Virtual Incentives has described the use of digital rewards for online research participants, emphasizing delivery soon after a survey is completed. Its November 18, 2014 guide contrasts electronic fulfillment with storing physical cards or mailing checks.

The company says a reward can be linked to the survey process and sent through a mobile-friendly notification. The purpose is to connect completion with receipt while reducing the inventory and shipping work required for physical fulfillment.

Its available options included virtual Visa accounts and electronic gift cards, with personalization for the research program. At the time of the article, the company described its Global Visa virtual account as redeemable in more than 130 countries.

Virtual Incentives presents reward desirability and delivery timing as considerations for researchers selecting an incentive. The guide explains the provider’s approach and historical offering; it does not report a specific survey’s response-rate improvement.