As a member of the Microsoft.com Research Panel, you will be part of a community of technology and business professionals and software users who will provide Microsoft with valuable insight by helping evaluate and improve Microsoft.com Web sites, software, and services.

Panelists are automatically entered in contests for Amazon.com gift certificates. If you participate in an online discussion group, you will be paid a minimum of $50.

Anyone over the age of 18 living in the United States or Canada is eligible to join the Microsoft.com

Research House is constantly inviting people to participate in focus groups at their offices in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, and interviews for marketing research on a variety of consumer and business topics. The average length of a focus group discussion is 2 hours and you generally will receive cash for your participation.

They are also are looking for individuals who would like to be registered for on-line surveys through their Internet Panel. After you have completed the survey, you will simply e-mail them for an incentive to be credited to you.

Canadian Residents Only

The eVox panel claims to be Canada's premier social research panel. For every survey you complete, you are entered into a monthly sweepstakes of $1,000 cash. Additionally, many surveys will give all panel members the opportunity to receive honorariums consisting of cash awards, gift certificates or coupons.

Canadian residents only.

Contract Testing Inc. specializes in sensory evaluations where you the consumer is asked to give opinions about the taste, texture, smell, appearance, etc. of various products.

Manufacturers often request that a consumer or sensory test be conducted when they wish to gather information about a new product that they are planning, make changes to an existing product or perhaps substantiate an advertising claim. Some of the products you might test include cookies, soup, frozen and microwavable dinners, cigarettes, mints, soft drinks, soap, detergent, shampoo, mouthwash, and other personal care, food, or household items.

They need you, the consumer, to help complete tests and are willing to pay for your assistance.

USA and Canada only, particularly people near their offices in Brampton/Mississauga, ON, Metropolitan Toronto, ON, Vancouver, BC, Calgary, AB, Grand Rapids, MI, Southfield, MI, Montreal, PQ, Halifax, NS, Chicago, IL and Fort Myers, FL

Metroline offer a wide range of market research services and re looking for people interested in attending focus groups. Although they accept applications from USA and UK, the majority of the focus groups take place in Canada, in particular Toronto and Kitchener.

Sign up with MaCorr and every time you participate in a survey, your name will automatically be entered in cash prizes draws. In addition, depending on the size of the survey, they will hold contests where you will be able to win valuable prizes.

You might be asked to complete a short online questionnaire or visit a specific web site and say what you think about the site. They also operate online focus groups.

Canadian and US residents only.

Specpan is a market research firm that offers a wide variety of dedicated specialty panels. Join one of their elite panels and you will be sent surveys about your profession and interests For each one you complete you will receive $5.00 to $20.00.

USA and Canada only.

Open Minds Recruiting is actively recruiting participants from all over North America. To keep all of their focus groups very targeted, Open Minds Recruiting separates all respondents into their respective geographical locations based on area codes.

Respondents that qualify for a particular research study are then invited to a central location to offer their feedback. You may be offered the chance to participate in a taste test, group discussion, or interview and offer your opinion on such things as advertising, packaging, and new product ideas.

In a typical study, one of their recruiters will call you and identify themselves as calling from Open Minds Recruiting. They will then inform you about an upcoming study where you may be a potential participant. You will then be asked about products or services that you use pertaining to the purpose of the study. Based on your responses you may be invited to attend the marketing research session. If you are invited, the recruiter will provide you with details regarding the date, time, length, and location of the study. After you participate in the scheduled session, a financial incentive is given to you in cash as a thanks for your time and opinion.