Is Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) Legit? 2026 Review, Safety Score & Payouts
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 12, 2026
Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) offers premium research studies with high payouts per study. However, be prepared for a long wait time to receive your earnings.
Why We Love It
- High payouts per study
- Reputable, long-standing company
- Variety of interesting studies
The Catch
- ✕Slow payment processing (4-8 weeks)
- ✕Study availability can be inconsistent
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What is Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) & How Does It Work?
Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) is a market research company that pays people to participate in various studies. They focus on premium clinical and market research, offering opportunities for those who fit specific profiles.
Unlike typical survey sites, Sago often involves more in-depth studies like focus groups, interviews, or product tests, rather than just quick surveys.
At A Glance
- TypeSurvey
- PlatformDesktop & Mobile Web
- CostFree
- Est. Year1969 (57 Years)
How It Works
Join the Panel
Sign up on the Sago website to become a panel member. You will create a profile with your background information.
Take Studies
Sago will match you with available premium clinical and market research studies based on your profile. These can include online or in-person tasks.
Get Paid
After successfully completing a study and its approval, you will earn money. Payments are sent via Virtual Visa, Amazon Gift Card, or check.
Is Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) Legit or a Scam? (Safety Check)
When considering any online earning platform, it is smart to check its legitimacy. Here is what we found about Sago.
- Real Company, Long History: Sago has a 55-year legacy in the market research industry, operating globally. They are a well-established company, not a fly-by-night operation.
- Focus on Quality Research: The company works with major brands and organizations to gather insights. This means they conduct serious, high-value research studies.
- Transparent Leadership: Sago lists its leadership team and has a public presence, including news and media mentions. This level of transparency builds trust.
- Data Security Practices: Sago states they maintain high levels of data security with rigorous compliance processes. This is important when sharing personal information for studies.
Verdict: Legit
Sago is a legitimate and reputable market research company. They have a long history of connecting people with research opportunities and paying them for their participation.
How Much Money Can You Make? (Earning Potential)
Understanding your earning potential is key for any side hustle. Here is what to expect when earning with Sago.
- High Payouts Per Study: Sago is known for offering higher payments per study compared to typical survey sites. This is because their studies are often more in-depth and require specific participant profiles.
- No Guaranteed Hourly Rate: While payments per study are good, Sago does not advertise an hourly rate. Your effective hourly earnings will depend on the study's complexity and how quickly you complete it.
- Study Availability Varies: You might not receive study invitations every day or even every week. The number of studies you qualify for depends on your profile and current research needs.
- Premium Study Types: Studies can include online surveys, digital discussions, in-person focus groups, and product testing. These often offer better compensation than simple questionnaires.
Bottom Line: Sago offers good payouts for the studies you qualify for, but it is not a consistent income source. Treat it as a way to earn extra money when opportunities arise.
Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) Payment Methods & Cashout Speed
Getting paid promptly and reliably is crucial. Here is how Sago handles payments to its participants.
- Payment Method: Sago offers several ways to receive your earnings: Virtual Visa cards, Amazon Gift Cards, or a physical check.
- Minimum Cashout: You can request a payout once your earnings reach the minimum threshold of $10.00.
- Cashout Speed: One important point to note is that payment processing can be slow. It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to receive your earnings after a study is completed and approved.
- Approval Process: Before payment is issued, your study submission needs to be reviewed and approved by Sago or the research client. This ensures the quality of your participation.
- Tax Considerations: Like most online earning platforms, money earned through Sago may be considered taxable income. You are responsible for reporting your earnings to the tax authorities.
Bottom Line: Sago provides reliable payment options and a low minimum cashout. However, you will need to be patient as payments can take several weeks to arrive.
Pros and Cons of Using Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group)
The Good
- High Payouts. Studies on Sago typically offer higher compensation than standard online surveys.
- Reputable Company. With over 55 years in the industry, Sago is a well-established and trusted name.
- Interesting Studies. You can participate in premium clinical and market research, often on engaging topics.
- Multiple Payment Options. You can choose to get paid via Virtual Visa, Amazon Gift Card, or a check.
- Low Minimum Cashout. You only need to earn $10 to request a payout.
The Bad
- Slow Payments. Payments can take a long time, often 4 to 8 weeks, to process.
- Inconsistent Work. Study availability varies, so it is not a steady source of income.
- Strict Eligibility. Studies often require specific demographics, meaning you might not qualify for many opportunities.
- No Hourly Rate. An explicit hourly earning rate is not provided, making it hard to predict earnings per time spent.
Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sago (formerly Schlesinger Group) legit or a scam?
Sago is a legitimate market research company with a 55-year history. They conduct real studies for real clients and pay participants for their time and opinions.
How much money can I make on Sago?
Sago offers high payouts per study, but total monthly earnings vary widely. It depends on how many studies you qualify for and complete.
How fast do they pay on Sago?
Payments from Sago can be slow. It often takes between 4 to 8 weeks to receive your earnings after a study is completed and approved.
What payment methods does Sago offer?
You can receive your earnings through a Virtual Visa card, an Amazon Gift Card, or a physical check.
Who qualifies for Sago studies?
Sago looks for participants with specific backgrounds and demographics for their premium market and clinical research studies. Eligibility varies per study.
How can I get more studies on Sago?
To increase your chances of getting matched with studies, make sure your profile is fully completed and kept up-to-date with accurate information.
What kind of studies does Sago offer?
Sago offers a range of premium clinical and market research studies. These can include online discussions, in-person focus groups, product tests, and surveys.

