Survey says ...

Up front, this isn't a sponsored post, nor is the link an affiliate/commission link (not that there's anything wrong with those, and I've done both before). I'm just passing the word on this one because it's good scoop.

Your2Cents is one of those "take an online survey and get paid" sites, and in my opinion it's the best of them (except that it doesn't have an affiliate/commission program, dammit!).

Here's the lowdown:

- Your2Cents members get a LOT of survey opportunities -- several per week.

- If you respond to a Your2Cents survey invitation and turn out not to be qualified based on the first few screening questions, you still get an entry in a $5,000 quarterly prize drawing.

- If you ARE qualified for a Your2Cents survey and complete it, you get paid. You receive anywhere from $1 to $5. I've seen it set up two ways: A flat fee (usually toward the $5 end of the scale), or a randomly determined fee of $1, $2 or $3.

- Speaking of screening, you are allowed to fill out various questionnaires for pre-screening on various subjects that keeps Your2Cents from referring you to surveys you aren't qualified for. When you fill out one of these screening questionnaires, you get paid an extra dollar the next time you complete a paid survey.

- Yes, they DO actually pay the fees. You can "cash out" any time you have more than $5 in your Your2Cents account. I waited to blog about this until after I had actually received and cashed a check from them (I wouldn't want you to get ripped off and blame me for it).

- There are also some "extended study" opportunities. For example, I completed a Your2Cents survey on skin care, got paid for that survey, and was subsequently offered (and accepted) and additional fee to receive a sample of a product, use that product, and complete another survey on it.

It's not huge money, but it's real money, and the surveys are well-constructed and easy enough to complete that you're probably beating minimum wage even if you draw the random $1 fee. If this kind of thing is your bag, I highly recommend Your2Cents.