PineCone Research Review: Higher-Than-Usual Survey Payments – Scam or Legit?

shotcaller

Bronze Wordsmith
May 17, 2018
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We’ve got our eyes constantly peeled for survey sites that are really worth our time and effort. Maybe we have different criteria for what makes a survey site legit, but I’m willing to bet that if it pays well, consistently has surveys to accomplish, doesn’t disqualify you right smack in the middle of completing one, and pays on time – then it’s something of a keeper.

I’ve long ago heard about a certain survey site that not only meets the list of items above but also offers a little something extra for its members. In this PineCone Research review, I will try my best to thoroughly investigate why this particular survey site has gotten a lot of glowing feedback. By “glowing”, I mean descriptive phrases such as “one of the elite survey sites today”, “owned and operated by one of the largest media corporations in the world”, “one of the most exclusive and covetable survey panels to exist”, along with other extravagant descriptions that could otherwise be mistaken for a prestigious membership club’s.

I admit to getting initially intrigued by the “pine cone” in this survey site’s name. The main idea and universal symbolism of this woodsy, seed-bearing coniferous fruit are that of human enlightenment. On that level, this company seems to be fully aware of what they want their panelists’ role to be in other people’s lives. But without further ado…

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So what is PineCone Research all about?

PineCone Research is a survey site that partners with different companies that need valuable insight from consumers like you and me, in order to improve their products and services. As the site banner tells its potential panelists, they can “influence tomorrow’s products today”, and that their opinion counts. The accumulated points for participating in surveys as a panelist will result in compensation in the form of various rewards, such as gift cards and cash payments.


How long has it been around?

The site became active way back in 1998, making it one of the survey sites with the most impressive longevity and tenure in the industry. It is owned and operated by The Nielsen Company, a New York-based global corporation with a special focus on consumer insight research.


Is membership to PineCone Research beneficial?

According to predominant member/panelist feedback, yes, it is extremely beneficial. For starters, we are talking about $3 to $5 per survey completed, which is higher than the current average survey rate. They don’t disqualify members for survey-taking, so no more frustrating moments of getting screened out in the middle of one. They have an impressive A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, underlining their trustworthiness. They also offer the chance to win up to $500 in their contests every other week, or up to $4,500 in their Sweepstakes quarterly draw. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to be chosen to do product testing, you will be getting and trying out free products on behalf of the company’s partners!

But the thing is, PineCone Research is not open to just anyone. Their selection process is so selective and exclusive, that it isn’t surprising that one of the most-searched phrases about this survey site is “how to join PineCone Research ”. Those who actually sign up for PineCone Research are invited to do so by the site itself, or if a current panelist sends you an invitation. At any rate, it isn’t just something you sign up for free on a lark, like you would on other survey and GPT sites.

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What kind of rewards can I expect on PineCone Research?

Once members earn their first 300 points, they can start to redeem their rewards. They can opt to cash out in quantities of $3, $5, or $15 via their preferred payment method (PayPal or check). Payment processing is usually between three to five business days.

There are also numerous gift cards, both physical and digital, that are available to redeem. The most popular form of GCs among members so far is the prepaid Virtual Visa, which can be used to make online purchases accepting Visa debit cards. As well, members can choose branded merchandise as their rewards. Returns of defective merchandise are accepted within strict returns policies.

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The verdict?

Is PineCone Research legit? Yes, I would say so, if we were to base legitimacy on consistently good member feedback, a great Better Business Bureau rating, and the higher-than-most payouts they offer. A lot of people say that this kind of “gatekeeping” survey site is both a pro and a con. For starters, it means that there will be less vexing occasions of getting disqualified and screened out, thus ensuring a smoother survey-taking experience. For another, having qualified and verified members means having a more reliable and safer way to get feedback on products and services, as there will be lesser chances of people trying to con the site by way of multiple accounts and personas. Perhaps this is the reason why PineCone Research is confident enough to include a product testing feature in their site – I am willing to bet that it’s because the company trusts their members and have confidence in them, in turn.

But the thing is, there is a big difference between a legitimate survey site that anyone can join, and one that the rest of us can merely aspire to become a member of. Because at the end of the day, even with all these awesome features and positive feedback, it becomes sort of like a VIP, exclusive members-only elitist club if it is not readily available to everyone who wants to take part in their surveys.

However, if you’re fortunate enough to be able to join PineCone Research , I would have to say that you’ve hit the jackpot. With practically no disqualifications on the horizon, you’re bound to get points fast, cash out or redeem your favorite prizes, and help shape the future of products and services with your opinions and feedback. So don’t be discouraged to sign up and wait for an email invitation from PineCone. Who knows, you might just fit the demographic they’re looking for at the moment.
 
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