Get Paid / What to Expect
Your first visit
What to Expect as a First-Time VCS Panelist
New to product testing? Here is what happens at your first visit, what a study looks like, and how you get paid.
Step one
Your registration visit
Your first visit is a short registration appointment at our clinic in Teaneck. We collect some basic information, and a staff member walks you through how our studies work.
We also take photos. This helps us match you to the studies you are suited for, based on your skin type, age range and skin concerns.
During a study
What a study visit looks like
Every study is a little different. Depending on the study, our team may:
Give you products to try
You use the product as directed, at home or at the clinic.
Take clinical photos
Photos are taken in our studio under the same lighting each visit.
Take skin measurements
Our technicians use handheld instruments to measure things like skin hydration.
Ask you a few questions
Short questionnaires about how the product looked and felt to you.
Inside our clinic
A look around a study visit
Every study is different, but many visits follow these steps.
Get settled
If your study needs it, you change in one of our private changing rooms.
Wash up
You wash your face at our wash station so every reading starts from clean skin.
A quick measurement
A technician takes a short skin reading with a handheld instrument. It only takes a moment.
Clinical photos
We take your photos in our studio, with the same lighting and position every visit, so changes are easy to compare.
Hear from a panelist
Meet Jess, a VCS panelist
Jess shares what it is like to take part in studies at VCS.
Panelist interview with Jess
Panelist experience with Jess
Questions
Questions From First-Time Panelists
What happens at my first visit?
Your first visit is a short registration appointment at our clinic in Teaneck. We collect some basic information, a staff member walks you through how our studies work, and we take photos so we can match you to the right studies.
Who can become a VCS panelist?
Panelists must be at least 18 years old and US permanent residents. You do not need any experience with product testing.
How much do studies pay?
Studies pay $100 or more, depending on the length of the study and the number of visits.
How do I get paid?
Study payments are loaded onto a reloadable ClinCard. Funds are usually available about 2 business days after the study ends. If you leave a study early, you may be paid for the visits you completed.
Do I need to give my Social Security Number?
Yes. We need your Social Security Number or ITIN to pay you, because study payments are reported to the IRS. If you earn more than $2,000 in a year, VCS sends you a 1099.
Can I tell friends and family about the products I test?
No. Many products are not on the market yet, so what you test and how it worked must stay confidential between you and VCS.
Join our panelist list
Book your registration visit
Choose a time that works for you. Questions? Call (551) 465-7697.
To learn how we protect your information, read our Panelist Privacy Notice.