I've always have had positive experiences with Nichols Research. I often get emails about upcoming study opportunities. I always fill out the questionnaire but don't always get picked. In fact over the last 10 years I've only been picked four times. I was most recently picked for an in person study at their Sunnyvale location. The staff are always friendly and professional. They offer a variety of complementary snacks and drinks before and after the study begins. This last study was 90 minutes long and at the end they give you a $150 master card gift card, which I thought was very generous. It's worth filling out the surveys because you never know when they will call you to confirm your participation. Overall it was a very positive experience. read more

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Not recommended filled out so many paid surveys never received a call back on qualification. Feeling like there collecting your phone number and email to give to someone else for free read more

I've read some negative reviews of this place, but I disagree wholeheartedly. I participated in several of their studies, probably about to a year, and I have to tell you - if you've got a couple hours on your hands and are interested in making 100 bucks easily, there are far more nefarious ways to get into trouble. I've done everything with these guys - mock juries, assessing the comfort of jail cells, trying out different kinds of android, operating systems. It's a little like walking into cost plus world market - with the right attitude, and an open mind, you'll always find something fun to do. Four stars instead of five because they can be a little bit byzantine to deal with - their call-center is in Fresno, and the availability of the reps isn't super predictable. And often you have to go through several layers of questioning in order to get accepted into a study. They once paid me $75 to watch and assess 45 minutes of clips from Pee Wee Herman's big adventure. I mean, can you think of a better way to spend a Tuesday night? read more

This past weekend I participated in a study presented through and held at Nichols Research Sunnyvale. It had been a while since I qualified for a study and since I was going to be in town this past weekend, I decided to give it a go. Planets aligned! Initially I was sent the usual email with a link to a short survey. Their initial surveys usually take just 2-5 minutes. No problem. Sometimes they need to be done on a desktop or laptop. I can't recall if this one needed to be done on a laptop/desktop, but I did mine on my laptop within a day of receiving the email. The following day I received a call from an unknown Fresno number. I don't answer calls from unknown callers/numbers, so I Googled the number and found it was linked to Nichols Research. Cool. She also left a good, brief voice mail explaining the purpose of her call. Since I was on my lunch break, I called right back and spoke with the gal who phoned me. She confirmed a few things, provided the details I needed, and setup a time for me to come out that accommodated my schedule. In my experiences with Nichols Research I was always paid on the spot, after participation was complete. And I believe she said payment would be given on location in form of a $50 visa card, so I was content. My appointment was timely and I was in and out within the allotted 30 minutes. The folks at the counter were friendly and outgoing. The study people were good to work with too, and were willing conversationalists. They were also glad to help make the slightly awkward aspects of the study humorous. The compensation was nice and given on the spot after my participation was complete. For my time and participation I was given a $50 prepaid visa that needs to be used within four months. I can definitely do that! I recommend Nichols Research to anyone looking to participate in a study and be compensated for their time & participation. Just remember, be honest. It doesn't do anyone any justice if you lie or pretend to be someone you aren't. Thanks Nichols Research! read more

The scenario: 1. Answer a bunch of questions online to see if you qualify (via email sent by Nichols or on Facebook) for the focus group. 2. If you qualify, Nichols will call you to set up an appointment. 3. Show up on time to your specific appointment. 4. Eat provided snacks while waiting for appointment to start. 5. Get escorted into a room with a bunch of people. 6. Give your opinion about the matter at hand. 7. Walk to the front desk, pick up your check. 8. GO SHOPPING WITH YOUR MONEY!!! (Hellloooooo new shoes!) YES, IT'S ** THAT ** SIMPLE!!!! Each focus group has various time (mine have only been an hour long so far) and reimbursement amounts (so far I've had anywhere from $50-$150). But it's so great to give your opinion on an up-and-coming event/product and get paid. Yes, this REALLY DOES EXIST!!! Go, go simple and easy cash! read more

What's not to love about getting paid $ for an hour of your time? I got into these market research surveys when I was unemployed. But even now that I'm employed, I still like to check out the opportunities in my area. Nichols Research is a very professional outfit. They send you surveys online that are easily completed. If you're a good match, they call you with follow-up questions. If you're a good match then, they give you a date, time, and place for the study, along with the study ID. Parking was easy to find and checking in was a piece of cake. I would definitely do this again. read more

