Fieldwork

Horrible experience!
I responded to an e-​mail inquiry and got a phone call during the workday.
I answered all the questions and was told that I did not qualify for the study, because I did not eat TEN delivery pizzas in a month.
Then, I was called back by the same person, who told me that her supervisor told her she misread the question.
So, I answered more and was told I qualified and – after being put on hold several times – was told on what day and time I would be participating.
Then, within thirty minutes, I got another call back… saying that I did not in fact qualify.
I’m going to remove myself from their database… what a racket to get a LO of information from me without having to compensate me.

I have done a couple of these marketing research studies and have all gone off without a hitch, I recall being paid cash at the end. Now they have switched to a prepaid Visa card which expires shortly after you complete the survey… and boom… you lose any and all money left on the card. Total BS. If they are paying you, there shouldn’t be any strings attached like «you need to use within 16 days or you lose»…or at least tell the folks that are getting these cards that they DO EXPIRE. I am pretty pissed off because I lost $ 300. Screw this… I won’t be doing any more of these for these crooks.

I got a call from a young man who sounded like he was not awake. He sounded like he has been partying all night with his boyfriend. Anyway, he asked me 10 thousand questions and I polightly and clearly answered every single one. When I wanted to ask him his name and the company he was calling from, the first thing he said: why do you need that information. I said I would like to know whom I am giving information. He kept interrupting me and hung up on me. I called back and asked to speak to a manager. Someone said he was the supervisor and was standing right next to Evert (The guy who called originally). He was extreamly rude and annoying. He kept purging into the phone and I asked him to speak slowly and clearly into the mike when he said do we have a bad connection. He kept interrupting me and would not let me speak. He was also very immature. Than he hung up on me. Just know that when they call you they are one bunch of rude immature thugs. They will also not call you back unless you put your income in 6 figures. I tried putting less and never got a call, always got a call when I listed 6 figure income and never got a call back when it was less. They are disgusting immature rude annoying thugs. People should know that this is some sort of an illigal operation they are running. Disgusting, can not believe I was so nice to them and gave them so much of my time and answers and when I asked for simple name got treated like they treat eachother. Dusgusting disgusting disgusting immature thugs. I got loughed at, treated like crap and hung up on. Who are these morans?

I was contacted a week ago for this study, I was not told what it was about, that would be revealed on the actual date. I was prescreened with several questions to make sure I was a match and told I would be contacted soon. That day I was told I was accepted and was told I’d be called again the day before to confirm. I decided I would do this because I was able to move my schedule to accommodate Fieldwork-​SF.
I arrived at 0730 for the 8am check in for a 10 hour study that paid $ 250. To encourage us to arrive early there are two early bird drawings for $ 25 each but we had to arrive by 0745. A lite breakfast was offered to everyone.
I assumed with the prescreening questions by phone that I was confirmed for this study but all applicants were asked to fill out more paperwork asking more involved questions and then were asked to wait, this took about 1 hour. One of the reps read off a list of names, these folks were admitted into the study, 4 of us were left out, I was one of them, we were handed a Visa gift card for $ 60 and thanked for our time.
I’m giving two stars because I felt the staff behaved in a professional manner.
I wanted to give 1 star because I felt mislead, had I known there was a possibility that I would be sent home I would have never done this. To be fair the confirmation email did state not everyone would be accepted but they emphasized arriving on time or even early which made me believe those that arrived late wouldn’t be accepted. I did not think they would try to disqualify you after making every effort to arrive on time.
On my walk home I called the good folks at Fieldwork-​SF and asked them to remove my name; I’m ending my career in fieldwork study today!
I think if you have nothing else better to do with your time and you understand that you could be sent home with a fraction of the amount that was offered/​promised then this could be a good opportunity to put a few Shekel’s in your pocket.
My advice for future candidates, ask lots of questions during the phone interview process like, «under what circumstances could you be sent home?» «If you are accepted into the study, will there be a secondary weeding out process and if you are axed at this point will you still get the promised amount which in my case was $ 250 or will you be given $ 60?»
One more thing, you are compensated with a prepaid visa and not a check or cash.
Hope this helps.

