We invite specific people only - We do NOT list our projects on a website, or send out detailed information about the screening criteria to all and sundry... even though respondents get frustrated when they are sometimes repeatedly rejected for projects they apply for, we will never reveal your recruitment specification, asking only 'open questions' at every stage, both online and the phone. 

Of course this means we have to screen more respondents, which is a more intensive procedure than simply pasting a recruitment brief all over the internet.  We do this work for you... because we know that the only thing that matters is having the right people there when it counts.

Neat idea...

Of course punctuality is impressed upon Saros respondents at every stage of the process, from the initial invitation to their final reminders - but at the end of the day we all know that the timings will always be more vital to you than to the participants.

One of our clients from across the pond had a great idea recently:  Offering a small prize draw, to all respondents who were seated at 5 minutes before the start time of the group.  It was only a token, low-value gift, but... the thrill of being in it to win it, I guess: the outcome was 8 x bang-on punctual groups.

They also found the effect on the group was very norming and positive, introducing a common competitive element from the outset, without too much at stake for the winners or losers.  Worth thinking about, anyway, if you have fieldwork where the timing is ultra-crucial... although Saros will always recommend overrecruitment, to ensure all possible eventualities are covered.

Who are your respondents anyway?

 

Whilst we are keen to protect respondent's privacy as carefully as your own, we know you absolutely need to be sure that you are getting the right people in your groups.

With the National Identity Card scheme shelved for the foreeseable, lots of people are talking about ways for respondents to identify themselves positively.  Our take on it is quite pragmatic - we start from the point of view that the vast majority of our members are not serial identity fraudsters, and have the right to participate in market research without revealing their identity unnecessarily.  But you also have every right to demand positive proof of their eligibility to participate - so discuss with your Saros Project Manager, what is the best way to tackle this, and we'll ensure your respondents come properly prepared: with ID if needed to access your venue, with their proof of vehicle ownership, their mobile phone AND contract, etc. 

As with all screening criteria, let's keep it relevant to the research in hand - and a passport might be spot-on, if the research is about long-haul travel for example. Between us we can validate everyone effectively - it's now so easy for respondents to send, for example, a quick shot of their product packaging or desktop, etc, to help verify their specific eligibility to participate in your project.

Every researcher we meet has come across a number of genuinely fraudulent respondents. We are actively researching new ways to weed out and eliminate the small percentage of liars and cheats who try to game the system and take part in research by deception - we'll have some announcements on that front before the end of the year.  We'd love your input here - what would be useful and reassuring to you?  Please join the debate by replying to this email, so that our next release serves your specific needs even more effectively.

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