Shugoll has interesting focus groups. I've participated in a few since moving to DC and they always have great topics. The trick is qualifying for studies honestly. It can be a hit or miss and sometimes you'll qualify and never get a phone call. I do love participating in these focus groups though. The conversation is usually great and I like hearing other people's opinions on things. I can't wait until the next one! read more

It took me 6 years to finally get on the study despite endless surveys. I made plans as my my finances is way below the line counting on that 325.00. Just to hear * you are off the study because 1 of your answers yiu provided during questionnaire doesnt match with you interview* 2 b exact that was: out of 5 last groceries, how many paper plates did u buy by dixies? I said 1 in a survey I should've remembered. In the interview I said* 0* giving preference to my regular brands. Seriously? The way that lioonne had habdl3s my participation and kick out if participation was very rude and improper explained. FyI!!! read more

Although I have participated in their studies before, some of which went very smoothly and as described, I am disappointed with the latest experience I've had with Shugoll. I was admitted into a particular study, only to be cancelled with or stood up by their client 3 consecutive times, each with no contact from the client OR Shugoll; I had to call Shugoll to find out why no one was calling me at the scheduled time. Having rearranged my schedule to accommodate them 3 times, I was then told the study was on hold indefinitely. Meaning now I would also not be paid, after they let their client run wild with my schedule. So I emailed Shugoll and asked them to remove me from this study, and they agreed to do so. And now, I haven't received an email from Shugoll at all since the week that happened, over 2 months ago. (I used to receive several emails per week.) They removed me from their mailing list entirely, it seems, because I asked them to please keep the appointments they set with me after not being paid. I get that these are their clients, but we, the subjects, are part of their business -- research. Shugoll needs to get a backbone and at least help their clients by letting them know when they're not ready for Shugoll's services yet so they can stop everyone from wasting their time. And not be vindictive by punishing us, the test subjects, when we are subjected to unreasonable amounts of disrespect to our time and make a reasonable request to opt out of a particular study. Take control of your studies, don't have your clients conduct your own services. You're the research company. read more

I'm sorry, but I am really starting to believe that you are possibly a racist organization because I was a perfect consumer and fit for the last survey I did, I basically drink and consume wine weekly, but I have never been contact by anyone, and I cant help but think if maybe asking individuals their race as a part of the qualifying factor does not come across as a racial issue? I unsubscribed. read more

I've participated in several research studies with Shugoll and they're very hit or miss. One went exactly as advertised - they were very respectful of my time and seemed appreciative for my opinions. Another, they called and got me all set up, then shortly before the study called back and said I wasn't needed anymore. Pretty inconvenient when you change your plans for their study. I'd say go for it if you want some extra money, but don't take time off work (they might just cancel on you) or change your plans to accommodate them. read more

I'm writing this as a focus group participant. You answer a survey for them twice (to initially qualify and then they usually double-check your answers the day before), you show up for an hour or two to talk about products, and then you get paid. What could be better than that? Some of the focus groups are very interesting. I participated in one for teachers that reviewed UNICEF's educational materials. Another one took place at a bar in D.C. where we talked about the packaging of Blue Moon. They are a lot of fun and pay very well (usually about $100 for an hour or two). You can join their database here: http://www.shugollresearch.com/participate.html Note that you will get called fairly frequently about studies and there will be many times where you do not qualify for a study even after taking their screening survey. However, this is pretty standard across market research companies. read more

I have done about 3 research studies with this group now and it's always professionally handled, usually on time to start and leave. It is a very smoothly run machine, from checking in, to participation, to validation of parking, and compensation. I can't offer any way to do those things better. This company is easy to work with and they really do appreciate your time. Don't always count on food being provided, though sodas and cookies seem to always be a main stay, don't be afraid to ask. TIP: Be truthful in the qualifying questionaires because when they call you to confirm and re-confirm, they ask you most of the questions all over again. If you lie, it'll be quite apparent. read more

