Today, I have a Pinecone Research review for you. If you're into finding different ways to get cash for surveys, then you should definitely try to get signed up for Pinecone Research. This is one of the best, if not the best, paid survey panels out there.
The main reason people like them is that they pay in cash very quickly, offer product testing sometimes, and there is no screening out of their surveys in most cases.
Pinecone has been around for a very long time. I've personally been a member and gotten multiple checks from them. They've always been one of my favorite survey panels to use.
Pinecone Research is open to residents of the United States and occasionally other countries as well.
How much does Pinecone Research pay?
They pay in points you can exchange for $3 per survey.
I think some surveys only offer you sweepstakes entries, but you can elect not to take those. They let you know what the reward will be for each survey you attempt.
Your payment is made with either Paypal or check, and it gets sent to you within one business day after the survey you took is completed, so no waiting forever on your money.
Note that your very first survey is paid for via check, mailed to your home address. This is primarily so they can verify your address and identity. Subsequent payments can be made via other methods if you'd prefer.
If you like gift cards, they now have an option to redeem for those as well.
If you have Paypal, I would highly recommend that option because the wait time is much less than it would be with a check. Since making the jump to points, Pinecone now has other options for redemption, too.
What are the surveys about?
Mostly the surveys you take are about products. Sometimes you'll get invited to do product tests on things that haven't hit stores just yet. These are really fun!
Pinecone will often give you your $3 in addition to the product, which you may or may not be able to keep after you test it.
How long do the surveys take?
Survey length varies. I would be surprised if you ever had to spend more than 30 minutes on one survey though.
Is it easy to get in with Pinecone Research?
Signing up isn't that easy. They do not always need applicants.
Don't be surprised if you fill out your details only to discover that they aren't seeking anyone in your demographic at this time. If that happens, you can always try to sign up again later.
Can you refer friends to Pinecone Research?
Once you are a panel member, Pinecone may give you some invitations to send out to people you know.
This is another way you can possibly get signed up yourself — hit up your friends for invitations if you know they are members.
Another idea is to ask around on various forums for invitations.
I do not think there is any incentive given for referring your friends if you are the one doing the referring.
How can you get started now?
If you want to go ahead and try to join, go here to sign up. If they do not accept you at this time, try again at a later date and don't lose hope.
I went to Annika’s Surveys to see if Pine Cone was open for registration, and it was. I put in all my information…name, address, phone, and then they said sorry not needed at this time. It really makes me feel uncomfortable that they got all my info, when they claim registration is open, then deny me. I feel I will be spammed now. I do have friends working for them, so I know they are legit. But what’s up with getting personal info, and then denying an applicant? I find it odd considering every other survey company has me in their system.
Tina, I think you are safe from getting spammed. Pinecone will most likely keep your info on file in the event they need someone who fits your demographic at a later date. I’ve never heard of them spamming anyone with anything, they are a very respected, legitimate company. So I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
I got an invite from a friend to sign up (I haven’t been a member for a while and wanted to rejoin) and the same thing happened to me. Even though I had an invite, I filled out all my info and still was not accepted. That’s been over a month and no spam email from them.
Thanks Anna. I have not received any spam 🙂 I thought I would.
Tina,it may have been a phishing site trying to make you think it was pinecone research. If you get a huge check the the mail (postal service – USPS),don’t cash it. Mail it into the postal inspectors. There is a form you can click you fill out and mail in (not the one you complete online). If you get a huge check from UPS,don’t send in the check.
I am interested in more surveys. I do not want the reward because I went into this for the cash, which is not much but it helps.
Pinecone used to not screen you out but now they do!