At one time I would have said Fieldwork was professional and worth the effort but now if they contact me in 2014 I’d say it is a waste of time because they certainly will waste your time.
I did a group a long time ago and then another and noticed the difference. Over the last 18 months they have called me several times always leaving me hanging. I was getting calls apparently from their staff when they needed someone to fill in and at the last minute — This happened four or five times in the last six months.
Cutting to the chase they call you at the last minute run you around time and again with many questions (my point is they waste your time and are rude and unprofessional about it). Then nothing…
I finally realiized the time I had wasted on them in this kind of situation so I stopped replying to their emails and then started ignoring their calls. Apparently if you have an arcane background they will call you for a group they emailed you about since they have too few candidates to meet their requirement even if you ignore their email. But if you did call them back missing their call then they left you hanging. So I’d say if they called you and you were not in you are wasting your time trying to connect with them again. You are only a cow for their slaughter house…
Since I first did a group long time ago they seem to have become the cheapest of the focus group companies when it comes to refreshments. Early on they had sodas and food, later on only bottled water and snack mix (if that).
What finally turned me off to them was the same staff rudeness over and over calling and wasting your time then leaving you hanging. In one instance they called me three times for the same group one recruiter then another then another acting like they were very pressed to find someone not knowing another had already called you. This is unprofessional and suggests they hire poorly qualified staff.
I will comment younger people have a better opporutunity with them. When you get older they have less interest in you since younger people buy the majority of items in our economy so don’t be too suprised if you do a group for them now and then over the years if their interest in you wanes.
Enough said if you want to do a group there are many other focus group companies operating in San Francisco who will treat you better.

My first encounter with Fieldwork was 5 weeks ago. I was called in for a study and didn’t make the cut. Although they say it was a random draw, I saw how it went down and it was far from that. In any case, I was asked to stay for another 15 minutes just to be safe with their choice in the study.
After that, I got my $ 100 Visa card and off I went. Pretty sweet deal for about an hour of time.
Today was my second time in. I arrived 45 minutes early, got signed in and had some drinks/​snacks. I was surprised when it was announced that they’d do an early bird drawing which I won. Free money for showing up? I’m in. ;)
The study itself was pretty boring to be honest, however I left the building with a good amount of money (although on VISA cards, which is inconvinient I think. CHecks would be SO much easier).
I would love to be asked again. :)

So what happens when they don’t come through with the things they offer as incentives?!
I understand that this company represent other companies to execute marketing research, so as the host its disturbing to see Fieldwork con children & their parents to participate in marketing research while promising incentives yet not deliver.
The study was on video games.
We were specifically asked to avail ourselves for 4 hrs in our home with the promise to bring dinner & an incentive of $ 450. Children had to be between ages of 8 — 12 years with at least 1 adult & 1 child present. I held up my end of the bargain.
Sure, it sounds great & works out well when you’re invited into their office to participate but what if they come to your home & not delivery on the incentives which was promised to children.
I got an email confirmation that specifically stated, «To top it off, we’ll even bring pizza so you don’t have to cook that night.» & «$XXX.XX on a Pre-​Paid Visa Card will be sent out after the research» but no pizza came with the researchers nor is the $ value promised coming through saying that the client came up with BOGUS reasons as to why they couldn’t conduct the research.
The researchers came to the house & left earlier than expected stating that that’s all they needed after an hour & they had other houses to visit, even though we were expecting 4 hours of time allotted.
3 days later I get a phone call saying they’re only giving as an insignificant amount of $ 50 (if you do the math 1 hr of the 4 hrs request still wouldn’t equal $ 50 in my books). I mention this & Natalie, the person I spoke to, says she’ll contact the client and get back to me.
10 days later, & after a call from me a week later the initial call, I finally hear from Natalie and apparently $ 50 is the «firm» amount.
Had I known it was only 1 hour I wouldn’t have bothered BUT to not even bring the pizza you owed for the kids… now that’s just mean!
SHAME ON YOU FIELDWORKS for doing that even to 1 of your participants.

It was fun to participate in the study, and sweet to make$ 100. They pay for your parking and offer snacks and drinks.

After asking me personal questions for 5 minutes, Fieldwork told me they’ll let me know if I qualified for the panel they contacted me about. Then after three confirmations that they wanted me on a panel the next week — the last one being 3 days before the night I selected, they gave me a call 2 days before that night to tell me I wasn’t needed. No apologies for their flip flopping though, and no apologies for my inconvenience — Yes, I could have planned something on that Wednesday evening instead of keeping it open for Fieldjerk. No big deal really, but then I thought that they were doing this to hundreds of people, sucking up private information in exchange for a promise to participate in a panel that they would never keep.

