So, You Want To Know: Is Apex Focus Group Legit?

Apex Focus Group is a legitimate business that operates as an affiliate, connecting participants to market research companies that run paid studies, focus groups, clinical trials, and surveys. However, there are some concerning red flags about the company that potential participants should be aware of.

Key Takeaways

• Apex Focus Group is a legitimate company that connects people to paid market research opportunities like focus groups, clinical trials, and surveys.

• However, it has some red flags like a lack of BBB accreditation, negative reviews citing spam, and questionable claims on its website.

• There are more reputable alternatives like American Consumer Opinion, User Interviews, Ipsos i-Say, Leo Surveys, Survey Junkie, and TGM Research.

If you want more information on the topic, I would suggest you continue reading our apex focus group review that'll give you more insights about the company.

Do Focus Groups Pay Cash

Companies offer paid focus group opportunities. These are conducted by market research companies. The information is used by businesses and organizations to market products and services. Participants are paid in cash or gift cards for their opinions.

Now that you know there are paid focus groups, let's look at one in particular. We'll discuss whether Apex Focus Group is legit and how you can or shouldn't be involved with it.

Apex Focus Group

Image source: apexfocusgroup.com

Apex Focus Group is an online platform. It connects participants to paid opportunities for focus groups.

A focus group is a small group of people who gather to talk and give their opinions about a topic, product, or campaign. 

There are several types of focus groups. 

They include:

• Single focus group.
• Two-way focus group.
• Dueling moderators focus group.
• Mini focus group.
• Online focus group.

Apex Focus Group doesn't do any of these. It is a facilitator, which means it connects you to companies that directly administer the focus groups and provides the payment.

Apex Focus Group Referral Partners

Apex uses various referral partners. 

Some of these include:

• Schlesinger Group (now Sago)
• Focus Group Global (acquired by Sago)
• Fieldwork
• L&E Research
• Probe Market Research
• Canvas Marketing

These companies use different types of focus groups to solicit opinions. And Apex Focus Group is an affiliate business to these companies.

It matches participants with the different companies. 

Some of these companies run

• Focus groups
• Clinical trials
• Surveys

Apex, a company that connects focus group participants with research companies, may receive compensation from the companies they send participants to. 

However, Apex is transparent on their webpage about their role as a middleman, facilitating the connection between focus group participants and the listed research companies.

What are Apex Focus Group’s Market Research Services

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According to Apex Focus Group's website, there are three ways to be heard.

They claim to have over 1,000 legitimate focus group opportunities and work with virtually every U.S. market research firms.

They also say on their website that you can get access to experimental treatments through clinical trials. They help connect participants to clinical paid research studies. These focus group studies offer treatments under development.

And finally, with paid survey panels you can help companies improve their products and services. You tell them what you think of their products before they are marketed.

How Apex Focus Group Works

You'll first need to sign up for an Apex Focus Group website account. It's quick and easy.

Once you’ve signed up you can browse through the opportunities. Choose one that aligns with your interests. Once you’ve found one, you’re interested in, click on it and apply for it. 

You’ll probably have to fill out a questionnaire or provide additional information.

If you’re accepted, you’ll be invited to participate. Follow the instructions and engage in the research or feedback process.

As a participant, you’ll receive compensation for your time and effort. The amount varies and depends on the requirements.

Apex Focus Group also sends out numerous emails offering opportunities to participate in studies. The emails explain the study and how much you'll be compensated.

After you complete a study, you'll receive compensation. But the money doesn't come from Apex; it comes from the research company you worked with.

Signing up for Studies

Under the "focus groups" tab, there is a list of surveys. They show the name of the survey, for example, pet products, and the age and sex requirement. The tab also gives you the dollar amount you can earn.

You click on the "sign up" button which should take you to the company website that is sponsoring the survey. 

If it's your first time on that particular website, you'll need to start an account. That is despite having an account on Apex Focus Group.

But you might be disappointed when you click some of the "sign up" buttons. Many of the apex focus groups studies went to a 404 page; not found.

How Does Apex Focus Group Pay

Apex Focus Group pays in cash to complete surveys and participate in focus groups. Once a study is completed, they will generally pay via PayPal or check. Payment is received within a few days or weeks.

Sometimes, depending on the study, payment is made via gift card.