Beware! Scam. Don't sell your personal information away. First of all it's a sleazy operation. They call you and never leave voicemail message. However will keep calling you until you pick up. 559-226-3100. Second, this is a government operation to find and search out people of interest. They have all your personal information AND they have your contact details, even PayPal info, belief systems, opinions etc. etc. No thanks. read more

I completed my umpteenth focus group with these good peeps last night. What could be cooler than getting paid cold, hard cash for giving people your opinion? Ok, maybe finding a winning Lotto ticket worth 100 million dollars or LL Cool J falling madly in love with you and wanting to be your Sugar Daddy. Those would be cooler. You can only do them twice a year I think. I've been doing them for about 15 years now. I've given my opinion on everything from music played on radio stations, cell phone games, alcohol and even what I think the outcome should be in a lawsuit (for that I was paid $450.00. KA-CHING!) read more

Here are some things I love: 1. The sound of my own voice 2. Sharing my opinion on everything (hello, Yelp!) 3. Getting money for doing practically nothing Thankfully, Nichols Research allows me to do all three. It's so easy -- you fill out a form and are entered into a pool of people who also love money (or focus groups, I guess). And then you wait. And wait. And then one day, NR will call because you fit the target market, and they'll set you up an appointment. This is where it gets good. At the site, they will show you some product or presentation, and ask your opinions on it. And you can just sit there and talk and talk, and sometimes they'll say, "Jennifer, let's let another person share their thoughts," but that's okay, because at the end of it all you'll walk outside and the bored-looking people behind the reception counter will hand you a nice fat check for showing up. I love it. read more

I don't know who would give Nichols Research anything less than 5 stars. If you do, you are insane. I love getting my random 510 area code number calls from Fremont because that means a very high possibility for me to get PAID!!! CHA CHING!!!!!! Staff members are very nice and helpful. They are prompt to answering your questions and retuning phone calls. Thank you Nichols for providing me a side income for this poor student trying to live up her dreams. You pay me more than a day's worth of work at my current job. I just got paid $200 and free items the last time I did a research study at the Sunnyvale location for my opinions on online shopping. It's worth it for an 1hr of your time! VERY WORTH IT! read more

Get paid for my opinion? Can't not love that! I have done a few studies so far with Nichols, and each were definitely worth my time. The most extensive was a mock trial, which lasted all day & paid $175 in a Visa gift card. However, I really wish they would go back to cash, as these prepaid gift cards are so pesky to use! They also expire within a few months. You have to make sure you use them down in even increments, so you don't risk being overdrawn or have a charge declined. When you are down to your last amounts, it is so hard to find a retailer to accept two forms of payment! I typically use mine to prepay gas. They seem a bit at times disorganized- their business hours are weird so if I miss a call it was hard to get the same person back on the phone. & I never got email confirmations they said they would send me twice- & yes, I checked my spam folder. Each study generally also provides a light refreshment or meal for a longer study, so I can't complain too much! I would be happy to participate again in the future. read more

This review is coming from the perspective of a customer of Nichols, versus a Focus Group participant. The facility offers plenty of room for viewing in the back. However, the glass is not fully sound proof so you need to be quiet when the session is going on. Everyone that works at Nichols that we interacted with was professional and friendly. They knew their stuff and were willing to help out any way necessary to make our event a success. read more

Definitely cool getting paid for your opinions. Not so cool driving 20 minutes, waiting an hour and 15, then being told you won't be needed for the study but still having to wait for another 15 minutes...then having to drive back in rush hour traffic. They still paid me which is great, but the amount of time invested in not being able to participate versus the two hours it should have been is what earns the lower rating. read more

I enjoy getting contacted by Nichols Research. Sometimes I get picked for a study, sometimes I don't. I know it's nothing personal. The criteria for a specific study just doesn't match my life. I get it. But when I do get chosen, I get to give my strong personal opinions and it actually might matter. As for the Visa debit card, I use it for necessities like groceries and gas so it's used up well before the expiration. read more

Use to be a legit company. Until the buyout. Since they were bought out, they are a mess! The phone screens now come from Fresno, the screeners are terrible. I thought I was to be in a study last week. My husband and I have each done a few over the years, so I know how it is supposed to go. The screener called me back 6 times throughout a Friday night and Saturday. Each time more questions. I have a family and weekend plans. I don't have time for this! Monday I called her back she wasn't in yet, only to never get final call back. They said I was on the list to do the study, but then they didn't have me down. Ever since this company got bought out it is terrible! I feel bad for any of their research clients. Not sure who they are getting in their studues, but I doubt it is the quality or quantity they use to get. read more

