Welcome and thanks for stopping by to read my IntelliZoom Panel Review
If you're searching online for a side hustle, you're likely to run into several user testing panels. These panels, or platforms, pay members to explore websites, software, and apps while sharing their opinion over video.
It sounds like a great way to make some extra money, especially if you're being crushed by monthly bills and drowned in debt.
Do these panels really pay though? Is IntelliZoom legit?
I found IntelliZoom while searching online myself, and I wanted to know if it was a scam. You may be here for the same reason…
In this review, I'll explain who IntelliZoom is, what they do, and how they work. I'll also go ever the benefits and drawbacks and discuss whether IntelliZoom is right for you.
Here are the topics I'm going to cover in this IntelliZoom Panel review:
- What is IntelliZoom?
- Is IntelliZoom Legit?
- How Does IntelliZoom Work?
- IntelliZoom Reviews and Complaints
- What I Like About IntelliZoom
- What I Don't Like
- Where Do You Go From Here?
Disclaimer:
Please note, I am not a member or an affiliate for IntelliZoom. This review has been researched with information and/or testimonials that are available online in the public domain. Any recommendations and/or conclusions are strictly opinions and may not apply to, or agree with, all persons or situations. See full disclaimer for more info
What Is IntelliZoom?
IntelliZoom is a market research platform that pays members to test the usability of software, applications, and websites. They are the testing arm for parent company UserZoom, who announced the IntelliZoom panel in May 2016.
Previously known as YouEye, which was acquired by UserZoom (also in 2016), the purpose of IntelliZoom was to provide an active group of panelists that would help UserZoom's clients find ways to improve their digital products.
Based on IntelliZoom's reviews and complaints however, which I'll discuss further below, I'm not sure how effective the partnership has been. At least that was my first impression.
While some members call IntelliZoom a scam and question its legitimacy, UserZoom, on the other hand, generally gets good reviews.
There seemed to be a disconnect here that had me, along with others apparently, also wondering if IntelliZoom was legit.
Is IntelliZoom Legit?
IntelliZoom's parent company has worked with big brands such as Amazon, eBay, and T-Mobile, helping them improve their software UX and CX (user experience and customer experience).
They've also been around since 2007, and both Co-CEOs, Alfonso de la Nuez, and Dan Fishback are well respected in the industry.
So, there should be no question that IntelliZoom is legit.
Unfortunately, IntelliZoom users and people searching online for information about IntellZoom are not so confident. And there's a reason for that…
User testing panels like IntelliZoom, including similar sites UserTesting, Userlytics and UserFeel, are famous for low pay rates and disqualifying tests, surveys, etc.
You may have experienced this yourself. You receive a survey you are apparently qualified for, spend ten or fifteen minutes answering questions, and then hit the “submit button”. Instead of being rewarded for your time though, you are told you don't qualify at all.
And because you don't qualify, you don't get paid. In some cases, your account may also be suspended or closed permanently.
Getting Disqualified and Suspended
There are two sides to this story…
As a user, why wouldn't you think it's a scam? You answered their questions, and they say you're disqualified. You did nothing wrong, and now they refuse to pay you.
IntelliZoom, on the other hand (or any test/survey provider for that matter), has a different problem; they have hundreds (possibly thousands) of users who are trying to scam them. Users who don't pay any attention to the questions or don't care how they answer them.
These are users who are scamming the system, who just want to finish the survey as quickly as possible and get on to the next one. In some cases, they may be using bots.
The information they offer is therefore useless to IntelliZoom's clients.
Now, there are actual scams that won't pay you, like Buxify or WiredBucks, for example.
And then you have IntelliZoom and other legit sites that develop tests and surveys that try to identify dishonest users and disqualify them. Unfortunately, these tests and surveys are not perfect. Sometimes they are flat-out wrong.
And the honest survey taker gets punished for it.
Some market research platforms like Branded Surveys, for example, try to soften the blow by offering points (which can be exchanged for rewards) even if the algorithm disqualifies you. And they use “screener” surveys first to make sure you fit their demographic and are willing to answer questions thoughtfully.
But even that gets met with skepticism (screenshot below).