But beware: Different studies have different payment policies. Some may require a minimum threshold of earnings before you can request payment, while others will pay off immediately.

When you sign up for a study ensure you carefully read the policies. Also use caution when giving out your payment information.

How Much Can You Earn with Apex Focus Group

According to the Apex Focus Group website, participants can earn up to $750 per week. That breaks down to $75 to $150 per one hour session. And the site has listed $300 to $750 for multi-session studies.

Apex claims the “position” is perfect for those looking for different types of work, like:

• Temporary
• Remote
• Part-time
• Full-time

At the bottom of the “join a focus group” page it says, “only 3 positions left”. But what’s confusing is the site also states it has 1,000 studies available and 824 active participants. 

Those numbers tell you that Apex is a little thin on volunteers.

What Qualifications Are Needed

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There is no experience needed. Each study has a set of qualifications. Most of them are based on age and gender.

But there are some basic qualifications. 

They include:

• Smartphone with camera or webcam on desktop/laptop.
• Access to reliable internet.
• Ability to read, understand and follow oral or written instructions.

There is also an educational requirement of a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Apex Focus Group Terms of Service

Apex Focus Group’s terms of service page says a lot about the website. It takes no responsibility for links to other websites found on Apex’s pages. 

But the point of Apex Focus Group is to link you with other websites. This may be construed as a little disingenuous.

To quote Apex's terms of service page, “Apex Focus Group has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party website or services."

Although this is boiler plate language on many sites, Apex’s sole job is referring you to many websites that promise to pay you. At the same time, Apex dismisses all responsibility.

It also states on its terms of service page that it operates under the laws of Nevada, U.S.

However, it clearly states on its site that they are located in Georgia, Florida and Singapore. They do not have an office in Nevada.

Apex Focus Group Policy Statement

Apex Focus Group’s policy statement is deemed a little thin. They have many reasons for sharing your personal information.

One statement reads, "We disclose your personal information to third parties where necessary to provide the website and its features and functionality to you". 

This statement implies that certain aspects of the website's operations may require involving external parties who may need access to some of the information you provide to the website.

Is Apex Focus Group Credited with the Better Business Bureau

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Apex Focus Group is not credited with them. Founded in 2020, Apex has had some complaints lodged against them to the BBB.

Most of the complaints were due to the third parties that Apex referred the participant to, not paying for a study or focus group.

To Apex’s credit, they responded to the complaints and paid the participants.

Apex Focus Group Reviews

Apex Focus Group has a 3.1-star rating on Trustpilot with 47 percent of reviews rating it a one star. They have a 2.4-star rating on Glassdoor.

Although there are some positive reviews on Trustpilot that said they were happy they joined the platform and that they had decent compensation, other participants had criticism.

The biggest complaint and reason for giving it a one star was the amount of personal data Apex collected. Many said after signing up they received spam emails and calls on their phone.

One ex-participant gave a one-star and said, “It’s just a data scam, they collect personal information and behavior and you don’t earn anything”.

Benefits of Using Apex Focus Group

If you enjoy participating in surveys and want to earn money in your spare time, you might want to consider Apex Focus Group.

Apex claims you can make between $50 and $200 per survey. They also have a variety of ways to make money. Besides surveys you also have the opportunity to be in a focus group or clinical trial.

They’re also partnered with some big marketing groups that pay well if you are accepted into a study.

Downsides to Using Apex Focus Group

It’s an affiliate business that earns their money by referring you to research companies. That means they don’t have a stake in paying you.

It’s basically an email service that will send you opportunities to make money. But some members of Apex complain that they’re really spammers.

Apex isn’t accredited with the BBB.

They have a list of studies on their website but unfortunately, the list hasn’t been updated in months.

Also, it has quite a few negative reviews.

Is Apex Focus Group Legit

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Apex Focus Group is a legitimate business and operates in 48 states. But there are some red flags.

To be fair, although there are negative reviews on Trustpilot, there are only 34 total reviews. But the few reviews make one wonder about a company that’s been in business for four years with so little feedback.

Google doesn't have a listing for Apex Focus Group, and their domain registration is private, so it's difficult to track who owns it. 

However, this isn't uncommon with affiliate website owners. They usually like to remain anonymous.

