Pinecone Research Reviews and Ratings

Pinecone Research is a market research company that has existed since 1998. It was founded by the well-known marketing research firm Nielsen. The platform is designed to gather consumer opinions through paid online surveys and product testing. By participating, you help shape the development of new products and services before they hit the market.

Key Points:

• Payments & Rewards: Cash via Bank Transfer, Gift Cards, Merchandise, Prepaid Virtual Visa
• Ways To Earn: Online Surveys, Product Testing
• Getting Paid: You get paid in points, which you can exchange for various rewards. 100 points equals $1.
• Eligibility: USA, Canada, UK, and other select countries.

How Pinecone Research Works

To start with Pinecone Research, you must sign up for their survey panel. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Sign Up: The first step is to create an account. However, Pinecone Research operates on an invite-only basis, which means you might be unable to join immediately. You can look for sign-up links online or wait for an invitation.
2. Complete the Initial Survey: Once accepted, you’ll need to fill out a short questionnaire that helps Pinecone Research understand your demographic profile. This information is crucial for matching you with relevant surveys.
3. Receive Survey Invitations: After completing the initial survey, you’ll start receiving email invitations to participate in surveys. These surveys are tailored to your demographic profile, ensuring your opinions are valuable to the research companies.
4. Complete Surveys: Surveys typically take 10-20 minutes, although some can be longer. You’ll earn points for each survey you finish, which you can redeem for cash or other rewards.

Ways to Earn Extra Cash

Pinecone Research offers two primary ways to earn extra cash:

• Online Surveys: The most common way to earn points is by completing online surveys. These surveys cover various topics, from consumer products to services, and are designed to gather your honest opinions.
• Product Testing: Occasionally, you might be selected to test new products or services. This can be a more engaging way to earn points, as you get to experience products before they are available to the general public.

Rewards & Payout Options

Pinecone Research offers a variety of rewards and payout options for its members.

Each survey completed typically awards you a minimum of 100 points, which is equivalent to $1.00 in your local currency. For example, if you are in the United States, completing a survey earns you $1.00, while Canadian participants earn $1.00 CAD, and British participants earn £1.00.

Occasionally, you may have the opportunity to test products before they are released to the market. While these opportunities are less frequent, they can be rewarding, as participants often get to keep the products they test.

Pinecone Research provides several options for cashing out your earned points, ensuring flexibility for its users:

1. Cash Payments via Bank Transfer: Members can opt to receive cash payments directly into their bank accounts. This option requires setting up a ‘wallet’ on a third-party payment processor. Payments can be requested in increments of $3, $5, or $10, and are usually processed within 3-5 business days after the request is made.
2. Gift Cards: Pinecone Research offers a variety of gift card options, including Amazon e-Gift Cards (sent directly to your email) and Retail Gift Cards for popular stores like Walmart, Starbucks, and Home Depot (available in both digital and physical formats).
3. Merchandise: You can also redeem points for items from an extensive merchandise catalog, which includes electronics and household goods. These items are shipped directly to your home.
4. Prepaid Cards: Pinecone Research offers prepaid Visa cards as a redemption option for U.S. residents. These cards allow you to spend your earnings like cash.
5. Sweepstakes Entries: In addition to standard rewards, Pinecone Research occasionally runs sweepstakes where members can enter for a chance to win cash prizes. This adds an exciting element to participation, although the frequency and terms of these sweepstakes can vary.

Note: The minimum cash-out amount has recently changed. New members must accumulate at least $10 before they can request a payout, which is a shift from the previous $3 minimum. This means you may need to complete several surveys before cashing out.

Does It Have a Mobile App?

Yes, Pinecone Research does offer a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to access the full functionality of your Pinecone Research membership on-the-go.

Some user reviews have noted issues with survey links not working properly in the app or getting disqualified from surveys after clicking the link. But overall, the mobile app provides a useful way to engage with surveys and manage your account using your mobile devices.

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