One never qualifies for their focus group and research groups. Surprisingly once I gave them all My information, suddenly I got numerous ads in the mail and numerous spam calls. read more

I worked there for a year. The owner and her husband were constantly bickering. It was my belief that he displayed signs of an alcoholic who showed up in the morning red faced, belligerent and angry all day. The owner appeared to be in a co- dependent relationship that unfortunately impacted her business decisions. I quit. read more

I signed up to take part in a focus group about political advertising and it was a great experience. It was easy to find, everyone was nice, they had sandwiches for us and the actual group was fun. read more

I had signed up with this marketing group to participate in focus groups a couple of years ago. I finally qualified for a study a couple of months ago for a group at a special location in Hollywood. I was told to arrive at least 15 minutes early, but ended up getting lost. I tried to call but no one was in the office--probably because it was so early in the day (most of their studies are at night and they make their calls in the evenings). However, just when I thought all hope was lost because I was late, the study coordinator called me and helped me find where I was supposed to be. The study lasted over two hours and had an easy homework assignment that I turned in a couple of days before the study. We were not fed, but drinks were provided. The employees were friendly and the study was quite interesting. We were paid well for our time and with visa gift cards that were easy to use. I would definitely participate in more focus groups at Trotta & Associates if I was called again. read more

This company is the worst. I've filled out every single focus group questionnaire that I qualify for, and have had two bookings cancelled on me in 4 years. Both times, not only did they not apologize for booking me without pay, but they were rude and accusatory. This last time, the woman said, "Well, I don't even know how you got called for this focus group. You weren't even on the list." My thought: "Guess what, madam, I don't know either. Maybe that's something you should bring up with the other completely unprofessional staff, or the supervisors who train them." There is no reason why they should not pay if a company cancels. They have received non-refundable payments from these companies, so they are just pocketing the money, even though they booked your time. The sad thing is that they think it's acceptable to be unethical and rude to recruits, because we are not the ones paying them, and there are plenty of other people wanting or needing extra cash, so we are peons in their eyes, however, they are foolish to think that we do not have family members or friends who own huge corporations, and/or are starting some of our own. (I have both!) Just because someone is in a financial rut momentarily, does not mean that they could not be a future client. It's just bad practice all around, both from a business standpoint, and that of humanistic output. The Better Business Bureau will be receiving a formal complaint from me concerning these sketchy practices, and I will also point out to them how many 1 star reviews this company has chalked up. As a small business owner, myself, I find that appalling; I have nothing but 5 star reviews. Shame on them. read more

Trotta Associates is a market research firm that is hired by different companies to obtain information about anything you can think of: whiskey, cleaning products, adult/child toys, experiences with cars, pizza, printers, etc... the possibilities are endless really. I really like Trotta because they are not obnoxious about their marketing, e-mails or phone calls. They e-mail you to see if you are interested in a particular study and if you are, then you fill their info sheet out and a rep will contact you to follow up with questions. They pay! And they pay goooood. Most studies pay about $75, but I've been lucky enough to have participate in one where I earned $125. All for my little ol' opinion and talks of past experience with certain "products." I really appreciate their professionalism, too. The staff is always kind and work to make participants feel welcome, appreciated and valued. They feed you too! Sandwiches, cookies, coffee, and tea. They validate the parking in the Marina Del Rey parking lot. They are located right across from Jerry's Deli, DSW, Movie theatres, Victoria's Secret, Express, The Gap, etc... all perfect places to blow the not-so hard money you earned by being a focus group participant. read more

I've always avoided these focus groups because I always thought it was a scam. They've called me from time to time and always been polite and friendly. One day, sitting around; I finally said 'yes' to one of their calls, was asked a series of questions relating to a particular product, told that I qualified for that focus group and asked if I would be interested. 2 hours out of one day? sure, why not. Got to the MdR offices and was treated nicely, offered coffee and sat for a couple of hours in a group of 8 people giving insights and opinions as to a new product. Afterwards; I received a prepaid card for $150.00 and had my parking validated. Overall a nice way to make $75.00 an hour for giving my opinion (which I love to do) and learn about new products on the market and marketing strategies. Not a bad gig! read more

