Our market research company keeps the pulse on the latest and greatest in the industry so you don't have to. We don't just talk market research, we live it, we write about it, and we share it. Our fingers hurt because of it. Often. Learn more about market research basics, tricks, trends, and ideas. Grab a fresh coffee, there is so much here, you'll need it.
Market Research Company Blog
-
What 140 Characters Can Teach us in Market Research
Posted at: 10/11/2016 2:03 PM
In your daily routine at the office (e.g., typing emails, speaking to clients over the phone, talking with colleagues while grabbing a morning coffee), I bet your dialogue lasts longer than 140 characters. If it doesn't you are either extremely shy, unsociable, or bitter. I'm not talking about the coffee. Enter the arena of Twitter however, and everything you say needs to be short and quick. However, "The Land of 140 Characters" can teach us a few lessons in market research and in business in ge
-
Case Study: Data Backup and Recovery Service Online Survey
Posted at: 10/11/2016 1:58 PM
What were the objectives of the market research? Drive Research recently partnered with EVault and Carbonite, a global data backup and recovery company to complete an online survey. The objective(s) of the market research were to identify factors most important to IT professionals and users when choosing a data backup and recovery service, usage of specific products, likelihood to recommend products, and satisfaction levels with products. The ultimate goal of the market research was to leve
-
What is Snowball Sampling? | Market Research Company Upstate NY
Posted at: 10/10/2016 1:55 PM
Market research involves many different types of probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling methods. I previously covered how the industry as a whole is warming up to directional research using convenience and other non-probability samples because of the budgetary and timeline benefits. Another form of convenience sampling is called snowball sampling (often referred to as referral sampling). What is snowball sampling? Snowball sampling is a form of sampling which begins by randomly selec
-
A Market Researcher Walks Into a Bar...
Posted at: 10/9/2016 1:53 PM
Storytelling in market research. It's a trend that's been covered at every conference in the industry over the past few years. Storytelling is nothing new to teachers, authors, journalists, or even bedside mothers, but it's a new and sometimes uncomfortable concept for many market researchers. I mean, we're supposed to be data nerds not creative geniuses right? Unfortunately, business moves fast and market research has always fought to stay on the radar and in the budget. So instead of fighting
-
Directional Research Provides Fast and Inexpensive Results
Posted at: 10/8/2016 1:49 PM
I came across an article the other day in Quirks titled "What can journalists teach us about crafting more compelling research reports" written by Eric Whipkey, assistant manager of member satisfaction and experience metrics at Navy Federal Credit Union. In it, the author discusses a number of market research trends I have been monitoring for a while including the need for market researchers to tell a story with data, days of 100+ page reports dwindling, and the growing inclination for organizat
-
9 Examples of How We're More Than a Market Researcher
Posted at: 10/6/2016 1:42 PM
So there I was in the supermarket line waiting, 3rd behind the person checking out with the cashier. I often use my lunch hour to catch up on errands and do some grocery shopping to save more time for my family in the evening. During these few spare minutes with my grocery hand basket half-full I started to think about my to-do list for the afternoon. The customer's discussion with the cashier continued because she had an issue with her boxed macaroni and cheese and needed a price check. The wai
-
What is Frugging? | Market Research 101
Posted at: 10/3/2016 8:55 PM
If you've ever received a phone call during dinner or family time and heard, "I am on the Do Not Call List. Stop calling me," you're not alone. In the world of market research, such reactions are common. Surveys are intended to benefit consumers by improving products and services, setting appropriate price points, and providing a channel for feedback. Yet, there’s a growing negativity towards these calls, often due to experiences with unethical practices. One such practice is frugging. Wh
-
The Double-Sale of Market Research
Posted at: 9/30/2016 8:46 PM
One distinctive factor differentiating supplier side research from client-side market research is the requirement of selling the process. Clients who hire their own in-house market research team clearly have a need for market research. In client-side research, teams have to "sell" to their management team when they need specific market research projects. For example, this internal sale would involve the Target research team convincing Target management to commission customer focus groups to und
-
Case Study: New York State Fair Intercept Surveys
Posted at: 9/28/2016 8:41 PM
Drive Research was the official intercept survey company for the New York State Fair in 2016. The 12-day event drew 1.1 million visitors, which was a new attendance record. The Drive team was there to witness the spectacle, the crowds, the food, and the fun, collecting visitor feedback through our intercept survey script. The survey was the only officially sanctioned survey with in-the-moment visitors to The Great New York State Fair. If you were at the Fair in 2016, you may have recognized "Tea
-
5 Benefits of Hiring a Startup Firm | Challenge Your Assumptions
Posted at: 9/27/2016 8:36 PM
Most businesses are cautious when hiring a startup firm and rightfully so. This is particularly the case in a situation where you have no relationship with the owner or founder. You are probably asking questions like will they leave me hanging? Will they close their doors? Will they provide quality work? Do I really want to be one of their first clients? All questions you may be asking yourself as you consider your decision. If you've been fortunate enough to work with the owner of the startup
-
What is Self-Selection Bias? [With Examples]
Posted at: 9/26/2016 8:30 PM
In the realm of online surveys and research, ensuring the accuracy of your data is crucial for drawing reliable conclusions. One common challenge that researchers face is self-selection bias. But what exactly is self-selection bias, and how can it impact your findings? In this blog, we'll explore the concept of self-selection bias, illustrate it with real-world examples, and discuss strategies to avoid it. What is Self-Selection Bias? Self-selection bias in market research is a type of non
-
What are Demographics? | Market Research Agency Syracuse NY
Posted at: 9/22/2016 8:16 PM
I've covered a lot of core market research terms and principles on the Drive website through our Market Research 101 category, and this post addresses another one. The term demographics in market research is one of the most well-known and widely utilized terms. Demographics are categorization titles used to describe different populations of people. Some common types of demographic data include: Gender Age Marital Status Household Income Ethnicity Even location categorizations such as ZIP