Research data gives companies the empirical evidence they need to make consistent, informed decisions. Research data helps companies understand consumer preferences, behaviors, and pain points. Phone surveys and online panels are proven ways for companies to obtain research data. However, many companies lack the knowledge and experience to do phone surveys and online panels effectively. The good news is that market research outsourcing services are now available to help. As a result, companies should use outsourced market research to get the most from phone surveys and online panels.
An Overview of Phone Surveys and Online Panels
In a phone survey, researchers call respondents and ask questions from a script. Key advantages of phone surveys for outsourced market research include fast turnaround, human interaction, and broad reach. However, phone surveys lack visuals and are prone to response bias.
*All infographics created by Nicole Baleros
An online panel, by contrast, involves a group of people who agree to participate in a research study in exchange for incentives. Only those people who satisfy specific audience criteria receive a survey link from the researchers. Key benefits of an online panel for outsourced market research include speed, cost-effectiveness, and precision.
Key Comparison of Phone Surveys and Online Panels
Phone surveys and online panels differ in cost, speed, and demographic reach. Phone surveys usually have high completion rates, especially when participants are actively involved. The downside is that phone surveys are expensive to run. Online panels are more affordable and faster to deploy than phone surveys. However, online panels can produce non-representative samples due to researcher carelessness.
When Phone Surveys Provide Better Research Data
Phone surveys provide better research data than online panels when you need direct voice interaction. Phone surveys are also the better option for outsourced market research when you need to clarify confusing topics and reach older populations.
When Online Panels are the Better Option
Online panels are better for outsourced market research when time is of the essence, budgets are limited, and you need to target specific consumer profiles. However, active fraud prevention efforts, such as identity checks and data cleaning, are necessary when using online panels.
Key Takeaways about Outsourced Market Research
Phone surveys and online panels differ in cost, speed, and demographic reach. Phone surveys usually have high completion rates but are expensive to run. Online panels are more affordable and faster to deploy than phone surveys. Phone surveys offer better research data than online panels when direct voice interaction is necessary. Online panels are the better option when time is of the essence, budgets are limited, and you need to target specific consumer profiles. Companies should leverage outsourced market research to get the most out of phone surveys and online panels.
Interested in Outsourced Market Research Services?
Magellan Solutions provides inbound and outbound call center services and business process outsourcing in the Philippines. We have extensive experience providing best-in-class outsourced solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large global enterprises. We are a generalist BPO company that applies a process-improvement mindset to our clients’ outsourcing processes.
