I'm rating as a participant. I've done a couple focus groups with Focus Pointe Global. Because I have a full time job, I can only do evening sessions. It seems like the earlier sessions have better snack options. I remember coming in around 7pm, and there were a decent amount of sandwiches. I was told they were for the group already in session, and they got to take a sandwich home. Though, one participant touched EVERY sandwich trying to figure out which sandwich was which. When she saw me looking at her, she finally used a napkin. And when she left, I told an employee what she did, and sadly all the sandwiches had to be thrown out. Long story short, I thought it was kinda weird that only a specific session was able to get food when there was enough for early birds of the next session. Otherwise, I find the employees and facilities nice. The rooms are comfortable. I've noticed some sessions had water bottles for each participant, and some don't have anything at all. So I suggest just bringing your own water. And if you're in the later sessions, get dinner before it starts. There's some nice places to eat in the area. Overall, I can't complain because I'm being paid for my opinions. Plus, I enjoy it anyway. I hope to get called back for more focus groups. read more

Spent 20 minutes filling out survey online that would had lasted 9-6pm. Then spent another 20 minutes with them on the phone, telling me I need to be there before 8:30. After qualifying, they call the next day and spend another 5 minutes. 24hrs before the actual study, they tell me it is canceled. They wasted my weekend thinking I was going to spend the day over at their office. They didn't use to be this bad.. read more

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I enjoy coming to Focus Pointe for research studies. I've been about 5 or 6 times and the staff are incredibly polite and friendly. The suite is well appointed with snacks, beverages, and a nearby (clean!) bathroom. The study rooms are well lit, comfortable, and allow for a friendly discussion. I've never had a bad experience here, from the front desk person to the person moderating the study. The building has a secured elevator and a security guard for check-in. A big plus for me is that it's within walking distance from the BART station. Well done, Focus Pointe! read more

Awesome staff! I came here today for a focus study on cars. They provided some refreshments along with subway sandwiches. They start promptly at 7p. The guy behind the desk said "If I call out your name, I would like you to follow me. If I don't call you, just hang out." He called everyone BUT me! *gasps ...he looked at me and said "Do not worry. You are definately not in trouble." He told me that they usually overbook a study. The people that were called in and were being interviewed. If the person conducting the study do not like either one of them, they'll swap me in but if he/she does decide to keep them, they don't need me. They didn't need me :) ...why am I smiling you might ask? Especially when they wasted my time. Because...they sent me home along with a check for the FULL amount I was supposed to get if I was to participate in the focus group. A W E S O M E!! By far, Focus Pointe has been one of the best experiences I've ever had with a market research company. read more

They've officially switched to PRE-PAID visa cards. Question was:Is there a specific pin number on the back of the card or on the inside of the card holder that tells you how it will work if you prefer to take the money out in cash instead of having muni change left on the card? Some of the receptionists at the front desk don't quite understand how their payment system works besides reading off the back of the card. Kinda feels like talking to Customer Service from T-Mobile's india call center. If you don't know, just say you're not sure...don't tell someone to call the number on the back, that's a given, but when asked about specifics, being generic makes you look like dumbo, no matter what color skin tone you are. Not to mention it does not fully answer the question as well. In addition to that, some of these cards even when you finalize the pin number, it don't work on ATM's Not including the processing charge.Bank of america or not, it won't work. Pick you're poison. read more

Well organized staff * Convenient location * Clean office If you qualify, you will get paid for your opinion (even if you are dismissed early due to overbooking). $100 for 1/2 hour of my time in which I was doing nothing but sipping my coffee, reading a book and occasionally people watching?! Nice. * Bare in mind: Focus groups bring together all walks of life. ESPECIALLY in SF. Especially today. Some women are just gross, don't know how else to state this. Got to give the staff an extra star for dealing so calmly with such 'diversity.' read more

I did a focus group with them but received a gift card with a ZERO balance. Called them but on hold for an hour only to be told to call the card people. They are difficult to reach and finally got someone that said nothing was loaded on the card. Called Focus Pointe back , on hold again forever. Really poor experience and no gift card... read more

