Are receipt surveys worth the time and effort?

Receipt surveys are typically worth the time and effort if they offer a free item instead of an entry into a random drawing for cash or prizes. For example, as of September 2015, McDonald's gives respondents a buy-one, get-one-free coupon for a Quarter Pounder or Egg McMuffin.

For most customers, a free-food offer is worth more than a cash drawing, such as Taco Bell's drawing for $500 cash. The amount of effort required to complete the survey is also a consideration. Some stores and restaurants require customers to call in their responses instead of providing it online or via a mobile device, which is generally easier.