SMS Research

[craigwatanabe]

Re: SMS Research

No, I didn't mean to imply I was scammed or misled. I just had afterthoughts after the testosterone levels stabilized. One answer led to another question, til it got to the point where I had to just finish the darn thing.

Maybe I thought she'd offer me for a date...

Hmmm my sister was one of those surveyors and I don't think you'd want to date my sister...if you know what I mean.

[Bobinator]

Re: SMS Research

She did offer you a thank you and she did ask if you would like to participate. She obviously didn't ask you if you'd want a gift certificate or coupon, so I don't understand why you'd expect something that wasn't offered.

No, I didn't mean to imply I was scammed or misled. I just had afterthoughts after the testosterone levels stabilized. One answer led to another question, til it got to the point where I had to just finish the darn thing.

Maybe I thought she'd offer me for a date...

[craigwatanabe]

Re: SMS Research

I did an on-site survey once, somewhere on Merchant Street, and got paid $35. That was cool.

On the other hand, I spent 30 minutes once doing an extensive survey by one of these companies for Zippy's. The gal was nice enough, and I was single at the time. Okay, I got suckered!

The bummer part was that I wasn't even offered a gift certificate or coupon or anything like that. Just a big thanks. I decided never to do those type of surveys again, unless I get something in return. I think it's fair to expect at least something small in return. After all, these research companies are getting paid.

She did offer you a thank you and she did ask if you would like to participate. She obviously didn't ask you if you'd want a gift certificate or coupon, so I don't understand why you'd expect something that wasn't offered.

[Bobinator]

Re: SMS Research

I did an on-site survey once, somewhere on Merchant Street, and got paid $35. That was cool.

On the other hand, I spent 30 minutes once doing an extensive survey by one of these companies for Zippy's. The gal was nice enough, and I was single at the time. Okay, I got suckered!

The bummer part was that I wasn't even offered a gift certificate or coupon or anything like that. Just a big thanks. I decided never to do those type of surveys again, unless I get something in return. I think it's fair to expect at least something small in return. After all, these research companies are getting paid.

[Amati]

Re: SMS Research

Sam Slom is a professional consulting economist, president and executive director of SmartBusiness Hawaii’ (SBH), and owner of his own business, SMS Consultants

The two business names are similar but not the same business.

http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html

The registrant for SMS Consultants is SAMUEL M. SLOM
PRIVATE BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC CONSULTING FIRM

The registrant for SMS Research is HERSH SINGER
PUBLIC OPINION RESEARCH

I think Sen. Slom is off the hook for the phone solicitations.

[escondido100]

Re: SMS Research

FYI since it hasnt been mentioned yet, i came across this earlier today "Sam Slom is a professional consulting economist, president and executive director of SmartBusiness Hawaii’ (SBH), and owner of his own business, SMS Consultants. He is also a Republican State Senator (8th District Oahu), Hawaii Kai to Diamond Head."

[AlohaKine]

Re: SMS Research

I don't mind taking surveys and kind of enjoy them. The only ones I don't like are the ones that ask a lot of boring questions, such as my opinions on banking or airlines. The ones having to do with hot politcal issues are the most fun.

[Kaonohi]

Re: SMS Research

I don't recall ever getting telephone surveys - but MAIL surveys I get regularly, from:
The American Civil Liberties Union
The National Rifle Association
The Brady Campaign Against Handgun Violence
An organization for 'The Preservation of Social Security and Medicare'
Some tree-hugger group of which I forget the name

If I have spare time (that is if it doesn't keep me off HT), and they have pre-stamped return envelopes, I participate. So much for 'random sampling surveys.'

"This Random Sample Survey comprises those participants too cheap to provide their own stamps, who don't have something better to do at the moment."

Oh yes, all of the above, no exception, ask for donations - usually starting at $25.

Go figger their motivation.....

K$

[anapuni808]

Re: SMS Research

I occasionally get called for surveys. I've never been asked to provide specific personal info. They will ask general questions to classify me into a certain "group" and many survey questions are geared to certain groups such as registered voters, seniors, etc. If it's convenient - I take part. and trying to figure out who commissioned the survey from the questions they ask is also fun! I also participate in the Zoogby Surveys which are done online - also have never been asked a personal info specific question.

[craigwatanabe]

Re: SMS Research

One suggestion would be to have one or more questions in mind to ask the caller. This, of course, takes some pre-planning. If s/he can answer them to your satisfaction, then you'll participate in the survey. I, personally, have one factual question I ask that pertains to the company and is public knowledge. The employee/caller should know the answer. If they don't or they refuse to answer, I decline to participate.

The surveyee asking the surveyor a survey.....hmmmmmm.....how intriguing!

[tutusue]

Re: SMS Research

[...] I can't tell if they're really legit -- they could be a scammer trying to trap personal info.[...].

One suggestion would be to have one or more questions in mind to ask the caller. This, of course, takes some pre-planning. If s/he can answer them to your satisfaction, then you'll participate in the survey. I, personally, have one factual question I ask that pertains to the company and is public knowledge. The employee/caller should know the answer. If they don't or they refuse to answer, I decline to participate.

[mapen]

Re: SMS Research

I worked the phone taking surveys for one of SMS Research's competitors in Honolulu for over 4 years while I was in college.

It paid better than a minimum wage service job and was more mentally engaging. Although there are alot of unpleasant aspects about the job, I kind of liked it for its flexibility (you only work when the company is contracted to do a survey).

Like others said, the people who work this job are all local folks trying to make a living. They are young students, mothers of all ages, and folks doing this as a second (or even third!) job trying to make a few more bucks to support their family.

If you don't want to do the survey, just say so, and we would "thank you for your time" (and I would wish you a nice day/evening) and hang up.

[Linkmeister]

Re: SMS Research

Just wondering, is there a reason why they don't send surveys by mail or email/website? I would definitely participate in those.

I don't know, but I'd bet the response rate is far higher on the telephone than it is via USPS mail or email/web. For one thing, the latter two are opt-in, whereas the phone is a little more opt-out in that you're already responding by answering the phone. You don't have to mail the survey form back or go to the website unless you decide you want to.

[Sharilyn]

Re: SMS Research

I don't mind participating with SMS (or other local surveys), except for two things: (1) they always call at the worst times, and (2) I can't tell if they're really legit -- they could be a scammer trying to trap personal info. So, I always just politely refuse and hang up.

Just wondering, is there a reason why they don't send surveys by mail or email/website? I would definitely participate in those.

[craigwatanabe]

Re: SMS Research

SMS works with many of Hawaii's Advertising and Marketing agencies. My sister worked for them once.

I was asked to be in one of their marketing studies asking us if we'd like to see Zippy's chili, S&S saimin and other name-brand items sold at other venues. We were told to rate their suggestions as well as come up with others. I suggested they sell frozen Zippy's chili on the neighbor islands where it's not available. I guess they took these suggestions seriously. We were paid $50 for our time and we left with cash in our pockets after a 4-hour session.