They issued me a payment card that didn't work! I called 3 times over a month and no one dealt with the problem! It's difficult to call during work! I spoke to a person and also kept getting voicemail and left messages. I finally called the main office in Philadelphia because the card expired. I'm told it's now my problem to work with a debit card company. Called the company and received a recording that they are not taking calls! I'm beyond frustrated. To me this is like writing a bad check!! This is only my very few reviews of a company but this one deserves it! read more

I attended a focus group here for Google. I've done these before, it's an easy experience. Their staff were courteous and responsive. The only reason they are not receiving 5 stars is because of their food and beverage options. They offered us small sandwiches that appear to have been sitting out all day and picked over - my appt was at 7pm. I've attended other focus groups and they've offered us a ton of options from soda, candy, cookies, sandwiches, granola bars, etc. If you get selected, they'll pay with a Visa gift card which is nice. All they need to do is step up their food and beverage game and they're a 5 star experience. read more

I'm not a client of Focus Pointe, but I have participated in one of their focus groups. I like doing market studies to try new products and this was, by far, one of the best experiences I've had. The person conducting the study was super nice, witty, easy going, and the group had a wonderful time chatting. Focus Pointe was very generous, allowing us to take home ample amounts of the product (for our group, the product was food - YUMMY!). The staff was very organized and courteous. I had such a lovely time! read more

Nothing like giving your opinion and getting paid for it. Does it get any better? Yes, it does. When you arrive, they have some food and drinks too. Came for a small focus groups and spent a good hour and a half talking. I earned my check from them that day. They are friendly, easy to talk to, and very courteous. Now if only I could qualify for more groups. read more

I have participated in several studies over the years with Focus Pointe Global. Everyone I have encountered at Focus Pointe Global has been very professional and helpful. I participated in a study and won the early bird drawing. The $25 wasn't added to my Visa card right away, but they called me to tell me they would mail me a Visa card. I called them back, but I found out her boss could fix the problem the next day. She did indeed call me back to let me know the $25 early bird drawing money was added to my Visa card. I appreciate the follow-up and professionalism in making sure I was compensated after giving of my time and opinions. I would definitely recommend this company to friends and family. I have always had a great experience participating in the research studies over the years. read more

Terrible company AVOID-AVOID-AVOID They contacted me for a survey I did consulting for them and was never paid. They have given me the run around and claim that they are not responsible for payment Referred me to a company Respondentcare who just put me on hold. These people are either criminal or incompetent I will never do anything for them again read more

Focus group participants, Beware! Future clients of Focus Pointe Global, Beware! What a waste of time I just endured because there was no accountability and the recruiter at Focus Pointe Global dropped the ball during the recruitment process. I was recruited by Garett in the LA office for a study in San Francisco. After I was confirmed that I qualified for the study, Garett gave me an address to show up to at 4 pm on Monday, Sept 17th. I show up to the study just now and the address is invalid. I call the San Francisco office to find out what's going on and am told that I was put on "hold" for that study, but I was not confirmed. I call the LA office and speak to Garett, and instead of finding out what exactly happened and being accountable for his mix up, he transfer me back to the receptionist. She looks further into the issue and tells me that Garett should have called me and left me a message that I was put on hold for the study. I did not receive such call. He did not leave a voicemail. He did not even bother to send me an email. The receptionist then laughs and says, next time, I guess we should send you a text. I tell the her there won't be a next time as I want to be immediately removed from the database. read more

I attended an all day focus group event at Focus Pointe Global. We were provided breakfast and lunch. I was impressed with how organized the staff was. The session ran very smoothly. Office was well kept and clean. Office was a convenient walking distance to Bart. It's in a very safe business area. At the end of the day, I felt it was a great experience. I gave my input, but felt I learned something as well. When it was done, participants were paid via gift card. I would recommend Focus Pointe Global to friends and family. read more

Did an online group and was told I would be paid within two weeks by check by both the recruiter and the woman who led the group. Two plus weeks afterwards and I received no payment. I contacted them and was told that it is Visa and takes six to eight weeks from when they ended the group - so now I don't get paid until July? The woman who led the group told us outright when we would be paid, we did not solicit information from her of it. The recruiter also said CHECK two weeks after group is ended. Now 8 weeks. Thanks for nothing. Also - very difficult to get ahold of. read more