To be clear, I'm not defending user testing and market research companies like IntelliZoom. Some are undoubtedly honest, and others are probably taking advantage of their members. Without knowing for certain though, it's not fair to accuse any of them of being a scam (unless, of course, it has already been identified as a known scam).
Low Pay Rates
User testing panels, online surveys, and reward sites generally don't pay well. It's not because they're cheap, although some are. In most cases, it's just supply and demand.
On one side, you have companies who employ these panels to do market research, and these companies want the best price. So therefore, you have hundreds of market research companies competing and undercutting each other's prices.
On the other side, you have millions of people like you and me willing to test these products and complete surveys. But I have no competitive advantage over anyone else because product testing and surveys, for the most part, are unskilled labor. So there's no reason for them to pay me (or anyone) more than someone else.
If you or I don't want to do it because the pay rates are too low, millions of others equally qualified (or unqualified depending on how you look at it) will. Therefore, the platforms can dictate the price.
There are however, circumstances where product testing and surveys pay good money.
For example, a pharmaceutical company may survey dentists about their patient's reactions to a new drug.
Or a company that produces logistics software might pay logistics managers good money to test it.
But highly specialized tests and surveys like that don't apply to most people.
The unfortunate reality is that the pay offered by legitimate (but generic) panels and surveys will, in most cases, be relatively low.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't do them. On the contrary, millions of people enjoy doing them, and they earn extra spending money at the same time.
Not all market research sites are suitable to everyone's situation though. If making money in your spare time like this is what you want, it's good to sign up to a few of the better ones. When one isn't offering tests or surveys, the others might, and vice versa.
Survey sites like surveyjunkie.com and inboxdollars.com are also good options.
They can also be a stepping stone to something more serious like an online business.
You may be at home because of difficulties with your health for example, or young ones to look after.
If that’s the case and a full-time income online is what you want, knowing how and where to get started is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
Online Presence
For the most part, the reasons mentioned above explain the differences between IntelliZoom's relatively poor reviews vs. UserZoom's good reviews.
There are undoubtedly specific complaints and issues we could speculate about. But without knowing both sides and all details, it would only be speculation.
However, we can look for more evidence that they are legit.
For example, In addition to IntelliZoom being owned by a legitimate provider of UX and CX testing services, they also have a decent online presence. The kind you would not usually see if they were a scam.
Intellizoom (previously known as YouEye) still has a Better Business Bureau profile with an A+ rating. Of course, that doesn't tell us much about their operations today, but it's another indication they are a legitimate business.
IntelliZoom and its parent company also have a modest presence on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Although their Intellizoom pages are somewhat inactive, their UserZoom pages are up to date.
Unfortunately, the comments on IntelliZoom's pages are not so kind (which I'll discuss in more detail), and I understand why some would call them a scam. So they are not without challenges, that's for sure. But as a company, they are legit.
How Does IntelliZoom Work?
Personal Requirements
To join IntelliZoom, you must meet the following criteria:
- 18 years old or older
- US or UK resident
- Speak fluent English
- Agree to have your face and/or voice recorded
- Able to follow directions correctly and think out loud
- Well-lit and distraction-free workspace
Technical Requirements
- Computer (laptop/desktop) or mobile device with internet connection
- Operational (external or built-in) microphone
- Operational (external or built-in) webcam
- Valid email address
- SMS texting capability
- Valid Paypal account
Joining IntelliZoom
These are the steps involved when joining IntellZoom's panel:
- Register at intellizoom.com and enter your information (more about the registration process below).
- Once your registration is approved, you can complete tasks and perform studies. Currently, the most common task is testing websites, which involves recording yourself while “thinking” out loud. Explain your experience.
- You'll use the UserZoom recorder to capture your experience while testing UserZoom's client's website.
- Completed tasks will be reviewed for approval.
- If approved, you will be paid via PayPal.
IntelliZoom Panel Registration
Registering at IntelliZoom requires you to share some information. You will be asked three profiling questions intended to match you with IntelliZoom's (or, more specifically, UserZoom's) client's needs.
You will also be asked for some demographic information, such as:
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Household Composition
- Occupation
- Income
- Lifestyle information
Of course, you can opt-out of these questions, but that may limit your chances of eligibility for product testing.
What is an IntelliZoom Practice Study?
