PanelBase

PanelBase Review

Are you looking for a way to earn some extra cash in your spare time? Online survey sites like Panelbase offer an easy and convenient way to do just that. With promises of cash payments and a transparent point system, it’s no wonder many people are turning to Panelbase to make a little extra money. But is it really worth your time? Let’s take a closer look.

Is PanelBase a legit survey site?

PanelBase is a legitimate site. One of the UK’s longest-running consumer communities, PanelBase is an online research panel that rewards members for participating in market research surveys. It was launched in 2005 as part of the market research agency called Dipstick Research which started its operation in 1997. In July 2023 PanelBase was acquired by the Norwegian market research provider Norstat.

PanelBase offers its members a wide range of survey opportunities in return for cash rewards which are paid out through bank transfer (BACS). With over 20 years of experience, it is quite impressive considering that most survey sites don’t last long.

Overview of UK demographics of the Panelbase panel site

What’s the concept?

The concept is simple: Panelbase members earn cash rewards for taking part in surveys, with the amount paid depending on the length and complexity of the task. In return, Dipstick Research gains access to the valuable data generated by the surveys, which it can sell to its clients in the form of market research reports and insights.

One of the key advantages of Panelbase is that it enables Dipstick Research to access a wide range of target groups and subjects. For example, the site might conduct surveys aimed at understanding the purchasing habits of millennials or exploring attitudes towards sustainability among baby boomers. These surveys can cover a wide range of topics, from consumer preferences for particular brands or products to political opinions or lifestyle choices.

To give two concrete examples of typical target groups and subjects for consumer surveys, consider the following:

1. Health-conscious consumers: Panelbase might conduct a survey aimed at understanding the habits and preferences of consumers who prioritize health and wellness. This could involve questions about their attitudes towards organic food, supplements, exercise, and other related topics.
2. Smartphone users: Another potential target group for Panelbase surveys might be smartphone users. In this case, the survey could explore a range of topics related to mobile technology, such as which apps consumers use most frequently, how often they upgrade their devices and their opinions on emerging technologies like augmented reality.

In this way, Panelbase offers a simple and effective way for users to earn cash by participating in paid surveys, while also providing Dipstick Research with valuable market research data. With a wide range of target groups and subjects covered by its surveys, the site has the potential to generate valuable insights for businesses across a variety of industries.

Data Privacy: Any reason for concern?

According to their Privacy Statement, Panelbase is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Market Research. They also adhere to both the Data Protection Act and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, as well as professional codes of conduct from MRS and ESOMAR.

Panelbase collects different types of data from its members, depending on whether they visit their website, log in to their member’s area, or participate in their surveys. They use this data to provide, maintain and improve their service, as well as to ensure the quality and integrity of their research data. They also share some of this data with their partners or clients who supply respondents to their surveys or host surveys on external platforms.

Panelbase states that they do not sell or rent any personal data to third parties for marketing purposes and that they only disclose personal data when required by law or when necessary to protect their rights or interests. They also state that they use various security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, use or disclosure.

However, Panelbase also warns that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure and that they cannot guarantee the absolute security of personal data. They also advise their members to be careful when disclosing personal data on public forums or social media platforms, as these are not covered by their Privacy Statement.

How to get started

To become a member, you must be from the UK, and 16 years old and above. The site will require your name, gender, email, address, and postcode. Upon completion of the registration page and verifying your registered email address, you are now an active PanelBase research community member and can start earning rewards for giving your opinion on a range of subject matter. £3 is added to your account as a reward for completing the registration process.

What about the survey experience?

When you receive an email notification telling you that there is a survey available, PanelBase tells you which platform you can complete it. The vast majority will be from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. In order to qualify for more surveys, you have to fill out your profile with all the information needed. It’s a lengthy process but PanelBase needs it to properly match you with their surveys.

Screenshot from Panelbase dashboard showing surveys available

How much can you make on PanelBase?

Panelbase is an online survey site that offers users the opportunity to earn rewards for completing surveys. The rewards available include bank transfers, gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and the option to donate to charity. However, it’s worth noting that users can only redeem their rewards once they reach a minimum threshold of £10.

Table showing examples of surveys we received from Panelbase

During our testing period, we only received one survey that was compensated with more than £1, which was also the longest one with 15 minutes.

Upon joining, users receive a welcome bonus of £3. This, combined with the average survey payment of £0.75, means that users would need to complete around 10 surveys in order to reach the payment threshold. This is not bad in comparison to many other survey sites, which require more than 20 surveys completed before being able to redeem.

It’s important to note that the number of surveys available to users will vary depending on their demographic information and location. If you belong to a very scarce target-group, you might earn a higher average than what we experienced.

While the rewards available may not be life-changing, they can provide a useful supplement to a user’s income.

Summary: Positives and Negatives

On the positive side, one of the main benefits of Panelbase is that it offers cash payments, which are a convenient and flexible way for users to receive their rewards. Additionally, the site offers a welcome bonus of £3 to new users, which is a nice incentive to get started.

Another positive aspect of Panelbase is its transparent point system. Users are informed of the rewards they will receive for each survey before they start, which allows them to decide which surveys are worth their time. Furthermore, Panelbase is owned by Dipstick Research, a legitimate market research company that is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS). This provides reassurance to users that the site is trustworthy and operating to a high ethical standard.

However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. One of the downsides of Panelbase is that it can be hard to qualify for some surveys. This is because surveys are often looking for specific demographics or individuals with certain interests, so not everyone will be eligible for every survey. Additionally, users may find the profiling questions repetitive, which can be a bit frustrating.

The surveys themselves can sometimes be quite time-consuming and not very engaging. While some surveys can be interesting, others may feel like a chore to complete. This can lead to users losing interest in the site over time.

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