The two times I actually came into the office for a focus group it was totally fine. I was in and out in less time than expected and I got my visa debit card before I left. I don't know what refreshments people are referring to because all I ever saw there was coffee and tea. However I completed an online discussion group that took a couple weeks over two months ago, and have yet to receive my points/payment. I've written to them on their website twice. It states that someone will get back to me on 24-48 hours. It's been weeks and I am still waiting. I wound up calling them a 4 days ago and telling them the situation. The lady had no idea how to handle it so she took my name and number and told me someone will call me back. Still waiting. Also the way their online surveys are done is pretty annoying and redundant. I sign in before I start. You know my age and that I am female. Stop asking the same question 4 times per survey. Just input the info! But mostly just give me the money you owe me. Thanks. read more

Have attended 1 group and no complaints from me it was kind of fun. Not bad discussion + $100.00. Overall I would definitely recommend the experience cause it nice to have input into products that you use. read more

It's been a week and no response to my concern. I called again and was immediately transferred to voice mail. What horrible service.

I worked at Focus Pointe global for over 2 1/2 years, amazing topic an interesting groups of people some real cool an some,scary,the management for the most part was,good, the staff Kristina Brannon way cool, the pay was good for a sessions. Definitely needed to get more hours that was the biggest problem with the company never enough hours. read more

I had an amazing experience, I loved that it was in the evening since I'm not available during the day. The staff was awesome and the refreshments where delicious. I look forward to a future study. read more

Fairly nice staff, refreshments, and decent session. I wish they would pay me in cash, but that's just my opinion. Still it's good, easy, money. read more

I attended an interview and really enjoyed the experience. The lady at the counter was super sweet and the interviewer was very kind and professional. I got paid at the end through a pre-paid card instead of cash, which I was not expecting, but besides that, I had a great experience. read more

I had posted a review regarding this Marketing company's response to my frustration at not being able to communicate with them regarding a password issue. This has finally been resolved to my satisfaction. Thanks read more

I have used other marketing groups in the past, but I have never had so many problems as I have had with FPG. They called me to schedule a financial services study which was to take place in my home in August. Then, they called me at the last minute to reschedule for the following month. For the rescheduled study, they called me to tell me that the client had come by my house and I was not there. I found out they had screwed up the appointment time. They didn't apoligize for the issue. I let the recruiter know that this was the 2nd time it happened and she seemed surprised. Similar incidents have happend to a few friends of mine. Very disappointing! I wouldn't recommend changing your plans if you get selected for a focus study with them. They may cancel on you!!! read more

I participated in an offsite group. I had to take Bart and a Muni bus to reach it, in a part of town, where you have people literally with scarves over their faces doing dances in front of traffic, that kind of thing. It was also in the evening. This was not your typical group, where you sit at a table and share your opinions. I was questioned by about 6 or 7 people for two 30 minute sessions. Felt like I was Donald Trump at a press conference. lol, Anyway, I was okay with that. It was the payment method that frustrated me. In all the focus groups I have attended over the years, you always, I mean always, get paid immediately after the session. Either in the form of a prepaid debit card, cash, or a check. I was told after I inquired that it would be in the form of an electronic payment. I checked my email the next day. Nothing. I called their office back east, the one that recruited me, and was told that usually it takes 2 to 4 weeks before this payment will show up,..... but they submitted it, and it should show by Monday. So this means I can only buy things online, I guess. I can't use the money for a tank of gas, Bart ticket, or popcorn at the movies etc. This sucks. Well I hope this transfer shows up on Monday. Will not be attending their groups again. read more

i t was refreshing to watco allh the front office staff at wk those two women manned the receptionisy area and the whole staff proved to all be exceptional. i coculd not beleve it if the competionw knew about the two women who were were on duty i am certain another company would be willing to pay them whateveaar it took to grt. i was so ticzedeyimmprressed with the manager -she inccorported all sthe things they teahtorzed things that nnede to be done inleesly ord er of importance and ddddddddgot how luckythem done efforlessly she was so buy i heard her esentapologize to worker that want4dd to talk to her because she was eto have this company reprxtremely busy--way to go---i wonder rif thr client is aware of lucky they are to have sentthis positions beforrepresent them. they follow the book to the letter. i have been in management befoe and i xcellencewoulldnt last a day under the type of proessure these people work under. they all desere raises. it was a pleasire to observe such excellence read more