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Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to your important recruitment questions.

Participant FAQs
Client FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

For Participants

01 What is Nelson Recruiting?
We're a recruiting company that connects everyday people with paid research opportunities, such as focus groups, mock trials, and online surveys. Companies and researchers want your honest opinions, and we help make that happen.
02 How do I sign up?
It's easy and free! Just fill out a quick form to join our database. Once you're in, we'll contact you when we have a study that matches your background.
03 How will I find out if I qualify for a study?
If we think you might be a fit, we'll contact you by email, text, or phone and ask a few screening questions. If you qualify, we'll confirm the details and schedule you.
04 Do I have to pay to participate?
Nope - never! You'll get paid for your time and opinions. We'll always let you know the compensation amount upfront before you commit.
05 What kind of studies do you offer?
We recruit for a wide range of studies - everything from online focus groups and product feedback sessions to in-person mock trials and interviews. Every study is different, which keeps things interesting!
06 How do I get paid?
Most studies pay by check, direct deposit, or digital gift card, depending on the client. Payment details will always be shared before the study begins.
07 What if I can't make it after I sign up?
We get it - things come up! If you need to cancel or reschedule, just let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else.
08 How often will I be contacted?
We'll reach out when a study matches your profile. There's no pressure to say yes every time. You can also follow us on Facebook and TikTok more upcoming opportunities.
09 Can I refer friends of family?

Yes! We love referrals. If you know someone who would be an excellent fit for a study, send them our way - they just need to sign up through our form.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Clients

01 How do you find participants for our study?
We use various methods, including drawing from our proprietary database, phone outreach, social media campaigns, and community connections. We tailor each recruitment effort to your specific audience and project goals.
02 Do you recruit for in-person, online, and hybrid studies?
Yes! We have extensive experience recruiting for in-person, online, and hybrid studies, including mock trials, focus groups, IDIs, and community attitude surveys.
03 What kinds of participants can you recruit?
From general consumers to hard-to-reach Gen Z, we recruit a wide range of demographics, including age, gender, occupation, education, ethnicity, income level, and more. Tell us what you're looking for, and we’ll customize the outreach.
04 How do you ensure participants show up?
We have a strict 3-step confirmation process that includes multiple touchpoints to verify availability and commitment. We provide clear instructions and send timely reminders to reduce no-shows and improve show rates.
05 Can you help us recruit for a last-minute project?

Absolutely. We’re known for our speed and flexibility. If you have a tight deadline, let us know—we’ll jump into action right away.

06 Do you provide a screener, or do we need to create one?
Most clients provide a screener, but we’re happy to create one if needed. We’re also available for client screener reviews to provide feedback. Once we receive the screener, we launch your pre-screen campaign right away.
07 Can you help with large-scale surveys or community attitude studies?
Yes! In addition to mock trials and focus groups, we conduct large-scale recruiting for community attitude surveys with 100+ participants. Let us know your specs, and we’ll take it from there.
08 How will we stay updated on recruitment progress?
Your project manager will keep you informed with regular updates, and check-ins throughout the recruitment process. We believe in proactive, transparent communication every step of the way.
09 Where do you operate?

We recruit nationwide across the U.S. for both local and national projects. Whether your study is in a major metro or a more rural market, we’ve got you covered.

Research Resources

Nelson Recruiting runs on the concept that knowledge is power. Whether participating in a focus group or hosting your own research, find your answers in our library of resources.

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What to Expect in Your First Focus Group: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Tips for Running Successful Focus Groups (for Brands and Agencies)

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The Value of Using a Professional Recruitment Agency for Focus Groups

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How to Sign Up for Paid Focus Groups (Step by Step)

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How to Recruit Participants for Market Research Studies (Best Practices)

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How Nelson Recruiting Screens and Qualifies Participants

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Get Paid for Focus Groups: Everything You Need to Know

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