Hey guys, I just got this email about participation in a marketing type discussion meeting. I've heard of these before, actually one of my close coworkers had done one regarding her Honda CR-V. They're offering $150.00 compensation for time and participation; worth my while at least. However the only thing concerning me is that the sender doesn't clearly identify with any branch of corporate BMW/MINI, and the format of the email doesn't appear to be too professional. The area code to the phone number listed corresponds to Connecticut, however it states in the email that they are trying to contact BMW/MINI drivers in my area (north New Jersey). I tried calling the number to find out more information, but no one answered, it seemed to be a personal phone number, as well as coming from a personal email address (@aol.com). I plan to keep calling because if it is legit, I definitely want to be apart of it. Maybe I'm being too skeptical, but has anyone else received this pretty vague email or had a similar experience? Below is the text,

[SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri]Hello,[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri] I am contacting you on behalf of BMW and MINI.[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri] [/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri]We are contacting people in your area to talk about your experience with your MINI , how that experience may affect the environment, future BMW product offerings and your future vehicle purchases.[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri] [/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri]Please be assured that this is not a sales presentation and we will not re-contact you as a result of your participation.[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri] [/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri]We are holding small group discussions of MINI drivers in your area and would like to know if you might be interested in participating should you qualify for the study[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri] . For your time and participation they would like to offer you a cash honorarium of $150.00. They will be in Montvale NJ on the evening of Tuesday June 21, 2011. The discussion will take approximately 2 hours and we think you will find it interesting and enjoyable. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest connivence. I can be contacted via email or my office number listed below. Thank you for taking the time to read our invitation and hope that you are able to join us.[/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Calibri] [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri] Regards ,
[/FONT]
[SIZE=6][FONT=Calibri]
[/FONT][/SIZE]

 

Although this doesn't sound like a obvious scam, I think you're doing the right thing by checking this out. I hope it's legit, and that you have a great time.

Virginia Tech occasionally draws volunteers for its automotive-related research buy placing ads in the newspaper. Monetary compensation is common, but I'd regard $150 for an interesting and enjoyable two-hour group discussion with other Mini drivers as being extremely generous.

 

Sheesh, $150 for a two-hour discussion? Sounds good!


I am always worried about stupid email scams though... hopefully this does pull through as legitimate.

 

thanks for the replies guys, i have an update. I had been trying to call the number all day and I actually just got in contact with the woman who sent the email. Apparently, BMW/MINI corporate contracts independent recruiting agencies, which this woman belonged to, to get participants for their focus groups and it does seem legitimate. She explained that this particular focus group was more on environmental topics, and I wouldn't qualify because I don't currently own my own home (i live with my parents who own the house), and they're looking strictly for people who own their homes to relate to the subject matter. She has my name, number and email though for another focus group she said I would qualify for in case there are any cancellations, so we'll see. She didn't ask any personal information other than that though, so it sounds all good.

 

She was probably thinking "why the hell is this guy calling me all day?!?!"


Looks like I am out as well, not a home owner.

 

lol, I was very curious, and she wasn't answering her phone

 

My sidekick and his wife made about $500 doing those things last year, plus
they actually got put into a little lottery of test subjects and won another $500.

 

eddy:

pass on my email if you get a chance for referrals

I could use the bucks! I did one last summer in Brooklyn, got 2 crisp Benjamins for 2 hours!!
thanks
pac (in Pennslyvania)