Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Our purpose at IES is to evaluate razors and other shaving products, and to do that, we need your help (and your opinion)! The majority of our testing requires panelists to visit our shaving facility in Milford, CT, use the test products we give you, and fill out a questionnaire about the product. If you are interested in becoming a panelist and would like to learn more, here are some answers to a few of our most Frequently Asked Questions…

• Does it cost me anything?

No. In fact, we will be paying you. We will supply you with all necessary test products (i.e., razors) and anything required to use them (i.e., shaving cream). You will use our clean and well-stocked shaving facilities. All you are required to do is to come to our facilities, follow any instructions we provide, and give your opinion. You will be compensated for your time. Payment varies test-by-test, but generally you will receive compensation in the range of $15-$20 for each shave. Some tests are worth even more!

• Are you trying to sell me something?

Absolutely not. All we are after is your feedback. Any personal information we collect will never be sold or given to third parties and/or used for marketing purposes. See our privacy policy for more information.

• How do I find out about upcoming studies? How do I sign up for a study?

We send out emails and, optionally, text messages to let our panelists know about upcoming studies in which they are eligible to participate. In your email will be a link to a short questionnaire for you to complete and to confirm that you would like to participate. Each study is voluntary, and the email will give you specific details about what you will be doing, and the date and time you should come in. If you would like to participate in the study, select that option in the email questionnaire.

If we email you an invitation, we appreciate if you would give a definite YES or NO. This helps us with scheduling, and lets us know that you have received the invite. We will not be offended if you decline a study!

• How will I be compensated?

We send you a check! Generally 1 to 3 weeks after the end of a study, you will receive a check from us. If you do more than one study in a short period of time, we may combine all payments into one check. This is the only reason we need your Social Security number on file—for payment purposes.

• How much do you pay?

The amount of compensation depends on the study being done. Most studies pay in the range of $10 to $20, some as high as $500!

• What happens if I begin a study, but something comes up and I can’t make it in for one or more of the days?

We completely understand that sometimes an emergency comes up and you can’t make it in. We ask that you call us as soon as possible just to let us know. It helps us greatly to know who isn’t coming in, and if you call to tell us, we are happy to work with you the best we can. If you simply don’t show up, that creates a headache for us, and we will mark you as a no-show, which can hurt your chances of getting invited to future studies.

Often, there will be a make-up day at the end of a study, so missing one or two days isn’t the end of the world. But in some cases make-up days aren’t possible, in which case you will be dropped from that study.

• If I don’t complete or get dropped from a study, how much do I get paid?

Again, please call us and we will try our best to accommodate you. However if we are unable to do so, you will be dropped from the study and will not receive any payment. We are paying you for your participation and for following our carefully designed guidelines. If you are unable to participate or our guidelines are not followed, your data cannot be used and you cannot be paid.

• What happens if the weather is bad and I can’t make it in?

We will often close the Shave Center if the weather is dangerous, usually for heavy snow. Please check our website for any cancellations. We will also try to put any cancellations on WTNH Channel 8 News (look for Evaluation Sciences). You will not be penalized for bad weather. Drive safely!

• My friend or family member would like to become a panelist, how do I refer a friend?

Easy! Click on the “Refer a friend” link on the top menu bar. Enter the email address of the person you are referring, and we will send them an introductory email. If they qualify, we will then start sending them study invitations. If you refer someone who successfully qualifies, upon that person’s first completed VALIDATION study we will give you a $50 referral bonus!

• How do I opt-in or opt-out of text messages, or anything else?

You can update your account preferences at any time by logging in and clicking on the “My Account” link in the top menu bar of this website. Remember, email is our main form of communicating with panelists. If you choose to opt-out of email, we cannot consider you for future studies!

• Why am I not receiving emails?

There is a chance our emails are going in your spam filter or junk mail folder. Make sure to add info@evaluationsciences.com to your approved sender list. Otherwise, sign into your account and make sure that you have not opted-out of receiving them (in the “My Account” tab).