I recently volunteered for a focus office at the Fieldwork Offices just across the street from the Moscone Convention Center. I had had a pretty enjoyable time. Staff were well-​organized, sandwiches were served while we completed the up front paperwork, the process ran smoothly and on time, and the moderator did a nice job staying on point and keeping us all talking. And for the $ 100 retainer, the sponsors were entitled (and more than received) to our honest and often blunt opinions. I hope get another opportunity in the near future.
One fascinating aspect were listening to the opinions of the other folks in the room. We represented a really broad range of thought, but surprisingly with more than a few areas of agreement. A similar Facebook discussion would have probably degenerated into a emotional pissing match, but we had the luxury of time and opportunity to think and engage. Yet, one challenge was struggling to stay engaged during a long 3.5 hour session without any breaks.
What did we talk about and who was behind the mirrored glass? Regarding the former, that’s why NDAs (nondisclosure agreements) are required. If I told you, I’d have to kill you. :) As for the later, it may or may not have been a coincidence that Dreamforce 2013 was happening over yonder.

Good experiance. Everything went smoothly I was paid the amount promised they even threw in an extra 100.00 for bringing in some paperwork (homework is what they called it) pertaining to the focus group (wooohooo!!!) I had an issue finding the building because the address wasn’t posted anywhere but other then that it went well. Have shared the company info with all my friends…

Over the years I have participated in focus groups and individual research with Fieldwork. They are well-​organized and make the process go smoothly. The sessions end on time, so I don’t feel taken advantage of. They pay for parking and pay you at the close of the session.

I enjoyed my experience. They provided us with snacks before the focus group began and the compensation was good. It is close enough to public transportation if you choose that, or they compensate for parking which is extremely close. The staff was all very friendly and helpful too. I’d do it again, for sure.

they made me come down there and didn’t pay me and I took off of work.
Horrible place, disgusting building, scummy workers and clients.
DONOTGOHERE

Very professional organization. From the first phone call, to the follow emails, and the actual focus group, they treat you with respect. The process was well managed. Snacks and beverages were also a nice touch.

I really like coming to this place. They have a great comfortable waiting room and extremely courteous staff. They always have snacks and drinks, ample reading material, etc.
I really appreciate the fact that they validate parking as many research places do not and you have to pay on your own. It can be expensive downtown especially if you will be there for hours.
Location is really easy to find as it is right across street from Moscone center. Close to freeway exit, get dropped off, or take public transportation.
And last I had a great time participating in their interesting and fun research study.

Fieldwork SF operates in the highest degree of professional integrity and are an absolute joy to work with.

Had a great experience yesterday, while giving feedback on an online service. I had the freedom of being honest, straight forward and unapologetic, and I loved that! quite liberating indeed! And to top it off — $ 85 for an hour of my time = AWESOME deal!

Fieldworks san Francisco is the very BEST. I have done focus groups with them for over 4 years. They are so professional and spot on. also the focus groups are normally incredibly interesting. I really like being helpful with my ideas etc. I only wish they let us do it more often. Thank you fieldworks.

Fieldwork Inc is one of those marketing research firms that does paid focus groups out of their SF offices. They are a national company with a branch in SF.
For anyone interested, focus groups, surveys and «studies» for marketing purposes can be a great way to line your pockets with a bit of extra weekend money for usually an hour or two of giving your opinions or just giving feedback on your use of items or services, etc. In these tight times, a little extra cash is kinda nice.
There are many great and reputable companies that do this sort of stuff, but you need to be aware of some of the pitfalls. Unfortunately, Fieldwork Inc is one that I encountered some of those pitfalls and found them VERY unprofessional.
1) I found their ad on Craigslist, so beware if you see their ads.
2) It’s not unusual to answer several pre-​screening questions by e-​mail. Then if your answers have potential, they will call you and usually ask the exact same questions.
3) At that point if you still qualify they will usually either set up a date/​time then for you to participate or hand you off to a «scheduler» to set everything up.
4) Normally they confirm everything in an email as well.
5) Usually you will receive either a phone call or message a day or so before to remind you to attend.
Fieldwork did all of the above, but their «harassment» and infringement on my personal time had my annoyance level starting to gain height. quickly. I was called and «pre-​screened no less then 3 times, including the day before I was to attend the focus group. After realizing this wasn’t just a «reminder» call, but yet another screening, answered the questions quickly and curtly (*note that the questions had to do with my EXACT buying patterns over a two year period!), at which point I was told that my answers were not exactly consistent to previous answers (you mean the other 2 times I was prescreened and i was called or from my original e-​mail??? geez, imagine that!) and I may no longer be eligible. At that point I was DONE.
I was called by the coordinator hours before the focus group and told that I was not eligible for this group.
The constant calls were intrusive and time consuming. They should not have been. Pre-​screening, is just that. You don’t call a participant and cancel hours prior. Follow up e-​mails need to be consistent in time, place and instructions. Fieldworks’ were not. I would call this unprofessional especially when you are relying on the «public» to pay your bills.
If you have interest in focus group, surveys or studies their are plenty of great companies in the bay area that do this. Don’t bother using or participating with these guys.