Nichols Research

Did survey online, received a call later. Conducted an In-​Home survey for about 1 hour. Got paid $ 150.00 after completing this survey. Easy to communicate about questions with their staff. Would recommend to friends since they are easy to work with. Not bad to get paid to help with their research projects.

I participated in a research study and was promised a Visa gift card in the mail. The study was 6 weeks ago and I still have not received it. I called Nichols 7 times and been promised each time that they will look into it and call me back the same day. You can see where this is going… no call back and no gift card. Needless to say, I am not happy and very disappointed.

Very professional and overall stellar experience!!!

My first time was on 7÷22÷15 for Social Issues; it was 9 hours for $ 200. Nichols Research is very professional, the place is clean and organized, and breakfast and lunch is provided.
I really like the way they organize the meeting; there was a lot of structure, and a lot of freedom to share my opinion. Going to this research firm is very exciting for me, because I like answering questions and providing feedback. I try to give as much feed back as possible, in writing and verbally, because they pay pretty good, so I give them my very best. I took a day off work as a hostess in order to attend this, because this is double the pay that I get from work. ⁵⁄₅ stars! This place is great, and I hope to get called in for more studies, because the topic was pretty interesting!

Get paid for my opinion? Can’t not love that! I have done a few studies so far with Nichols, and each were definitely worth my time. The most extensive was a mock trial, which lasted all day & paid $ 175 in a Visa gift card.
However, I really wish they would go back to cash, as these prepaid gift cards are so pesky to use! They also expire within a few months. You have to make sure you use them down in even increments, so you don’t risk being overdrawn or have a charge declined. When you are down to your last amounts, it is so hard to find a retailer to accept two forms of payment! I typically use mine to prepay gas.
They seem a bit at times disorganized– their business hours are weird so if I miss a call it was hard to get the same person back on the phone. & I never got email confirmations they said they would send me twice– & yes, I checked my spam folder.
Each study generally also provides a light refreshment or meal for a longer study, so I can’t complain too much! I would be happy to participate again in the future.

It’s nice to get called for studies. It means a quick opinion session and a VISA cash rewards card.
Once you’re on the list, you’ll get called or get an email, or both. Then they ask a bunch of questions and if you qualify, you’re in, provided that the date and time work for you.
In the «old days» they used to give us cash in an envelope.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the 2+ hour or 2 day studies you can make $ 100+ just for showing up.
If you miss appointments you won’t get called back.
I think it’s fair to put whatever you can into the study, since they’re compensating well. I’ve seen people just sit there and basically do or say nothing, which makes them look like an idiot. Just my «opinion» on the subject.
So show up, enjoy a little Q & A and before you know it you’re on your way with some moola to spend.

Been here from an ‘other side of the glass perspective’. Great location for younger tech workers and diverse community. Great staff, large/​clean respondent and viewing rooms. Would reccomend for anyone looking to conduct groups in the Valley.

Maybe these people who complain that they have taken sooooooo many surveys and are not picked because, well, they are not wanted or needed for the focus studies. Why take it personally? It is not a form of rejection; you are not being dumped;it doesnt mean we are better looking. Sheesh. Anyway, what a cool thing… people want to hear my opinions for two hours and I get free lunch and $ 175? Hello. Awesome.

What’s not to love about getting paid $ for an hour of your time? I got into these market research surveys when I was unemployed. But even now that I’m employed, I still like to check out the opportunities in my area.
Nichols Research is a very professional outfit. They send you surveys online that are easily completed. If you’re a good match, they call you with follow-​up questions. If you’re a good match then, they give you a date, time, and place for the study, along with the study ID.
Parking was easy to find and checking in was a piece of cake. I would definitely do this again.

Penny for your thoughts? (Actually, it’s more like $ 80 – 150 for 1.5 hours)
If you ever get an opportunity to participate in a group or one-​on-​one discussion, pray it’s with Nichols Research. They have campuses all around the state, and I always go to their Sunnyvale location when selected. The staff here is great. Initial screening calls come from either a 510 or 559 area code and they always call me at the worst times, but if you call them back, it may be worth your while. They’ll ask you some questions about your responses from an online questionnaire you filled out to confirm the responses. Then input your responses and tell you if you are a good fit for a forum or study they’re hosting. It’s not guaranteed if you’re sent an online questionnaire that you’ll definitely get invited, but it’s a start. If you get a phone call to verify your responses, then it’s most likely you’ll be chosen. The reward is always great. If you get paid over $ 150 an hour at your current job, then you should pass. But for those of us to spend 1.5 hours or less in a room with others sharing our opinions and get paid without having to pay tax is gravy. They used to issue checks but now they give you visa debit cards.
When you check in to your study, the staff usually provides food in the form of snacks, finger foods, or sandwiches. They have plenty of magazines to read in their lobby to keep you occupied while waiting for your turn.
Parking isn’t a problem and they have a large private lot. The building is located behind Citibank if you’re coming from Mathilda Ave and the office is on the first floor.
Too bad some studies ask when’s the last time you attended because they want 6 months in between the last, but if I could participate every day, I would. Easy Money.