Make sure you get paid as soon as your study is done. First I was told I'd receive a VISA card as soon as I was finished, then as I was leaving I was told the money would be deposited directly into my PayPal account. I never got paid, and now Nichols is claiming it's not their problem. Never had a problem with them before, but I'll never do another study for them again. This is really unprofessional. read more

My first time was on 7/22/15 for Social Issues; it was 9 hours for $200. Nichols Research is very professional, the place is clean and organized, and breakfast and lunch is provided. I really like the way they organize the meeting; there was a lot of structure, and a lot of freedom to share my opinion. Going to this research firm is very exciting for me, because I like answering questions and providing feedback. I try to give as much feed back as possible, in writing and verbally, because they pay pretty good, so I give them my very best. I took a day off work as a hostess in order to attend this, because this is double the pay that I get from work. 5/5 stars!! This place is great, and I hope to get called in for more studies, because the topic was pretty interesting! read more

Warning: Nichols Research scheduled with me to do a in a person research at google campus mountain view for $100... i reschedule my work schedule accordingly and they CANCELED the appointment 1 business day before the meeting. Thanks for messing up my schedule Nichols... be warned about altering your schedule. read more

Was twenty minutes late drove across town with 30 outfits for a research got told I was too late and they didn't have enough time. Ii bought a few outfits for this study because I didn't have enough I will never do a study for these guys EVER again . I suggest you stay away also. read more

I always get excited when my phone rings and its a 510 number...usually its Nichols Research calling me up! Wooohoooo! There have been a few times I have been disqualified for whatever reason but the times I am selected it has been so worth it. 1-2 hours of your time for what....$125 plus gas money. AWESOME! I did a weekend research study and was paid $350 and that was cool since I had nothing else better to do. Sometimes if they REALLY need people, they will do a drawing for anyone who arrives 15 mins early. The prize...an extra $100. I am looking forward to the next research group I am picked for. Oh and the food is cool too...not bad since its free. Usually pizza or sandwiches. read more

I finally took myself off the email list for this company. It's something I should have done a while ago. The main reason I don't recommend participating in focus groups with these guys is because they no longer pay by check. They now issue a card that expires very quickly. Easy way for VISA to make money off those things! On top of that, it's sometimes hard to redeem the card in certain places. But what really led me to unsubscribe from Nichols, was a focus group that I was considered a "maybe" for. After getting screened by Gladys last week, she said that someone would contact me to let me know if I would be a yes or no for the session. No one from Nichols Research ever called me. I was pretty annoyed that they forgot to follow up. The past year or so I filled out the surveys that were emailed to me, only to have someone from Nichols Research ask me the exact same questions over the phone, and then tell me that I did not qualify. The screening process is clearly unorganized. As a potential participant, you will find that a lot of your time is wasted. Although the screeners are very nice people, and the employees at the Sunnyvale location are pleasant, the overall experience I've had the last few years as a participant has been disappointing. read more

I have no complaint with doing surveys for Nichols. But they are now paying with a VISA debit card that is EXTREMELY difficult to both activate and use. I won't be participating any more if this is how they pay...they used to give cash which was, obviously, easier to use. This is ridiculous. And you only have 3 months to use it!!! read more

I participated in a research study and was promised a Visa gift card in the mail. The study was 6 weeks ago and I still have not received it. I called Nichols 7 times and been promised each time that they will look into it and call me back the same day. You can see where this is going...no call back and no gift card. Needless to say, I am not happy and very disappointed. read more

I went to a research study at Hewlett-Packard and never received the promised gift certificate. After about a dozen phone calls and emails I still never received it. This company seems pretty shady to me. I would not be surprised if they misuse the personal information you provide to them. read more

Although I've must taken probably the most amount of surveys with Nichols, and received about 25+ screens over past three years '08-'12 and hours on phone I have to say I only been there three times I am a bit disappointed compare to all the other surveys I filled out which I usually have almost a 50/50 percent change getting in. read more

