Survey sites are an easy way to pass the time and make extra money from home. But how does Norstat fair and is this a site you should join? Let’s take a closer look.
Norstat Panel
Pros and cons:
✅ Chance for focus groups and product testing
✅ Gift cards arrive instantly
❌ No cash option for payment
❌ Pay per survey is low
❌ Limited number of surveys
Norstat Panel
Norstat Panel
Please note that this review originally covered a company called Panelbase, which became part of Norstat in November 2023.
If you want to earn money from home, why not try a few survey sites? Regular blog readers will know I can earn over £6,000 yearly without leaving my living room.
And one of the benefits of survey sites is that you’re not always restricted to working from home. Some surveys can be completed from your phone, which gives you a great opportunity to earn extra when you’re out and about.
But let’s see why Norstat is a little disappointing.
What is Norstat?
Norstat is an online research panel that rewards members with coins for participating in market research surveys. These can be simple questionnaires, online interviews or even product testing. Any coins earned can be exchanged for rewards.
Is Norstat safe?
Norstat has been operating and collecting data in Europe since 1997. They claim to have over three million consumers as part of their network of respondents from 15 countries.
The site does use Two-Factor Authentication as extra security, so you may be sent a code to your email address or phone when you try to log in.
How does Norstat work?
Once you’ve joined, you’ll need to complete some basic profile questions, such as your work, income, family life and shopping habits. It will only take a couple of minutes. Then, you’re ready to earn.
Norstat will send you surveys they think will be appropriate for you. They’ll appear on your dashboard and you’ll also receive email notifications. If you’re really keen to earn, you can also supply your mobile number, and Norstat will let you know when there’s a suitable survey by text or through WhatsApp.
Before you complete a survey, you’ll see how long it takes and how many coins and stars it’s worth. Timings are fairly accurate, but they can go a couple of minutes either way.
Most surveys can be completed from a computer or the Norstat app, available for both Apple and Android devices.
What are coins?
Coins are your main rewards. Once you’ve collected at least 50, you can swap them for a choice of rewards.
What are Stars?
Stars are part of Norstat’s loyalty programme. As you collect more stars, you climb levels. You’ll start at Entry and move all the way up to VIP. The higher the level you are, the more lottery tickets you’ll receive. Every quarter, Norstat will choose lottery winners. Prizes include:
- £1,000 holiday voucher
- £400 holiday voucher
- £80 Amazon voucher
- Norstat coins
You can also earn stars by referring friends, completing challenges, downloading the Norstat app and redeeming coins.
Oh, and earning Stars will win you badges. Which, I suppose you can show your friends…
How do you withdraw your earnings?
You have two options when withdrawing your earnings.
You can opt for a Love2Shop voucher (minimum withdrawal £5). These can be spent at around 50 different stores in the UK, although choice is a little restricted.
Or, you can choose a Norstatpanel gift card (minimum withdrawal £10). This can then be converted into a digital gift card, which can be used at places like Amazon, Tesco and many more. It gives you far more choice compared to the Love2Shop voucher.
Norstat in action
So, I’ve been using Norstat for a little while and I’ve only received standard surveys. However, as a Panelbase member, there were some decent ways to earn extra.
I’ve been lucky enough to join some online focus groups. The best paid involved being part of an online community for around a month and answering questions about my thoughts on energy. It took less than 30 minutes per week and paid £40. On top of this, I was invited to a video interview once the study had finished. Six of us and a host chatted about the future of electricity for 90 minutes and I earned another £48!
I’ve also qualified to test products. These involved completing a short (paid) survey to see if I was a suitable tester. Then, I was sent a free sample to test over the next few days.
I then received another (paid) survey to share my thoughts.
Products that I have tested include:
- chocolate bars
- energy drinks
- finance apps
- dog chews (for my dog, not me)
And if that tickles your fancy, why not look at my list of other product testing sites?
Also worth reading
If you need some money fast, take a look at these quick ways to make cash.
Any downsides?
At the moment, Norstat is invitation-only, so it’s not open to everyone.
It would also be nice to have a cash option when withdrawing my earnings. Panelbase used to, so it would be good to see it introduced here. Plus, the voucher scheme is a little cumbersome. It takes downloading two different files and visiting several screens before you get your chosen gift card. There must be an easier way to do it.
But my biggest annoyance with Norstat is the loyalty scheme. If they have as many members as they claim, the chances of winning anything are next to none. I would much prefer smaller prizes of, say, £5 rather than bigger ones. If you’ve managed to earn yourself 50 lottery tickets, you can guarantee there are 100s out there with at least twice that.
Even if you keep your profile up to date, you will sometimes start a survey and get kicked out soon after. This can be frustrating, especially when all you’ve done is fill out your age. If you’re the wrong age, you shouldn’t be sent the survey in the first place!
Not being able to turn off email notifications is quite frustrating. I prefer to just check my account when needed rather than having my inbox clogged up.
Norstat refer a friend
Although Norstat mentions you can gain extra stars by referring friends, there’s no link in my account to do so at the moment.
What other people say
When I write my reviews, I always take a look to see what other users think of the site. On Trustpilot, Norstat scores an impressive 4.5 out of 5 from over 3,000 people.
How much can you earn from Norstat?
There isn’t a set amount you’ll earn for each survey, and some are far better than others. On average, expect Norstat to pay you around 10 coins for every 15 minutes.
But, with a £10 reward set at 100 coins, you’re looking at two and a half hours to get there. That’s a pretty measly £3.50 per hour.
However, I do find that surveys can be completed a little quicker than Norstat says. So, I think pay is a little closer to £5 per hour.
My Norstat Panel review conclusion
Unfortunately, the pay for this site is just far too low. Most survey sites pay in the region of £6-£7 per hour, but Norstat doesn’t even come close. Even if the loyalty programme had some amazing prizes, I still wouldn’t be convinced it would be worthwhile.
But if you couldn’t care less about what I think, click on the button below!
FAQs
What happened to Panelbase?
Panelbase was absorbed into Norstat in November 2023. They started to send notifications to users the month before.