Bang For Your Buck: Three Pricing Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Customer Research Partner

In our last blog, we reviewed four must-ask questions when comparison shopping for any type of customer or market research program. The topic we didn't cover, however, is the one that's often at the forefront of people's minds: money.

It's important to consider not only the total price tag, but also what services you get for the price you pay. Here are the top three questions you should ask before you make a purchasing decision.

Does the Vendor Charge Extra for Customizations?

Your organization is unique — just like everyone else's! That's why strictly templated research programs rarely meet your needs. Vendors often have templates for their work and charge additional fees for any customizations. It's important to learn upfront what degree of customization is included in your contract, and what comes at an additional cost. Spailey Solutions provides fully custom research programs designed and priced to meet your needs — we don't hesitate to pivot if your needs change mid-program.

Does the Vendor Have a Fixed Fee Structure, or a Flexible One?

Many vendors offer fixed pricing, as if you were ordering your research program off a fast-food menu. Key questions to ask include:

• Are you being charged for services you don't need just because they are part of a bundled package?
• Do you own the data collected, or does the vendor charge extra to hand it over?
• What are the confirmed end deliverables and who is responsible for delivering them?
• Are there discounts for annual, bi-annual, or quarterly pre-payment? New-client discounts?

What Are the Fee Terms and Pricing Options?

Sometimes hidden in the small print, fee terms and pricing options can turn what looks like a good deal into a bad one. A vendor may charge by the number of surveys or interviews performed but include a "use it or lose it" clause where you end up paying for deliverables they never conduct. Make sure to ask thorough questions about terms and conditions that could impact the price you pay and the services you receive.