[ozzie]

I have heard a lot about focus groups over the past few years but had never been presented with the opportunity to attend any that were close to where I live. You can imagine my surprise when I was in my local post office a few weeks ago preparing to send a package when my mobile phone rang, it was one of the research companies that I'd signed up with many months ago, they wanted to know if I would be interested in attending a focus group in my area the following day.

I was told the session would last for about 2 hours and I would receive $80 cash to compensate me for my time etc. It was just before Christmas and I really needed the cash (I'm sure alot of people can relate to that! lol) and I had really been wanting to be involved in a focus group so I knew first hand just in case a member asks me what's involved. I agreed to attend and after a short screening to make sure I was eligible, I was given the details.

I finished posting my package and headed home. That afternoon when I checked my emails I came across an email from another research company that I'd signed up with just a few weeks beforehand, WOW, I couldn't believe it, another invitation for a focus group in my area! This one was in a different location and was for a discussion on a different topic, so I clicked on the link and completed the screening questions.

The next morning I received a phone call from the second research company to say I'd passed the screening and confirming if I could attend this focus group on the following morning, the session would last approx 1 hour and 30 minutes and the compensation was $60 cash! "Yes, yes" I said "I'll be there, thanks so much for calling!" lol

[ozzie]

I attended the first focus group that afternoon. There were 9 other woman of varying age groups waiting in the lounge area of the conference centre, a few were talking amongst themselves about everyday things and the remainder were sitting watching the news on the T.V and obviously trying to avoid eye contact with each other! I find it amusing when people do that, they know you're there but it's like there too scared to say hello or even acknowledge you, I don't know what they think because I'll talk to anyone!

I found a vacant area on the sofa and tried to make eye contact with the lady sitting to the left of me, it wasn't looking very favourable so I turned my attention to the news, sitting there I wondered if these ladies were like me and had never attended a focus group before, whereas the ladies that were happily chatting away had been to one or more, so they weren't feeling somewhat nervous because they knew what to expect. (I found out later that this was quite correct!)

It wasn't too long before the co-ordinator of the group came in and introduced themself, we were then taken to a room where we sat on chairs which were strategically placed in a circle. We were all given stickers with our first name printed on them and a couple of forms which we had to fill out and sign. The group co-ordinator then formerly introduced themself and gave us a brief overview of their company and the company who they were conducting the research for.

Everyone took their turn and introduced themself to the other members of the group by saying a little bit about themself. The discussion was very informal and everyone actively participated by sharing their opinions on the topic in question. It was interesting to hear other peoples opinions on this particular topic and on several occassions there was some light hearted humour which helped to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

The session lasted for 2 hours and I left the conference centre feeling that I'd contributed in some way by providing my own opinions, it was a good feeling. I felt the same after attending the second focus group the following day, I could also see the need for these groups and the relevance they play in helping companies with their research projects.

Both of the groups I attended were informative and fun and it's a good feeling you get when you know that there are people who are interested in your opinion and it helps with their research which then benefits the community as a whole.

I'm looking forward to the next invitation for a focus group in my area.

Would love to hear other members experiences with focus groups.

Cheers

[Skokky]

Do you know why you are only supposed to attend one focus group every six months?
The reason is that the market reasearch companies have an aggreement with Tax office so that they do not have to submit any paperwork.
I have one of the worst memories when I am asked when I last attended a focus group and just say about I dunno seven or eight months ago.

[ozzie]

Hi

They were 2 separate research companies and both were happy for me to attend the groups as they were not related in any way.

I attended one for a credit union about 6 months ago and it was a good night full of excellent ideas, the food was scrumptious and the fee was excellent. Pity they never went ahead with any of the ideas put forward, needless to say that I don't bank with them anymore purley because their fees are way too high compared to other financial institutions.

I can understand the addage behind the agreement with the ATO, who likes submitting paperwork when there's a way around it and they don't have to.