Member-only story
It’s Time for Companies to Compensate Consumers for Their Feedback
Why should people provide their opinions and get nothing in return?
Earlier this week, I went through my email and was gobsmacked by how many companies wanted to hear from me. “Tell us your thoughts!” the subject line implores. “We want to hear from you!” the prominent retailer trumpets, “your opinion will help us serve you better.”
It seems like every company these days, from the small to the mega-sized, is clamoring for my feedback.
Filling out surveys could be my full-time job.
Except, nobody wants to pay me for it.
Stay with me here.
On internet storefronts, a window pops up. “Are you willing to stick around to provide insights after you’re done on the site?” I click away because the survey window blocks the primary browser.
The first ask lands in my inbox before my order ships.
“How was your experience? Tell us everything!”
Um, well — maybe once my order arrives, I’ll consider it.
As for now, my “experience” is incomplete. What if I give you five stars, and one of the products arrives damaged?
