Reach people without the internet; the traditional self-completion survey.
One of the oldest survey techniques, yet the postal survey still has a place in modern market research. A 10% response is a good average. But if you have a hot topic, a well-designed questionnaire, good publicity and suitable reminders, you can get it up to 30% or more.
- Postal surveys are particularly effective in reaching those people not on the internet.
- A major advantage of postal surveys is that they can be completed at home in private.
- They are a very cost effective method for approaching large populations where evidence of everyone being offered an opportunity to respond is important.
- Respondents anonymity in postal surveys is enhanced by using Freepost or Business Reply return envelopes. It can also improve responses, both quality and quantity.
- Postal surveys allow you to use your own designed material – with logo and letter head if you want, as well as illustrations and stimulus material.
Contact us for more information or advice
Contact usA major drawback of postal surveys is that participants select themselves so control over quota is poor. However, we use a range of follow up techniques to encourage response. This can be especially important when a statistically sound level of response is required from specific sectors.
By taking a general’ rule of thumb’ 10% response for postal surveys, you can calculate how many surveys you need to post out. You can usually achieve a statistically reliable response by obtaining 400 responses with a +/- 5% confidence interval – generally robust enough.
We are able to carry out all elements of a postal survey, questionnaire design and print, stuffing, mailing, return post, data entry and analysis but are happy to provide those elements which complement your in house capabilities.
Recent Projects
Citizens Panel
With some carefully planned reminders and prompts Fieldwork Assistance actually achieved over 70% response from an established Citizens Panel. The use of a postal self completion enabled participants to be given some background information to read before [...]