Shifrin-Hayworth: Dormant Market Research Site

What is Shifrin-Hayworth?

Shifrin-Hayworth is a regional market research company that operates focus groups in Michigan and pays participants generously. However, as of August 15th, when we went to update this post, we found that the site had closed. So, while this was a great site at one point, it simply doesn’t exist today.

If you’re interested in focus groups, we recommend that you skip to the section marked “recommendations” below to find other places to sign up.

How it works

The site asks consumers to sign up. To do so, you’ll fill out a form that asks your name, address, ethnicity, household income, marital status and whether you have children. The site will then contact you, if one of its clients needs to do market research on people who fit your basic description.

If you get called, the firm will ask a variety of additional questions to see if you qualify for that particular study. These questions can include the types of things you buy, whether you are a new parent, or homeowner. It can also involve the type of work you do, and family relationships.

Review:

If you live in Michigan and like to opine about products of all types, sign up with Shifrin-Hayworth. This company operates focus groups, which generally involve meeting in person with a group of strangers to talk through the pros and cons of products or services.

You don’t need any special qualifications to register. Studies typically require anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. And you earn between $100 and $250 for general research.

If you’re a healthcare professional, you can participate in medical research that pays even more — up to $400. Medical research can involve focus groups or one-on-one interviews.

Privacy protections

Notably, participating in this company’s research does not subject you to endless marketing appeals from consumer products companies. Unlike low-paid survey sites, which often sell participant information, Shifrin-Hayworth keeps participant data in a confidential database that is not shared with anyone but the research team.

The site promises never to try to sell you anything — or allow its clients to use your information to market to you.

Study details

If you’re contacted to participate in a focus group, you’ll be told about the research that’s being conducted. Shifrin-Hayworth will also tell you when interviews will be scheduled and how much participants will get paid. Some studies are done in the company’s offices; others are done over the phone or online.

Generally speaking, if you’re invited to participate, you’ll be well compensated for your time. But this is occasional — not regular — work.

Recommendations:

Consider FindFocusGroups, Field Work and FocusGroup.com