Hotspex

So I really want to hate Hotspex for its really confusing website and all-​over-​the-​place «prizes,» but I actually really like the company. (Technically, that’s not true. I don’t actually like any of these survey companies because they pay a pittance to people to help companies make lots of money, but in this case «like» means «hate the least» or «can overlook their general business model and appreciate the quirkiness of their corporate personality.» I know.) Why? Well, mainly because it’s Canadian. This Canadianness means that many of the brands and companies they ask quick questions about are completely unknown to me. It also means that the level of commodification of people’s opinion isn’t as sophisticated as that of American companies, or at least American marketing companies. Sure, they don’t pay you much, but you get the distinct impression that Hotspex is run by a bunch of 24-​year-​olds who still believe all the crap they learned in marketing class about how consumer choices actually improve human life.
All of that aside, like I said, the prize system for Hotspex is bad. You win «Bux,» and you’re supposed to decide how to spend them. Usually, I just spend them on entries into cash-​prize contests, but you can also try to buy stuff or donate to specific charities. Also, there are chances to win iPods instantly.
What I do like about this company’s surveys is that they’re very unique. Instead of just asking you the normal questions about how many times you’ve done something, they ask what you think of specific ideas, and they give you pictures of different prototypes.
Hotspex is the closest to an actual focus group you’ll get without having to show up in some mysterious office on the fourth floor somewhere.