"Not a conventional store - this is a "by invitation" site in which you earn dollar credits by filling out consumer surveys. Surveys are matched to your profile, and once a member you are notified of their availability up to several times a week by e-mail; if you fail to qualify you get a token credit (usually 50 cents). The survey part worked well enough - their estimates of the time it will take are usually accurate (a few were way off), and some of the surveys are actually interesting. Compensation seems fair for time invested (again, just a couple of exceptions).

BUT . . . the catch comes when you have to redeem your credits for actual merchandise. If you fly, you probably will exchange for frequent flyer miles, which don't apply to me. But otherwise your choices are more limited than they first appear. Example: a gift certificate for Pier 1 is advertised, but when you try to select it, it's "Out of stock." You can get a $15 certificate for Borders, but they don't tell you (until you try to select it) that you are limited to one per year, and it isn't good on line. Etc.

So buyer beware. Before you sign up, read very carefully what you can exchange your credits for. If it applies to something you do, this could be a good opportunity. As for me, I filled out surveys for 3 months and ended up with absolutely nothing beyond 300 points at Best Buy (a one-time joining offer): the welcome gifts were useless, and I cancelled my account and forfeited all my points when I realized that after eliminating what was limited or not available or I didn't do, I was left with overpriced stores for which I'd have to spend a bunch of bucks first (to get a "discount"), or a raft of complimentary magazine subscriptions that were of no interest. Maybe others fare better."