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Don’t survey me without something in exchange!

Now, I rarely fill out a survey if nothing is given in exchange. For example, the last Air Canada survey offered 15 eUpgrade Credits at random to five participants so I completed it. Of course, I did not win, but I could have, and I trust someone has.

Alt text: A promotional email from Air Canada celebrating the first anniversary of the Super Elite Connection newsletter. The email invites recipients to provide feedback on the newsletter and the Air Canada Top Tier program by completing a brief survey. Participants have a chance to win 15 eUpgrade Credits. The email features the Air Canada logo and a red box with a checkmark icon, highlighting the survey and the chance to win credits.
Time is one of the most precious commodities in the world, and they also say ‘time is money,’ so no more explanations needed.

I still remember the best ‘reward’ I have ever received. The survey was from a bank and the envelope included $2; real, hard cash, upfront, and of course, I gladly filled out the bank’s survey.

I had been staying at a Marriott for the past 3 months (some 4 or 5 days per week) and they were bombarding me with e-mails about ‘sharing my feedback about my experience.’ So I decided to complete the survey just to stop the e-mails. The survey was quite lengthy and, at the end, I received only a:

The image contains the following text:

"Thank You!

We appreciate your participation and feedback.

Your survey has been submitted."

Alt text: "Text reading 'Thank You! We appreciate your participation and feedback. Your survey has been submitted.'"
However, I knew there would not be any material rewards, and apart from stopping the e-mails about the surveys I wanted to write something in the input box they usually provide at the end for suggestions. My suggestion was to have in the room several recycling bins, or at least one (if the logistics would be too much), for things that can be recycled. Currently, there is only a garbage bin and everything goes in there.

Is anyone reading these suggestions? Will they do it, or at least provide an answer as to why it is not possible?

9 Comments

  1. I did the same survey which was in 3 or 4 parts. I agree it was a waste of time and I am curious if anyone did
    get credits. I will not do AC surveys again.

  2. I dont mind filling out a survey for free, but like you said time is money and when that survey takes ten minutes then there is no way it is going to happen. Keep it short and sweet and i will be happy to provide feedback, but it seems like every survey has so many demographic questions that i say screw it.

  3. Sweepstakes are generally close to useless as a reward for completing a survey. The reason that companies use them is that they are cheap for the company – 5000 people complete a survey and they give away $500? That’s 10c each.

    If the survey is going to take more than 1 minute, they should give a real reward for each completed survey – 500 points, a 10% off certificate, something tangible.

  4. I am often willing to give a quick comment – breakfast was terrible. room too dark, etc. but not willing to do the extensive surveys just to be entered into a drawing.

    I want a real reward.
    Best Western used to give 250 points for completing a survey.
    I once got a pass from United to its Red Carpet Lounge,
    etc.

  5. Received the following e-mail:

    “ING DIRECT Mortgage Survey

    The Strategic Counsel, an independent market research company, is conducting a 25 minute online survey about mortgages on behalf of ING DIRECT. We’d greatly appreciate it if you would complete the survey to help us better understand your mortgage needs, expectations and experiences. You can complete the survey anytime between now and Monday, October 31st 2011.
    This survey is entirely for research purposes. It will not attempt to sell you anything, and you will not be contacted as a result of your participation. Your answers will be kept strictly confidential. Responses from all participants will be combined and reported to ING DIRECT as compiled results, and not as identifiable single answers. ”

    25 minutes and nothing in exchange !!! I sent them the link to this post.

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