They have a really bad policy at Trotta Associates. They say they'll pay you $100 but instead of giving cash they "pay" you with a debit card that has an expiration date. And if you don't use it but a certain date you lose all of your hard earned money! It's a creepy way to do business. And when you call them to say you didn't know that it expires they say sorry, we can't help you. Of course they can help you, but they choose not to. They should pay with greenbacks or a TRUE debit card that does not expire. My market research on this company tells me not to do business with them. They're shifty and unethical. Shame on this company for pulling one over on my 77 year old father in law! read more

Trotta Associates is located right off the 90 freeway in Marina Del Rey. I came here last week for a 1 on 1 type of focus group. I got paid $175! You read right. They are really nice here too. That's always a plus. read more

I have been participating in studies at Trotta for over 15 years. I always enjoyed giving my opinion for marketing studies. You would gather with a few people exchange opinions on a subject and get compensated for your time to do so. Of course each study was different and so is its compensation which typically ranges between $60 and $150 depending on the subject. I do have work to content with however so I never participate in studies paying less than $100, a personal rule for whatever reason. So when I would be called, I would first ask what it pays to see if I should take off work or not. Never an issue until now. On the last study I was promised a different compensation and given another...The interviewer called me a day before an interview offered me $100 for participating for an hour. The hour was more like two, and the compensation $75...Not exactly what I was promised which as a matter of fact was only given verbal and was not in my confirmation email. I questioned both and given the "no you do not remember, and we do not put the amount on confirmations"... Not to mention that they questioned my integrity via phone and email. Why do I bother with this review? Buyer be ware... This is an outfit that used to be very ethical and proper and seems to have been dropped some qualities with the times. Gone are the days with the soft drinks and nice lunches, and so is the compensation. Also the rates have not changed with the times. It may cost someone $20 just to get there nowdays and they still seem to offer the same $60 - $100 per study. The worst however is been told one thing, and given another. If you value your time like I do, make sure you confirm the terms of the arrangement. Things have changed around here. Missed the good old days and that is why I give this outfit an extra star than the minimum. read more

This one is tricky to review but here goes. This is a marketing survey center to test products covering anything you can think of. Ive tested for inks and papers then I ended up working for the company! As a tester, it was quite nice you get paid good money and you get free grub! As a product marketing manager, you get to see first hand what the avg consumer thinks and reacts. Very key for your marketing skills. Staff is always pleasent and if I can get my Kens Coffee Steak patent, Id use this company! read more

Exceptionally unprofessional facility. Tressa literally yelled at me when she canceled my participation. This was the second time Trotta made an appointment with me and canceled. Tressa has continuously been rude, impatient and disingenuous. She make sweeping statements and takes no responsibility for her actions. This is a pathetic facility that has no regard for peoples time or the work that needs to be carefully done. Also, when they get desperate for people, they ask leading questions and I was literally been told what to answer by Tressa, making me feel very uncomfortable. If you are considering this agency as a client, I would think again, they are shady and treat participants with the utmost disregard. read more

Horrible Rude Employees!!!!! The worst market research company I have ever experienced. They want you to take their focus groups during work hours and expect you to leave your job to make it on time. I understand that you would need to be on time, but during rush hour and a 9 to 5 job you are dumed to make it by 4:30 pm who ever decided this time schedule is missing a few upstairs.... read more

I have received plenty calls and also clicked on plenty of facebook ads as well to know that once they ask you the questions to find out if you qualify which are a lot of questions then they tell you oh I am sorry you won't qualify for the focus group. Well sure I won't you just asked all the questions and got all the answers to fill in your needed feedback. How about from now you call to screen me you pay me for my time!!! I will no longer answer questions for pre screening for free!!! read more

