Heard about DScout through the grapevine and want to know what this service really has in store for you? Well, you are in the right place!
The following review will outline just what DScout is all about, how it functions, and whether it may be a good fit for you. Here is what you should know:
What is DScout?
DScout is a service that connects researchers with participants. There are two parts of this operation. The first involves providing tools for researchers to create surveys and other studies known as missions. DScout then gives these researchers access to participants based on specific criteria.
If you wish to be a participant, then DScout puts you through an application process. If you pass, you can take part in – and get paid for – the various missions that are available on the platform.
Is DScout Legit?
Yes, DScout is a legitimate operation. It has been utilized by some of the top brands around the world. Furthermore, participants have been using the platform and the app for a while now.
Not only have people been paid the money that they are owed, but the payment has also been prompt and without any issues.
How Do You Sign Up for DScout?
Unlike with other similar services, the minimum age requirement for sign up with DScout is 13 in the US and 16 in Europe. It should be noted that you do have to get a parent or guardian to approve your application if you are under the age of 18.
Before you sign up, you must first download the app. You can do this on an Android or Apple smartphone. While it is possible to download the app onto a tablet, DScout advises you to use a smartphone for the best performance.
Once the app is downloaded, you can create your account. You must provide your email address and create a password for your future account.
Creating a Profile with DScout
Setting up your profile with DScount is a comprehensive process. This is because companies that use DScout tend to require more in-depth information on their participants.
Thus, you may find yourself having to fill out gender, pronouns, ethnicity, etc. You don’t have to provide any information that you don’t want to. You can also alter these answers at any point.
You should be aware that the more complete your profile is, the better your chance of getting chosen for various missions.
The DScout App
The App is easy to navigate, and you get used to it after a little bit of practice. The layout is simple enough, with just four tabs to flip through. These are the Explore tab, Missions tab, Rewards tab, and the Profile tab.
The Explore page is where you get to see the various missions available to you. This is also where you can find the applications for whatever you want to sign up for.
The Missions tab is divided into several sections such as Invites, In Progress, and Closed. The Invites will show you a list of the missions that you have been invited to join, but that you haven’t accepted yet.
In Progress gives you an update on which missions are being reviewed. When these missions are closed, they will show up in the Closed section.
Rewards tab is where you can keep of your current and previous payments. This will show you how much you have been paid for each mission that you have undertaken.
In the Profile tab, you can access and change your profile as needed.
DScout Surveys
The surveys on DScout are known as Missions. There are three types of Missions to choose from – Express, Diary, and Live.
Express Missions
Express missions are the easiest to apply for and to get accepted to. The only downside is that they are also the lowest paying survey.
These missions are similar to other online surveys that you may have taken in the past. However, they tend to be a bit more in-depth. For instance, while short question and answers are the norm, you may be asked to send in a short vide of yourself. You may have to send in certain pictures as well.
They typically only take 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Diary Missions
These are the most sought-after surveys, but you should be aware that they can be more labor intensive than what you are used to. These do pay very well, but the application process can be competitive.
For these missions, you may be required to try out a particular product or service for some time. Then, you will have to relay your experiences. This is often done in the form of a video. You may be required to type out answers as well.
Diary missions often have stages to them. In one type of mission, the other parts of the mission are unlocked once you have completed a particular stage. In other cases, though, the future stages are only unlocked after a certain period of time has passed.
Due to this, these missions can take anywhere from a couple of hours to several weeks to complete.
If you are invited for a follow-up interview, then you will be paid an additional amount of money.
Live Missions
These missions are the most difficult to get admitted into. They involve a live, one-on-one conversation with the researcher. They can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes at a time.
Here, you may be required to use a product or service beforehand. Or, the survey could be related to basic information or details regarding your lifestyle or certain activities.
What Can You Expect with DScout Missions?
The one thing that a lot of users agree on is that the DScout missions are fun – far more so than with other survey sites.
There are a lot of different categories to choose from and you can easily find one that is suited to your area of interest. Thus, taking the survey is a lot more engaging and is more enjoyable.
How Do You Apply for Missions?
One of the more frustrating elements of DScouts is that you must send in a new application for every mission that you want to apply for. Each application is unique and tailored to the mission.
As a result, you must be very careful in how you answer the questions. The answers should be thoughtful, in-depth, and you will have to vary the length, depending on what you are being asked.