Penny for your thoughts? (Actually, it's more like $80-150 for 1.5 hours) If you ever get an opportunity to participate in a group or one-on-one discussion, pray it's with Nichols Research. They have campuses all around the state, and I always go to their Sunnyvale location when selected. The staff here is great. Initial screening calls come from either a 510 or 559 area code and they always call me at the worst times, but if you call them back, it may be worth your while. They'll ask you some questions about your responses from an online questionnaire you filled out to confirm the responses. Then input your responses and tell you if you are a good fit for a forum or study they're hosting. It's not guaranteed if you're sent an online questionnaire that you'll definitely get invited, but it's a start. If you get a phone call to verify your responses, then it's most likely you'll be chosen. The reward is always great. If you get paid over $150 an hour at your current job, then you should pass. But for those of us to spend 1.5 hours or less in a room with others sharing our opinions and get paid without having to pay tax is gravy. They used to issue checks but now they give you visa debit cards. When you check in to your study, the staff usually provides food in the form of snacks, finger foods, or sandwiches. They have plenty of magazines to read in their lobby to keep you occupied while waiting for your turn. Parking isn't a problem and they have a large private lot. The building is located behind Citibank if you're coming from Mathilda Ave and the office is on the first floor. Too bad some studies ask when's the last time you attended because they want 6 months in between the last, but if I could participate every day, I would. Easy Money. read more

Very nice people. This is a good opportunity to make a few extra $$$.

Maybe these people who complain that they have taken sooooooo many surveys and are not picked because, well, they are not wanted or needed for the focus studies. Why take it personally? It is not a form of rejection; you are not being dumped;it doesnt mean we are better looking. Sheesh. Anyway, what a cool thing....people want to hear my opinions for two hours and I get free lunch and $175? Hello. Awesome. read more

Nichol's has been a much needed boost to my bank account several times over the course of my enrollment over 3 years ago. Everyone is super friendly and accommodating. This Sunnyvale location is great, but even when they host research events off-site I have had nothing but a wonderful experience with all things Nichols! Also, they over-booked for a recent study I attended and they still paid me even though I was not needed after all. Much love to Nichols! read more

It is so awesome to make extra money just for doing something fun in your free time! A friend told me about this place. All I did was fill out an app on their website and then I was IN their database. They call or email me for random studies. Often times I don't qualify for some reason or another ( like I listen to 104.9 more than 101.3)... or I responded to them after the quota for respondents was filled. BUT I've done a few studies here so far and it was really fun! I go to the one in Sunnyvale and the parking and location is convenient. They usually have a lot of different time options to so I was able to fit it into my schedule easily. If you play video games, I hear they're always looking for gamers...especially girls. Too bad I don't play too many games!! read more

I have done a focus group and a mock trial for Nichols and can't wait to do more. It is so much fun and they pay you right away. Plus they always have some drinks and munchies while you wait. I recommend it to anyone who qualifies cause you get money and it's fun. I made $75 for a two-hour focus group and $300 for a two-day mock trial. The easiest and most fun way to make fast cash. read more

I have been called by Nichols about 6 times and every time they give me a phone survey that is quite extensive and takes about 15 minutes. Then I'm told I don't qualify for the focus group. So, 15 minutes of my time and no money paid for it. read more

Nichols Research engages in unethical practices promising payment for interviewing you for 15 minutes then asking you a bunch of questions and ending the interview prematurely. They did not bother to tell me that i was being screened at the beginning of the interview and instead wasted my time and dropped the call. I did not appreciate being misled and having my time wasted. When I complained they did nothing to remedy the situation read more

Been here from an 'other side of the glass perspective'. Great location for younger tech workers and diverse community. Great staff, large/clean respondent and viewing rooms. Would reccomend for anyone looking to conduct groups in the Valley. read more

My skepticism was quickly doused. I had an awesome time at my recent offsite mock jury event. The staff were friendly and helpful. I can't decide which was cooler...the Starbucks coffee (all you can drink), tasty snacks/lunch or the $200 cash on the way out the door? Or maybe the cool stuff I learned while sitting with a room full of strangers. I always knew one day, my big mouth would get me something besides trouble (according to my mother!). Seriously though, it was everything that it promised to be, and I can't wait to get the next call. Thanks Nichol's Research. read more

Did survey online, received a call later. Conducted an In-Home survey for about 1 hour. Got paid $150.00 after completing this survey. Easy to communicate about questions with their staff. Would recommend to friends since they are easy to work with. Not bad to get paid to help with their research projects. read more