In addition to offers for studies and surveys, you'll receive offers for businesses. These are affiliate offers for Apex, and they're usually about making side income or saving.

Some have included a debt evaluation service and an insurance quote service. Neither involves surveys or focus groups.

It's concerning that the BBB does not accredit them, but to be fair Apex has answered complaints on that platform and tried to rectify them.

And finally, one of the goals of Apex Focus Group is to have people sign up so Apex can put them on a mailing list. Yet they say “only 3 positions left”. It’s a false scarcity.

Apex Focus Group Alternatives

If you're unsure about Apex Focus Group, there are other alternatives. These are known for giving their participants opportunities and paying them well.

1. American  Consumer Opinion

For more than 20 years, American Consumer Opinion has conducted surveys and online focus groups.

This site is BBB accredited and has paid out $35 million over its 20 years.

When you become a member, you’re eligible to participate in their surveys and focus groups. The one downside is that you do have to do several before you’re paid.

Once you’ve achieved 1,000 points or earned ten dollars you can redeem your points for a gift card or cash. It’s up to you

2. User Interviews

User Interviews connect participants to researchers. And they a pay well. Depending on the study, you can make up to $400. 

Types of surveys they do include:

• Online tests and surveys
• Online interviews
• Online diary studies
• Online focus groups

It doesn't take long to sign up, and once you've registered you’ll automatically be matched to studies. You can view these anytime in your account.

You're paid with a check, gift card or cash. Every study offers a different reward.

3. Ipsos i-Say

Ipsos is one of the most reputable and well-known market research companies. They have been conducting surveys since 1975.

They have a variety of studies, including:

• Online surveys
• Paid focus groups
• Mobile surveys

Compared to competitors, Ipsos rewards their participants well. Points earned for taking part in studies can be converted into retail vouchers, prepaid debit cards or PayPal payments.

4. Leo Surveys

Leo Surveys is a Canadian company that offers studies in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2004, they have awarded over $20,00,000 to participants.

They conduct around 500 studies yearly.

You join Leo Surveys for free and you’ll be emailed invitations to join surveys.

Use your smartphone with their Leo app. It’s available on iOS and Android. From your smartphone you can:

• Take surveys.
• Check your account balances.
• Redeem your rewards.

Leo advertises compensation rates that range from a dollar to $35. Leo offers their participants the chance to earn “Leo points” You can redeem these points for cash payments. 

They are made via PayPal, prepaid Visa cards and gift cards.

You must have a minimum threshold of $20 to request a reward.

5. Survey Junkie

Founded in 2013, Survey Junkie has over 20 million lifetime members. They’ve paid out over $76 million.

Although Survey Junkie usually only does online surveys but other types they’ve offered include:

• Product tests.
• In-person focus groups.
• Telephone surveys.

Depending on the type of survey, compensation ranges up to $150.

The points you earn for doing the survey can be exchanged for various gift cards. You could also receive a PayPal payment or a direct bank transfer. Residents from several countries can participate. 

They include:

• U.S
• UK
• Canada
• Australia

Survey Junkie gives you 50 points as a bonus for signing up with them.

6. TGM Research

TGM was founded in 2017 and is a diverse website for soliciting opinions. They have a high survey inventory. So most of the time you’ll be answering surveys.

But they still provide the opportunity to get involved in mystery shopping and focus groups.

They make their payments through PayPal within 72 hours of the time you request. They operate internationally and are available in over 80 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we’ve educated you on Apex Focus Group, you might still have questions about them. We’ll answer those and other questions about focus groups.

1. How to be selected for a focus group?

Ensure you meet the criteria before applying for a focus group. When screening for a focus group, you’ll be given a group of questions. It’s best to answer them as honestly as you can.

2. Does Apex Focus Group pay well?

Apex Focus Group doesn’t directly pay participants. Their partners who conduct the surveys and focus groups are responsible for paying. But Apex claims there’s the potential to earn $750 per week.

3. What types of questions are commonly asked in surveys?

Most surveys are classified as nominal, open-ended and closed-ended. There are also yes/no questions and rating items on a scale type questions.

Conclusion: Beware and Use Common Sense

Apex Focus Group is a company that refers participants to research companies. In that sense, they are legitimate. But there are some red flags concerning how they conduct business.

The bottom line is to beware and use common sense when turning over your personal information to any online group.