This was in many ways a rewarding experience, and Shugoll's staff was professional and pleasant. The person who headed our research group (the person leading the discussion) was also professional and polite. I had no difficulties with any of those things; what I had, however, were misgivings about the ethics of the research effort itself. I was left wondering several things, and wondering if the other participants in the study had similar questions. (If they did, they gave little indication of it.) It would seem natural for every participant to ask or wonder: "Who is soliciting this research?" and "What is the purpose for the research being solicited?" In other words, I think each person should ask himself or herself: "How is this research going to be utilized? Is the information provided by the focus group going to be used ethically?" Sometimes, some of the answers to such questions are self-evident. Sometimes the answers are provided during the talk sessions. On other occasions, sometimes these things aren't clear. I signed a nondisclosure form, so I'm not sure how detailed my misgivings can be in this review. If I violate the terms of the nondisclosure form, I'm sure they'll immediately tell me, and I'll remove or modify this post. Suppose you are asked to participate in refining the language used publicly by a corporation, so as to make the corporation's language more palatable for public consumption. Suppose the language in question involves corporate policies or behaviors that you find ethically questionable. Suppose you make reference to this and it is made clear to you that the only focus of the research is to make the corporation's language and behavior more palatable for public consumption. The discussion, you are told, is to involve nothing else. In what have you then participated? You have simply been a useful tool aiding and abetting questionable corporate activities and policies. Don't be a useful tool. Don't help corporations to put lipstick on ugly pigs and ugly policies. Take the long view. I felt compelled one or two times to take a bathroom break and head for an exit. Wish I had done it. read more

I've participated in many research groups thanks to Shugoll. They spend a LOT of money getting people to come to the groups. If you are going to be LATE - Don't show up, Don't come, Don't waste other people's time, Don't waste your own time. Pretty simple. If you don't qualify, or respond too slow - TOO BAD. Obviously the companies who are conducting the research have certain expectations and they are PAYING for certain consumers to give feedback. If you were the one paying wouldn't you expect people to be on time? Anyways I hope everyone gets to experience a focus group at least once in their life. It's fun to be paid for your opinion. Then again its fun getting paid in general. read more

Just participated in my first focus group yesterday. It was a lot of fun and really interesting. The staff at Shugoll Research was great. Very professional. I filled out an online survey and prequalified for the study. Then they called me to ask a few follow up questions to make sure I qualified. They scheduled me for an appointment and sent a confirmation email with directions. I attended the group and got a debit card for participating. What's not to like? It was a blast and a really interesting experience. read more

Shugoll Research Inc - Business Consulting Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I really like this company. They have interesting projects. TIP: When they call, answer. If you are having surgery, climbing a mountain, getting CPR....pick up your phone. That may be the only time for that particular study that you get a call. The staffers are incredibly nice. The instructions to any meeting is organized. I wish the rest of my life could be mapped out as good as the FYI memos this company sends. They feed you a lot of the time, validate parking sometimes and have comfortable offices. read more

For many years, I was a volunteer research "associate" for Shugoll, back when my walking was appropriate (Vietnam, disabled veteran/Leg Amputee+). I did many interviews over many venues, both in their offices, on-line/Phone & on the street with them. Years ago, I lost contact with them though ALL of my contact information has remained the same. Realizing , daa, that I had not preformed for them in many years, I logged on & updated my account/profile information X2. I often phoned them to see why I'd been lost & received very poor/nonsensical responses from them & received more of the same! Interesting? During my last disappointing Phone-chat with them, I mentioned my extensive paid/volunteer post Vietnam law enforcement history and was prodded to NOT ever mention it again, as it would likely be a disquieting subject! During that "interview", I mentioned: Veteran, disability, disabled veteran, Amputee, Combat Medic, w/m 75, widower/divorced and with both wives being much younger than I, and the like. They have no interest in me; that being their right & quasi reputation? I apparently do not meet their current demographic needs? Oh well. Peter read more

I have been going to Shugoll Research http://www.shugollresearch.com/ in Bethesda for several decades to participate in engaging focus groups with subjects ranging from current events, investment, assisted living, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and more. It has involved product testing, food tasting, collage creation and evaluation of web page development and ad campaigns. It has always been a pleasure to spend time sharing thoughts and opinions with a diverse set of individuals, fueled by snacks and paid on the way out with gift credit card. Sharing a link for registration in Shugoll's database with periodic events at facilities in Bethesda, MD, Alexandria and Fairfax, VA: https://participate.shugollresearch.com/survey9805.asp read more

I just participated in a study 12/18 and it was what I expected. I read some of the comments and am shocked by some of the comments. I had a great experience and just hope that whomever qualifies has a great experience as well. Great opportunity for some extra money. read more

Waste of time. They send an email questionnaire that takes a bunch of time to fill out with all kinds of detailed questions, they call to ask more questions, then they say "you qualify, but all our spots are full, can we call you if there is a cancellation." read more

So while my original review was a true reflection of my frustration, I cannot give Shugoll enough credit for everything they did to follow up and try to fix the problem. I was contacted a week or so after my original post by the VP and he wanted to talk to me further about the incident, we emailed a bit then spoke on the phone and he was apologetic but wanted to get the full details. He did some research within his organization and found out were the miscommunication had happened, and met with his team to ensure it would not in the future. He called me back after a few days and apologized again, really seemed genuinely sorry for my trouble and concerned that the entire situation had happened. He was very professional and did everything he could to make things right. Having bad experiences with businesses happens to us all, but having someone follow up and not just to apologize, but to really try and make it clear this is not their typical business practice I think speaks volumes about them as an organization. read more

I only participated in one study so far but I had fun and found their instructions to be clear to follow.

