Frequently Asked Questions

We don’t sell your personal data. ETC Institute gets paid by City, County, and State government agencies to conduct survey research. We also work with public agencies like Departments of Transportation and public transit agencies. They pay us to do research. We ask you questions and present the findings to them. They then make decisions based on the collected data that make your community better because now they know they have the information they need. If you want to read our full privacy policy, click the link at the footer of the website. You are never under any obligation to participate in the survey.

The most common types of surveys will be:

  • City Services (rating the services provided by the City where you live)
  • Parks and Recreation Services (rating parks and recreation services and programs in the City where you live)

  • Library Services (rating library services and programs in the City where you live)

  • Transit Surveys (transit agencies sometimes look for information from riders and non-riders)

  • Household Travel Surveys (State departments of transportation sometimes gather travel information from residents in certain metropolitan areas).

  • Statewide Surveys (state agencies looking for ratings on various aspects from a large sample of people across the state where you live)

We have an in-house programming team that has specifically developed mobile apps and web-based tools for collecting household travel survey data.

However, if you prefer a less high-tech option we’ve got you covered there as well. We can provide the survey to you via mail or one of our in-house Kansas-based call center employees can give you a call and do the survey right over the phone.

So to answer your question, the survey is available:

  1. Online
  2. Over the phone with our call center
  3. Via mail (paper surveys with free mailback option)
  4. Mobile app (only for select projects)

American Survey Team (ETC Institute) will pay your incentive. The agencies sponsoring the survey DOES NOT have anything to do with your incentive.

The American Survey Team has partnered with XOXODay. What does that mean? Well, XOXODay is one of the largest suppliers of online Visa debit and electronic gift cards in the US. So, 5-10 business days after your household successfully completes the household travel survey you will receive an email that contains a voucher. You click on that voucher and it will take you to xoxoday.com where you can select from around 100 different gift card options including a Visa debit card option. You even have the opportunity to donate your reward amount to charity.

Also, we typically email our incentives out once a week. So, you won’t need to wait very long once you’ve completed your survey. If you don’t see it in your email inbox check your spam or junk folder. If you ever have any issues, or need us to resend your incentive, just let us know and we will be happy to help.

In the last 10 years, ETC Institute has surveyed over 3,200,000 people in more than 1,000 communities. Our research has laid the foundation for billions of dollars in new public investments for communities just like yours. In fact, considering how many people we’ve surveyed, we’ve likely already contributed to improvements in your city.

Not at all. Since we only conduct survey research for government or public agencies, we aren’t going to be bombarding you with surveys everyday. When we send you an email/text/phone call for a survey opportunity, you can be sure it is important.

Plus if we contact you and you don’t feel like doing it you don’t have to. Participation is always voluntary.

There are some huge differences.

For one, our surveys always revolve around improving your community. Your city government may hire us to reach out to local residents to get their opinions about: Parks and Recreation services, overall City services, Library services, etc. Your opinions will directly impact the decisions your City leaders make. It will help them prioritize and set budgets.

If you have a large public transit system in your town, we might also reach out to get your feedback on those services.

We have a mix of free and paid survey opportunities. When we offer monetary incentives, we don’t offer $0.50 or $1 per survey like some panel groups. Our incentives will usually run from $10 – $25 but can go even higher.