Survey is a market research
tool. It gathers opinion from consumers on the given aspects
of a product under survey and defines the verdict. The trade
needs this tool for picking up vital leads to plan new venture,
business expansion, product betterment, merger, diversification
etc.
Survey employs “sampling technique”.
viz. a select group to represent the cross section of consumers
for collecting the requisite size of data. The survey begins
with the consent of the consumer after explaining its spirit
and intent . A questionnaire is placed before the consumers
for their honest response and their feedback – opinion,
views, comments etc. - is analyzed to project the findings.
Opinion Polls, Popularity surveys, Product
Surveys, Population Surveys, Telephonic
surveys for personal or home loans etc. come under the term
survey. These are conducted either online or off line.
Web based Online
surveys are completed in real time without personal
contact, sooner than other free
paid surveys. It can also use audio-visual and image
highlights features which boost the response rate. Data
is intact; it is tamper proof. It involves minimum staff
and travel. Being efficient and cost effective there is
s scope for enlargement of the sample size without extra
expenditure. Moreover online data facilitates application
of latest software for analysis and formulation of result.
Overall credibility of the survey result is thus guaranteed.
Recognition of consumers’ right,
improvement in consumers, awareness, product
betterment and likely gifts, rewards and prizes are some
gains.
Some surveys companies
do not adhere to privacy policy and may pass on the survey
data to their affiliates or associates. Access to contact
details may result in disturbances like unsolicited inquiries
by phone, surface mails, emails or even personal threats.
Hoax, or scam survey is a nemesis. These are major disadvantages.
The consumers are therefore cautioned to check the credentials
of the companies before registration in their own interest.
Some surveys related artciles
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