Market research panelists have often received checks or PayPal cash as their incentive payments over the years. The incentive budget is the first to suffer when a client’s survey project budget is limited. While it could appear like the simplest and most economical approach to maximize money, is it really the case? Panel managers and market research experts are increasingly aware that in order to actively engage panelists, they must use incentive payment technology and marketing strategies that are easy to use. Today, panel managers can use technology and benefit from the idea of “Reverse Preference.” Reverse Preference allows the panelist to choose their own reward while the check remains the primary option. Other options include VISA Prepaid Cards, Gift Cards, Digital Rewards, and Gamification (all of which are at a lower cost). By choosing alternate incentives over checks by even minor percentages, panelist incentive expenses are decreased, and in the case of point-based systems, a liability is removed from the company’s balance sheet. As more and more panels start to provide different incentives, those that do not offer them will lose popularity, which lowers the lifetime value of the panelist and reduces panelist participation. Market research is left questioning […]
Tag: rewards system
How to Reduce Panel Incentive Payouts Without Sacrificing Engagement
Over the years the incentive payout to market research panelists has typically been in the form of checks or PayPal cash. When a client’s survey project budget is tight, which is the case, the incentive budget is the first to get squeezed. While it may seem the easiest and most cost effective solution maximize dollars, but is that the case? More and more it is apparent to panel managers and market research professionals that to actively engage panelists they need to employ incentive payout technology and marketing tactics their panelists are comfortable using. Panel managers are now able to leverage technology and to take advantage of the concept of “Reverse Preference”. Reverse Preference is where the panelist can self-select the reward of their choice, while the panel still makes available the check as a primary option, along with offering VISA Prepaid Cards, Gift Cards, Digital Rewards, and Gamification (all of which are at a lower cost). By panelists now self-selecting other incentives by even small percentages over checks – panel incentive costs are reduced and in the case of points based programs, a reduction of liability off the balance sheet for their company. With more and more panels beginning to […]