Trotta is my facility of choice in LA. They are consistently reasonably priced, and their service goes above and beyond. Great recruiting, great facility, great customer care for me as a moderator. Highly recommended. read more

Reading the review, I'm really surprised at the negative reviews. I've used Trotta several time without incident. They call me when they think I qualify for a study, ask me some questions to see if I actually qualify. They explain how much the study will pay. Within the next couple of days and sometimes within the interview you are told if you qualify. You then receive an email giving the location time and date. Parking is validated!!!The staff is very friendly. The researches are friendly also. There is usually water, cookies, and coffee in the lounge. At their new location, there are several cafes where you can grab a bite to eat. They pay after you have complete the study with a visa gift card. I've never had any issues with any of my gift cards. They are activated as soon as you get them. I have no complaints. I do recommend this place and I will be back to participate in future research studies. read more

I had never done something like this before, I never had the time due to having a full time job then coming home to my second job my husband and 5 children. I am now a stay at home mom that needs extra money and only has a few hours to spare a day. I was nervous when I got there but the staff made me comfortable.if every buisness had even a little of there proffesionalism this world would be a better place. I am a people person, I love to give my opinion and have group discussions. I love to have a few hours out of the house I would do this anytime if they were to call me again. read more

I had signed up with Trotta way back in 2008 I believe. Once in a while I would get an email with a survey, but my answers never seemed to be a match for their needs. Now that they are Focus Pointe Global I get contacted quite frequently. I have been offered a medical study paying $600 for a month, but I wasn't real keen on having an unknown drug injected into me. Then I got another call that same week for a focus group on people in the community. After being asked a lot of questions I was told that I qualified (thanks Harriet!) It was scheduled for a Sunday from 745am to 630pm. It paid $350 in the form of a Visa rewards card. The facility in Culver City is in a beautiful office building that is very modern. There is validated parking in their covered parking lot. They had a continental breakfast spread the minute I walked in and constant snacks and drinks all day long. Our lunch choice was from Subway and quite honestly, by the time I ate my sandwich it was somewhat soggy, so that was a small disappointment, but I got over it. In reality, the group was a mock trial, which wasn't what I was told it was about, but I was ok with it. It was very interesting and I met a few nice people. At the end of it all, I was handed a $350 Visa rewards card and my parking validation. The group was scheduled until 630pm, but we were released at 515pm. It was a long day, but averaged about $35 an hour. I would totally do this again!!! read more

As a business owner, I would never use the services of this organization. Their phone personnel are untrained, impersonal and downright rude! After my daughter completed a successful project with these folks, I received a phone call inquiring if my son would be interested in a paid media survey they were conducting. My son is an avid video game and iPad expert, so this sounded right up his alley. After answering a series of questions on the phone, the woman ended up hanging up the phone on me with no reason given whatsoever! When I called to inquire why I was hung up on so rudely, I was told by the manager they weren't accepting kids whose parents were in the insurance business. What a surprise that was as I had told the gal what I did for a living when she first asked me the question, UMPTEEN questions before I mentioned it the second time! Unfortunately my son had overheard the entire conversation and was hurt that he's unable to participate when his big sister was able in a previous study, even though our occupations haven't changed. Frankly, I don't believe my occupation was a problem for this survey at all, it just doesn't make any sense that it would be a problem. Poor communication/people skills and a manager who denies her staff could do anything wrong makes for a poor organization in any type of business. I will not refer this organization to any more of my friends or businesses who need this type of service. read more

This week we did a mock litigation. The food was wonderful. The facility was immaculate, luxurious, and state of the art in every respect. But my greatest praise is for Diane and her staff. Their warmth and attention to detail went above and beyond. read more

I used to work in phone center way back in the early 90's and it was great experience. The staff was fun and easy going and 20 years later I still enjoy work in marketing and promotions. Since I was an employee, I never participated but I have participated in focus groups and they are truly fun and informative. Thanks for my first 'real' job Trotta, I have fond memories of my time there. read more