To top it all off, there is no guarantee that you will get chosen for these missions. As such, you must make the time and effort regardless of what the results will be. The intensity of the application process will be tied into the type of mission you are applying for.
You should know that this may be just the beginning. Even if you do get chosen for the mission, you may have to provide further information or undergo other processes before you are chosen.
How Do You Get Chosen for Missions?
The main issue that people have with DScout is the selection process. It is incredibly rigorous and, as such, few people get in. The only silver lining here is that you get paid far more than with other survey sites.
Despite this, it can be annoying to contend with. To start off, you must fit into a demographic that the surveyors are looking for. Then, your application must hit all the right notes. There may be other hoops that you are expected to jump through.
Then, who oversees the acceptance process?
Well, this could either be one of the researchers who are undertaking the mission. It may also be someone from DScout. If it is the latter, they will be following certain criteria or requirements when choosing participants.
DScout Pricing
The pricing system can vary from one mission to another. As mentioned, Express missions will earn you the least, while Live missions can make you the most amount of money.
On average, an Express mission can have a payout of around $2 to $5 dollars. The price will depend on the time and intensity of the mission.
As for the Diary mission, you can expect to be paid between $25 and $50, although it isn’t unusual to see the price go up to $100. For the Live missions you can be paid upwards of $150.
The good news is that you will know the exact earning potential of each mission ahead of time. This will be mentioned alongside the posting. You may be able to see some other basic details as well to determine if this is worth your time.
DScout Payment Process
You get paid for your DScout services via PayPal. Currently, this is the only payment process that is available to participants.
As for when you will get paid, this is a bit trickier to answer. This is because the money will only be transferred to your account once your mission has been accepted by the researcher.
Thus, after completing the mission, you may have to wait some time before you know whether you are getting paid or not. This doesn’t mean that your money will arrive in your account immediately, however.
You will be informed once the payment process has begun. After this, it can take up to 10 business days for the money to be transferred into your account. Typically, you are given a rough idea of when the transfer will happen.
How Much Can You Earn with DScout?
On one hand, you can earn more money with DScout than with other survey sites. This is because, on average, you are paid more for each mission. Most other sites have incredibly low amounts per hour and it can take some time before you accrue a decent amount.
On the other hand, it is very difficult to get approved for a mission with DScout, especially a high paying one. Though the earning potential per mission is great, you may only be approved for a small percentage. This can reduce how much you earn.
Pros and Cons
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of this service:
Pros
- Legitimate operation
- Good earning potential
- Fun missions
Cons
- Long application process
- Not readily chosen for missions
How to Improve Your Level of Success with DScout?
There are some things that you can do to boost how much money you make with DScout. You should bear in mind that there are no guarantees, though, regardless of what you do.
The first thing that you should do is to have an attractive and thorough profile. When filling out applications pay attention to the questions and make sure that you are answering them as required.
If you have to send in a pre-recorded video, you may want to write out a quick script or give the video several tries. This will allow you to choose the best option and increase your chances of getting paid.
It is best to apply for missions that are suited to your interests, career, or lifestyle. This increases the chances of you being accepted for them as you will fit the criteria more readily.
Set up notifications on your profile. You will then be alerted to new postings and can apply for them in a timely manner. This works well for missions that can get quite competitive.
Finally, it is all about presentation. Make sure that you are well-dressed when you are being interviewed. Be professional and answer the questions thoroughly but concisely.
The Final Verdict
Is DScout a good option for you?
If you are looking for an interesting way to make a little bit of money, then this can be a good venture. You must remember that the opportunities are limited here and that your effort may be wasted. As long as you don’t have to depend too much on the service, you will be fine.
At the end of the day, DScout is certainly worth a try. It is a better paying opportunity than most other survey sites. You will also be able to take part in missions that are fun and relevant to what you are interested in.
DScout Review: Tips for Success
If you’re considering joining DScout to earn some extra money there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success.
First make sure your profile is thorough and attractive to potential researchers.
Provide as much information as possible to increase your chances of being selected for missions.
When applying for missions pay close attention to the questions and answer them thoughtfully and thoroughly.
If you’re required to submit a video take the time to script it or film multiple takes to ensure you submit your best work.
Additionally focus on applying for missions that align with your interests career or lifestyle to increase your chances of being accepted.
Finally set up notifications on your profile so you’re alerted to new mission postings and can apply promptly.
By following these tips you can maximize your earning potential with DScout and increase your chances of being selected for missions.
