehicles are eligible to participate: BMW 325 Ci, 330 Ci, 645 i, M3, Chevrolet Corvette, Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8, Mercedes CLK 320, CLK 430, CLK 500, SL 500, SLK 230 Kompressor, SLK 320, SLK 350, Nissan 350Z.
If you would like to participate, and you are the primary driver of one of the vehicles listed above, please call our office in Cypress, California at (800) 736-7970.
If you qualify, we will schedule the exact date and time of your evaluation. Appointment times are filled quickly so please call us as soon as possible.
If you are not the primary driver, please have the person who is call us.
We look forward to hearing your opinions.
Sincerely yours,
Sal Esparza
Manager, Recruit Coordination
Dear Vehicle Owner,
You are one of a select group of vehicle owners who may be eligible to participate in a vehicle evaluation. The evaluation is taking place in the Boston area and is sponsored by a German car manufacturer to support the launch of a new sports car. Those who participate will receive $150 for about 2.5 to 3 hours of their time. The project will take place in early February, 2005.
This is a legitmate research project. We are very interested in your opinions. There will be no sales pitch and your name won't be given to any salespersons or mail order firms. You can have an impact on future vehicles!
Primary drivers of the following 2000 to 2005 vehicles are eligible to participate: BMW 325 Ci, 330 Ci, 645 i, M3, Chevrolet Corvette, Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8, Mercedes CLK 320, CLK 430, CLK 500, SL 500, SLK 230 Kompressor, SLK 320, SLK 350, Nissan 350Z.
If you would like to participate, and you are the primary driver of one of the vehicles listed above, please call our office in Cypress, California at (800) 736-7970.
If you qualify, we will schedule the exact date and time of your evaluation. Appointment times are filled quickly so please call us as soon as possible.
If you are not the primary driver, please have the person who is call us.
We look forward to hearing your opinions.
Sincerely yours,
Sal Esparza
Manager, Recruit Coordination
Bottom feeder
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 540
Likes: 2
From: Bikini Bottom
Synovate wanted to pay me $500 to drive 7 cars over the course of a month. So I called them answered 20 questions, qualified..
that same evening, they called me again to clarify a question I answered, regarding my salary.. Unfortunately they had enough people in my salary range so I was passed.
Would have been interesting though..
that same evening, they called me again to clarify a question I answered, regarding my salary.. Unfortunately they had enough people in my salary range so I was passed.
Would have been interesting though..
Thread Starter
Insanely Yellow
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo Grove IL
Ahh ... got busted on the screening ... I hate that.
Actually, I'm technically ineligible for all this market research stuff - they always ask you if you work for an ad agency or market research firm. Technically, I don't, but my company is partially owned by an ad-agency holding company (a big company that owns a bunch of ad agencies). But, I'll never tell ...
Actually, I'm technically ineligible for all this market research stuff - they always ask you if you work for an ad agency or market research firm. Technically, I don't, but my company is partially owned by an ad-agency holding company (a big company that owns a bunch of ad agencies). But, I'll never tell ...
zoom freaking zoom
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by StewC625
.... beer study. I got paid $250 in late 2004 to go to a market research place and drink beer for three nights.