Although I’ve must taken probably the most amount of surveys with Nichols, and received about 25+ screens over past three years ’08-’12 and hours on phone I have to say I only been there three times I am a bit disappointed compare to all the other surveys I filled out which I usually have almost a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ percent change getting in.

The scenario:
1. Answer a bunch of questions online to see if you qualify (via email sent by Nichols or on Facebook) for the focus group.
2. If you qualify, Nichols will call you to set up an appointment.
3. Show up on time to your specific appointment.
4. Eat provided snacks while waiting for appointment to start.
5. Get escorted into a room with a bunch of people.
6. Give your opinion about the matter at hand.
7. Walk to the front desk, pick up your check.
8. GO SHOPPING WITH YOUR MONEY!!! (Hellloooooo new shoes!)
YES, IT’S ** THAT ** SIMPLE!!!
Each focus group has various time (mine have only been an hour long so far) and reimbursement amounts (so far I’ve had anywhere from $ 50-​$ 150). But it’s so great to give your opinion on an up-​and-​coming event/​product and get paid.
Yes, this REALLY DOES EXIST!!! Go, go simple and easy cash!

Definitely cool getting paid for your opinions.
Not so cool driving 20 minutes, waiting an hour and 15, then being told you won’t be needed for the study but still having to wait for another 15 minutes… then having to drive back in rush hour traffic.
They still paid me which is great, but the amount of time invested in not being able to participate versus the two hours it should have been is what earns the lower rating.

Very nice people. This is a good opportunity to make a few extra $$$.

Nichol’s has been a much needed boost to my bank account several times over the course of my enrollment over 3 years ago. Everyone is super friendly and accommodating. This Sunnyvale location is great, but even when they host research events off-​site I have had nothing but a wonderful experience with all things Nichols! Also, they over-​booked for a recent study I attended and they still paid me even though I was not needed after all. Much love to Nichols!

I don’t know who would give Nichols Research anything less than 5 stars. If you do, you are insane.
I love getting my random 510 area code number calls from Fremont because that means a very high possibility for me to get PAID!!! CHA CHING!!! Staff members are very nice and helpful. They are prompt to answering your questions and retuning phone calls.
Thank you Nichols for providing me a side income for this poor student trying to live up her dreams. You pay me more than a day’s worth of work at my current job. I just got paid $ 200 and free items the last time I did a research study at the Sunnyvale location for my opinions on online shopping.
It’s worth it for an 1hr of your time! VERY WORTH IT!

I completed my umpteenth focus group with these good peeps last night. What could be cooler than getting paid cold, hard cash for giving people your opinion? Ok, maybe finding a winning Lotto ticket worth 100 million dollars or LL Cool J falling madly in love with you and wanting to be your Sugar Daddy. Those would be cooler.
You can only do them twice a year I think. I’ve been doing them for about 15 years now. I’ve given my opinion on everything from music played on radio stations, cell phone games, alcohol and even what I think the outcome should be in a lawsuit (for that I was paid $ 450.00. KA-​CHING!)

This review is coming from the perspective of a customer of Nichols, versus a Focus Group participant.
The facility offers plenty of room for viewing in the back. However, the glass is not fully sound proof so you need to be quiet when the session is going on.
Everyone that works at Nichols that we interacted with was professional and friendly. They knew their stuff and were willing to help out any way necessary to make our event a success.

Here are some things I love:
1. The sound of my own voice
2. Sharing my opinion on everything (hello, Unilocal!)
3. Getting money for doing practically nothing
Thankfully, Nichols Research allows me to do all three. It’s so easy — you fill out a form and are entered into a pool of people who also love money (or focus groups, I guess). And then you wait. And wait. And then one day, NR will call because you fit the target market, and they’ll set you up an appointment. This is where it gets good.
At the site, they will show you some product or presentation, and ask your opinions on it. And you can just sit there and talk and talk, and sometimes they’ll say, «Jennifer, let’s let another person share their thoughts,» but that’s okay, because at the end of it all you’ll walk outside and the bored-​looking people behind the reception counter will hand you a nice fat check for showing up. I love it.

GET PAID FOR YOUR OPINIONS AND HAVE FUN AT THE SAME TIME!
If you love Unilocaling you will love Nichols Research, Inc. Established in 1978, Nichols Research is the leading focus group and marketing research company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
What is a focus group? Focus groups are a popular method and form of exploratory research intended to help companies from all industries and sectors better understand how consumers feel about their prroducts and services. Research testing includes food taste-​tests, videogame testing, consumer electronics and products, alcohol/​beverage studies, legal research (mock juries), Biotech, B2B, medical, etc. Check out this link and see for yourself.
Focus Groups are fun and a quick way to earn some extra spending cash. In fact, most focus groups are 1.5 — 2 hours and pay anywhere from $ 75.00 — $ 300.00+, depending on the subjects. In addition, your opinions and input go a long way in helpiing influence how the products and services of today affect the future.
Nichols Research does not sell anything and your participation in focus groups is strictly confidential and used for exploratory and internal purposes only. To sign up or for more information on Nichols Research including their privacy policy, visit their website via the attached link.
Enjoy and spread the good word!