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| Metro Research Services Inc , Metro Research Focus Group $200 Bait to Attend a Focus Group Meeting Arlington, Virginia |
| 4th of Dec, 2011 by User259963 |
REVIEW: "Metro Research Services" Arlington and Alexandria VA They called me one day and asked me if I would be willing to attend a "Focus Group" in Alexandria, VA. They Baited me: The recruiter said that I will receive $200.00 in cash for about two hours of attending their Alexandria, VA "focus group". She sent me an email confirmation: The email promised $200. There were no disclaimers, warnings or any other indication that would have lead me to think that they might, at the last moment decide to dismiss me without pay. Here I made a four and a half hour commitment of my time: A minimum of a two hour focus group meeting plus two and a half hours to travel at night. I was told that I was 'approved' and pre-screened for focus group and that I will certainly be paid $200 for my efforts. I was in constant cellular communication with the facilitators advising them of my location and the time of my arrival (since I was a bit late). Arrival & Sign in: An African American man who gave the impression of a professional security guard/bouncer escorted me into the office building elevator and then up into the suite where the "metro research" focus group was meeting. I was asked to present my photo ID verification and signature.
Next, I met the Group and the faciilitator welcomed and introduced me to the group and assured me that I arrived just in time: At the introduction phase of each participant. There were four other "focus group members" (not the anticipated 7 described in the email invitation. I was told later that other focus group members were dismissed earlier). The Surprising Dismissal: After my initial introduction (of about five sentences) I was sitting calmly in my chair attentively listening to the facilitator and taking notes reflecting on my knowledge and experience relating to the topic that was being discussed. I felt very qualified and knowledgable about the topic we discussed since this is the area of my expertise. Suddenly and abruptly, the security guard walked in and with out explaining why asked me to pick up my coat and belongings and leave! I gazed in shock at the four remaining focus group attendees for their reaction. They appeared as puzzled and surprised as I was. I thought I perceived an air of fear in their stunned facial expression. I asked the security guard for the reason for this abrupt and unexplained dismissal. He said that he "did not know the reason" but said it was "possibly" due to my 'late arrival'. (However, the fact of the matter is that I was in constant phone communication with the facilitators who told me that they "were waiting for me". And indeed they signed me in and welcomed me.) As I was escorted out of the meeting room, I was mortified to hear a sound of unrestrained, lewd laughter echoing from behind the 1 way glass mirror and thin walls where the mysterious observers were converged-- it appeared that they were enjoying their recess/interruption of their "work" while the guard was busy escorting me out of the meeting room where the remaining four focus members were sitting uncomfortably in their chairs. Then I waited to find out if I will be paid even a single dollar...? "Will I get paid what I was promised?" I asked! The woman at the desk asked me to wait. No one else could be seen, though a muffled sound could be heard from the 'observers' side. The woman at the desk claimed that her superiors were calling the same "client" who allegedly authorized both the dismissal and the 'focus group' facilitation to see if he wanted to pay me. They tried to give the impression that they bear no control or responsibility what so ever! The wait seemed long. It was frustrating for me to wait to find out if my two and a half hours of total travel time for a promise of hundreds of dollars will end off with only a feeling of disgrace and $0.00 No Apology and No Concern about the Misleading of the potential focus group members. When I called the center and asked why they "did not disclose the possibility of dismissal and $0 pay in advance?"
and (eventually, after I told them that their actions will be under review and investigation, were suddenly willing to pay me. They were un-appologetic and minimized the hardship of two hours of travel, and the shock from the un-warranted dismissal. The stated that I "were there for _only_five minutes'. They told me that since (reluctantly) they agreed to pay me, therefore, that I had nothing to further to be concerned about. They also assured me that I was not singled out, and that others before me were sent home that night. Why am I bothering them? I should be "glad that they paid me" was what I heard. But as a sensitive and compassionate human being who just felt the humiliating sting of being escorted out of my "focus group" meeting, suddenly, without any advance notice that this could happen, and for no good reason I believe that I am speaking on behalf of many others who have been mislead and for the scores of many other potential victims lured in the promise of $200 cash, only to be degraded and pulled out of a focus group without any disclaimer or advance notice. This is simply not right! All individuals invited to such a meeting surely have a right to receive a full disclosure and full consent to the terms in advance of agreement to attend! Furthermore, I do not believe that I was told to expect to be sitting in an enclosed a room where I would be watched from behind a one way mirror by some mysterious observers and video recorded. No advance notice, or permission was sought in advance for this either. On our website I have a complete description in great detail of how I initially approached their site with an initial open minded approach to determine their credibility: I showed how I attempted to apply a web analytic's review of whether their site and operation appeared to be legitimate based on applying and utilizing the web intelligence sources. I also outline, at the bottom of the web page, the
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| It says on the confirmation letter that every participant that is accepted receives "If you are late, you may not be paid the gratuity". That's reason enough for me to be on time. |
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