Do you like making your voice heard? There are lots of online consumer research panels out there which allow you to receive 'credit' for completing online surveys and simply giving you opinion on a range of topics and products. Over the last couple of months i've been trying out a couple of these and i'm quite impressed!

The first one i've joined is Lightspeed which sends you e-mail invitations to complete a range of online surveys which vary in topic and length. In return for completing these you are awrded points which can be converted into vouchers for a range of retailers or even paid into a Paypal account. I've been a member since just before Christmas and have just about earnt enough points to convert into a £10 Amazon voucher. The surveys are usually fairly easy to complete and rarely take more than 15 minutes.

The second one i have joined is Toluna. This site is a little different - it still has online surveys which you are e-mailed about, but it also allows you to vote on polls, give opinions on a range of topics via the site and also test products new to the market. I have not yet managed to test a product, but i have completed many surveys and written opinions. Toluna also awards points for surveys and opinions given, but you need to earn more points before you can redeem awards than with Lightspeed and there are fewer reward options. In the same amount of time i've been with Lightspeed i have earnt nearly enough for a £10 Amazon voucher again, but to do this i've had to complete more surveys and be a more active user.

It seems that you can make extra cash by joining these sites, but be aware that it is a fairly slow process. It can be fun getting a chance to have your say though and it's great to get something back for doing it!