Our database is completely phone-recruited and fully profiled to give us layers of targeting plus past participation information across all sectors and locations. Respondents have opted in to be contacted for research by phone only. We do not email survey links or recruit respondents for other types of projects. Tight maintenance of this database and strict protocols allow us to boast a >40% response rate and the feasibility to handle the toughest quant project. In 2007 we switched from a partner network business model to a privatised model with phone rooms across the world to create a global database and with it the ability to bring cohesion, quality and consistency to all members.
The co-op is a tightly controlled and very limited group of phone rooms that have access to the database. All members utilise, maintain, manage and ensure the accuracy of the profiling information with every respondent call and survey administered. All members ensure all SOP directives are adhered to. All members report to a central quality control team that is a separate entity in and of itself; it operates as an independent quality assurance department supported by all members.
All original co-op members had in-house phone lists plus purchased lists from list houses including:
These lists were dialled on, respondents were informed of our standard operating procedures and opted in to participate in telephone surveys conducted by co-op members. All respondents who opted in were administered a profiling survey and a test survey within a 30 day period. The test survey was presented like any other however, it included many of the same profiling and role-appropriate questions. The test data was reviewed and compared to the profiling data to establish consistency in answers and alert us to respondents having quality issues. Once respondents were cleared by the quality assurance team they were added to the phone panel and included in studies.
This recruitment method proved highly effective and remains part of our methodology. Every time a respondent is contacted and prior to screening for a survey, their profiling information is verified and updated. Respondents are also asked for feedback on the last survey they completed regardless of which member conducted the study and asked for confirmation of timely incentive receipt.This cooperative, self-policing management has resulted in immense growth over the years. Our panel boasts a <1% throw out rate by clients reviewing the resulting data. The fielding process is stable, predictable and sustainable resulting in zero need for replacements post data check.