The available research jobs on IntelliZoom are referred to as studies. Once your registration gets accepted, you'll be sent some practice studies as part of your training.
These are unpaid, but they're also short. You will experience what it's like to have your face and voice recorded while performing specific tasks.
After the training, you can start working on official (paid) studies which will require you to analyze digital products such as the following:
- Advertisements
- Animations
- Websites
- Applications
- Programs
Participants are selected based on demographics. Therefore, you will be sent an email invitation only if you meet their criteria for a particular task.
And you probably know, but it's worth mentioning, that work is not guaranteed. For example, some members say available tasks come once a week or once a month.
Some say they've never received a study.
That's why it's a good idea to join several of these types of sites.
When one doesn't have any tasks or surveys to complete, other legit sites like Survey Junkie and Inbox Dollars might.
Or, if you're looking for something bigger when IntelliZoom is not offering studies or surveys, an online business may be what you're looking for.
Making money from home might be something you need because of medical issues, children to look after, or maybe you're just tired of working for a boss.
If that’s the case, knowing how (and where) to get started is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
How Much Does IntelliZoom Pay?
IntelliZoom pay currently ranges from $2 – $10 per study. Depending on when you're reading this, the rates may have changed.
As a user tester, your pay will depend on the task complexity and demographic availability.
Tasks involving recording video and audio pay on the higher side near $10. Standard surveys, on the other hand, pay closer to $2.
These take roughly 10 to 20 minutes to complete
IntelliZoom payments are sent via PayPal, and there are no minimum thresholds to withdraw your earnings.
It should take 3 to 5 days for IntelliZoom to approve your work. Then, if accepted, they will release your payment within 21 business days.
However, work that is not approved is not paid for, and as mentioned earlier, this is a common complaint and why some say it's a scam.
I can't disagree with this frustration.
IntelliZoom Reviews and Complaints
There seems to be a pattern regarding IntelliZoom reviews and complaints. They are:
- Issues about not getting paid
- Work is not always available
- Hard to qualify for surveys and tasks
Here are some complaints on Facebook (shown below):
As I mentioned earlier, it's not out of the ordinary to get disqualified from tests and surveys. And because demographic profiles are often specific to the task, there may be very few opportunities for some members.
The most disturbing complaint about IntelliZoom however, is not getting paid. And maybe (I'm only speculating here) it's because IntelliZoom does not do a good job informing their members that their work is accepted or rejected.
And currently, they've also done a poor job of responding to payment complaints left on their Facebook page.
What I Like About IntelliZoom
- IntelliZoom panel itself is legit, and some people earn money on their platform.
- User testing jobs are exciting. In my opinion, “thinking out loud” while testing websites, etc., is enjoyable as far as work goes.
What I Don't Like
- Currently, they don't seem to inform members whether a submission is approved or rejected.
- Does not provide a job replacing income.
- Infrequent opportunities.
- Complaints from users about not getting paid.
Where Do You Go From Here?
You want to make money online, and unfortunately, based on the complaints of not getting paid, I can't say for sure that IntelliZoom is a great way to do it.
I have nothing against IntelliZoom, and I'm not discouraging you from joining as well. Clearly, some people are earning money with them.
As I've discussed in detail, though, this story has two sides. Users feel scammed by IntelliZoom (for understandable reasons), but IntelliZoom may be getting scammed by users as well.
The real issue may just be a lack of transparency and unclear guidelines. Perhaps IntelliZoom could better explain why some studies and surveys are rejected. And maybe (only speculating again) the guidelines could correlate closer to the reasons for those rejections.
Whether you sign-up with IntelliZoom may depend on your financial needs. It's not a full-time income.
You might be a student in school or a single parent at home. You may have health challenges that make regular work difficult, or maybe you just hate your job and you’re desperate for a way out.
If that's the case, an online business is what you want.
With all the scams and schemes out there though, knowing how and where to get started the right way is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
But if you're just looking for a simple way to make some extra spending money, IntelliZoom and other legit online survey and get-paid-to sites are good way to get started.
Sites like Survey Junkie will pay you for your opinion and Inbox Dollars offers rewards for doing things like watching videos, visiting websites and searching the web.
I hope my IntelliZoom review has been helpful. If you have any comments, questions, or experience with IntelliZoom, please share in the comments section below.
