Last updated Jul. 17, 2024 by Peter Jakes
Toluna Review 2023: Is This Paid Survey Site Legit?
In the ever-evolving world of online survey sites, Toluna has carved out a distinct niche for itself. Launched in 2000, Toluna has accumulated a wide user base, attracting both seasoned survey takers and individuals new to the scene. But as with anything that garners substantial attention, skepticism follows suit. Is Toluna worth your precious time, or is it just another online facade? This comprehensive review seeks to answer these questions and more.
What is Toluna?
Toluna is an online community where its members, often referred to as influencers, can partake in various activities like filling out surveys, voicing opinions, and engaging in other mini-tasks to earn points. These points can subsequently be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including gift cards, cash via PayPal, and other goodies.
Functionality and User Experience
Signing Up
Signing up for Toluna is a straightforward process that can be done in less than five minutes. You provide basic personal information, such as your name, email address, and demographic details, which helps the platform match you with relevant surveys.
✓ Short Answer
Toluna is a legitimate survey site that offers various ways to earn points which can be redeemed for rewards. Its user-friendly platform and multiple redemption options make it a viable choice for those looking to make extra money online.
Dashboard
Once signed in, the dashboard is intuitive and easy to navigate. It highlights available surveys and recent activity. The layout is clean, ensuring that even those new to online surveys can find their way around without any confusion.
Earning Points
Surveys
Surveys are the primary method to accumulate points on Toluna. Surveys can range from a few minutes to half an hour and are compensated accordingly.
Polls and Mini-Polls
Toluna has integrated polls and mini-polls into its platform, allowing influencers to earn points by participating. While the point value for these activities is generally lower than full-length surveys, they offer a quick and easy way to add up your total.
Contests and Sweepstakes
Toluna frequently runs contests and sweepstakes, providing members opportunities to win additional rewards. While these aren’t reliable sources of income, they offer a fun way to engage with the platform and potentially earn big rewards.
Product Testing
Occasionally, Toluna offers product testing opportunities. Influencers receive products for free in exchange for their reviews. While not as frequent as surveys, these tasks offer substantial rewards.
Redeeming Points
Gift Cards
One of the most popular redemption options on Toluna is gift cards. Users can choose from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Starbucks, and iTunes.
Cash via PayPal
For those who prefer cash, Toluna offers PayPal as an option. However, this usually requires a larger point balance for redemption compared to gift cards.
Other Rewards
Beyond gift cards and cash, Toluna also allows for product redemptions and charitable donations. Users can redeem points for various gadgets, electronics, or even donate to charitable organizations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Variety of Surveys: With many surveys to choose from, there is always something to keep you occupied.
- Multiple Redemption Options: Whether you prefer gift cards or cash, Toluna offers multiple ways to redeem your points.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is intuitive, making it easy to navigate for users of all ages.
Cons
- Screening Out: One of the most significant drawbacks is the frequency with which users are screened out of surveys after starting them.
- Point Expiration: Points do expire if not used within a year, which can be a drawback for irregular users.
- Time-Consuming: Surveys can be lengthy, and the points earned may not always justify the time spent.
User Reviews and Ratings
Positive Reviews
Many users highlight the ease of use and variety of surveys as significant positives. The range of rewards also gets high marks, with most users appreciating the flexibility in redeeming points.
Negative Reviews
On the flip side, users often complain about being disqualified from surveys halfway through. Some also find the points to cash conversion rate to be on the lower side, making the return on time investment seem lacking.
Customer Support
Toluna offers multiple channels for customer support, including email and an FAQ section. Responses can be slow, but they are usually thorough. The platform also hosts an active community forum where users can help each other out with common issues.
FAQs
Q: Is Toluna Legitimate?
A: Yes, Toluna is a legitimate survey site with a large user base and a proven track record for paying out rewards.
Q: How do I Earn Points Quickly?
A: The quickest way to earn points is by regularly participating in surveys, polls, and contests.
Q: What Happens If I Get Screened Out of a Survey?
A: Though frustrating, screening out is common. Toluna usually offers a token amount of points as compensation.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Redeem Points?
A: Redemption times can vary but usually take between one to two weeks for rewards to come through.
Q: Do Points Expire?
A: Yes, points expire after 12 months of inactivity.
Toluna offers a viable way to earn some extra cash or rewards in your free time. While not without its drawbacks, its legitimacy and variety of activities make it a platform worth exploring.