I participated in a market research session with Shugoll this week and it was interesting and a very easy way to make good money for just a couple of hours. The email sent was very clear with directions and I would definitely participate again if I qualify for future studies. Only bummer was the quality in snacks provided - cans of soda and boxed cookies. I thought that would be better since we are trapped in a room for 2 hours with no break. read more

First off let me say that I've done studies for Shugoll research in the past and it's always been an interesting experience to say the least. I did one study where the client wanted to share some advertising ideas for their bank, another on car insurance. My wife has done a few studies for them as well. The recruiters call you and ask you a series of questions, usually the same general questions but it's just to make sure nothing has changed since the last time they spoke with you. Depending on how you answer will determine if you are qualified for the study or not. Many, many times I've not made it as I "fall into a category that's full" but I don't take it personal. There's been a few times I've returned a recruiter's call and I get their voicemail, sometimes I get a call back, sometimes I don't. I don't take it personal as I know it's a numbers game and it can be very hectic at times I'm sure at their office. All in all I would recommend Shugoll Research to anyone, family friends, etc. If you don't mind answering the same questions over and over while being honest with your answers, love voicing your opinions and getting paid for it then this is right up your alley! read more

I just had a ridiculous experience with this organization and I want to warn others. I was invited to participate in a study. I read all the directions. I work in Washington DC and left with what should have been plenty of time to arrive. As soon as I knew traffic was worse than normal, I called and reported I would be late. I told them an approximate time I would arrive (late). They told me to come anyway. When I got here, the elevator wasn't working. I finally found the steps. When I checked in at the lobby, the guard sent me up. I arrived at the suite to be told I was no longer welcome. I explained that I called and what happened. The man at the desk asked why I didn't call. I told him I did and that I spoke to HIM. I had to ask for validation even for parking. I drove 45 minutes out of my way in a huge storm and now I get to go back through it at least an hour. I will be telling the 2 people who referred me to this organization as well as the other professionals I know to avoid this organization. I am always happy to support and participate in research, but this organization needs to work on how people are treated. I didn't get so.much as an apology for this tremendous waste of time and lack of respect. Hopefully, this was one person off his game and not reflective of the entire organization. read more

I have participated in a Shugoll study once. Signed up a couple months ago and filled out several email surveys. Complete them as soon as you get the email because the studies fill up fast. For the one study I was selected for they confirmed my answers two times (short phone call so I didn't mind). They have a waiting room with free drinks and snacks. Session was within the hour they said it would take, and I got a Visa card with the money on it. Have had no problem using the card at all. So far great experience! read more

I am writing as a research client that has conducted groups for a wide range of industries in a wide range of markets. With the exception of the individuals who supported myself and the focus group participants (these women were excellent), I was disappointed in this research company. Their recruiting methods are dated and the staff did not have a service orientation. Some were downright prickly. Neither my firm nor my client will be using Shugoll again. read more

Good when they let you in, very frustrating when they let you in and turn you away afterwards. Over the years I have done three focus groups with them - but I have also been kicked out of three (after being admitted) for no other reason than changes in quota... They usually overbook the groups from what I understand - give them a shot if you need the money, but dont put yourself through the hassle if you dont. read more

I have been registered with Shugoll for many years and was finally selected to participate on December 13, 2018. I was nervous because I did not know what to expect. I received very explicit instructions regarding my visit and they helped tremendously. On the day of my visit and from the time I stepped off the elevator, I was treated very kindly. I was taken into a room with great snacks. I liked the fact that if you arrive 15 minutes early, your name is placed into a drawing to receive $50 extra if you are selected. Once we were taken into the room so Shugoll could receive our opinions, I met some great people and I had a wonderful time. Our session was two hours and then we went across the hall to receive our gift card. I highly recommend Shugoll if you do not mind sitting in a room with at least 9 people and sharing your views on the subject matter. If you like interacting with people, this is for you! And who would not want to collect some cash or receive a gift card for your time! Thanks Shugoll, I hope to be selected soon! read more