Did you know that you can make money from completing online surveys?

I didn't, but when perusing Martin's Money Tips on the online MoneySavingExpert, GlobalTestMarket was one of the recommended survey sites; consequently, it was one of three that I joined.

I joined because I enjoy completing surveys and I thought I would be able to make some pocket-money at the same time. However, although I have received at least one survey, (often two) daily over the past month, I have only earned just over 100 points so far. (1000 points are needed for a cash reward of the equivalent of $50 US dollars. You apply once reaching the required minimum, and they send you a cheque which their website states can take up to 6 - 8 weeks to arrive.)

When you first register with GlobalTestMarket, you complete lengthy personal profiles which they use to select you for up-coming surveys - so I would prefer that they don't send me a survey unless they think I am eligible because on many occasions I am 'screened out' after a few minutes due to not meeting their profile requirements. I do understand that this is very important for the retailers, but it does not always come up quickly enough and I find that I waste quite a lot of time because of this procedure.

If this happens, you get entered into their 'draw', but today I looked at the list of winners, and they were almost all in the US. Again, this may reflect the number of people who participate, but it was more than a little disappointing to see.

The email message you receive about a new survey from GlobalTestMarket gives an indication of how long it will take to complete - often up to 30 minutes. You can choose to take it or not, but are warned that if you don't answer quickly you are less likely to be chosen for further surveys.

When I am accepted for a survey, I conscientiously complete it to the best of my ability, but on many occasions I find that I have spent far longer on it than their suggestion. I wonder if I am being too meticulous or if other people are just ticking boxes without reading and being completely honest in their answers. It has taken me hours so far to build my points totalling just over 100 - is it really worth the effort?

I am rapidly becoming disillusioned with this site, and although to-date I am still completing the surveys (where not screened-out) I feel I could be making more money other ways. I would not recommend this to my friends and family, and would suggest that only someone who spends a lot of time on the computer and who has a lot of time to spare applies to join, because in my opinion, you will not get rich doing this.