5 Top Traits of a Data Collection Partner for Survey Programming

It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the promises companies make on their websites. Every survey partner says they offer "white glove service" and "boutique quality focus" for their clients. The decision about which data collection partner to work with is a big one.

On the one hand, a market research partner represents a release valve to the internal pressure to complete projects quickly. On the other hand, onboarding a new partner requires an investment of trust, time, and resources.

Whether this is the first time you are exploring outsourcing for a research project or you're seeking a new partner, these are our top five characteristics that will help ensure your investment is well-placed.

Project Management Excellence

Data collection partners are a part of many steps in an overall survey project. You want a partner that you can trust to take some of the work off of your plate so you can focus on other things. Mostly, clients indicate that they want transparent and proactive communication. A true partner will know this is imperative for project success. 

What to look for:

• Operational support for each project from start to finish
• A point person you can reach out to for questions about your project 
• Tools to help you manage the market research project's action items and deadlines
• Feedback on whether your project's budget and time constraints are realistic for your goal

Survey Fraud Protection

Survey fraud is a known problem and the cost is growing each year. Between click farms, bots, and run-of-the-mill fraudsters, it can feel like getting clean data is an insurmountable problem. There is nothing more frustrating than realizing that 30% or more of survey responses are fraudulent. The right partner is upfront about the challenges in the sample marketplace and have enumerated standards for weeding out the bad actors from legitimate answers. Failing to have these project protocols is a sure way to waste budget on unusable responses.

What to look for:

• Quality control checks in each data collection methods
• ​​Use of AI/Machine learning to look for fake responses
• Data validation features built into the survey programming like red herring questions
• IP address validation features
• Survey sample testing before launch

Experience in Global Market Research

Mobile research has removed many geographic restrictions that limit researchers, but that doesn't mean it's as easy as relying solely on Google Translate. You need a service partner capable of retaining the human-to-human connection during international qualitative work.

What to look for:

• Translation and in-language coding services 
• A diverse team to provide multiple perspectives for survey execution and data processing 
• Mentions the partner has connections to local resources

Data Security Standards

When it comes to data security and privacy, GDPR is only the tip of the iceberg. Many U.S. states also now have laws governing the way that personal data can be collected and stored. The correct data collection partner will know how to protect the market research survey data no matter where your research takes place. 

What to look for:

• All of their data collection methods contain double opt-ins for participants that indicated informed consent
• Access to the master document linking participant's names with ID numbers and contact information is accessible by a small number of sampling or panel management staff
• Internal procedures in place for data requests from participants
• Security protocols in place for possible data loss, corruption, and unauthorized access
• Private or sensitive information is anonymized to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

Additional data privacy best practices are provided in ESOMAR's Data Protection Checklist.

Listeners vs. Talkers

According to the 2021 Business & Innovation GRIT Report, 10% of research buyers felt suppliers did not have a deep understanding of their business needs.

The best partners know when to listen instead of talk.

What to look for:

• Project planning sessions that help you plan so your project doesn't fall behind
• Plans for a kickoff meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page
• The ability to change LOI, IR, and sample size after a bid has been approved

Your projects are unique. From qualitative to quantitative, we can match an expert to your project to get it in the field and get insights quickly. Download the Global Market Research Bidding Prep Worksheet and complete the task at hand on time and on budget with full confidence.