Some of the typical research methodologies we utilize are described in the links below. We often use a combination of strategies (such as both a web-based and a telephone survey) for our clients. Research programs are customized to meet the time and budget needs of clients.

Mail-out/mail-back surveys | Email invitation surveys | Web-based surveys
Telephone surveys | Intercept surveys | Focus Groups

1) Mail-out/mail-back surveys
Mail surveys usually take several weeks to be returned after being sent. Normally, a cover letter describing the purpose of the study, the survey, and a postage-paid return envelope are all included in the mailing. Upon receiving the surveys, the data from the forms is entered (either manually or using our electronic scanner) into the computer for further analysis.

Click here for an example of a mailback survey.

2) Email invitation surveys
An email invitation survey is similar to the mail-out/mail-back methodology, except that email is used instead of traditional postal mail to deliver the invitation and the survey; we have found that the rapid adoption of Internet technology in the United States enables us to reach the target audience without substantial concern for bias.

Using a list of email addresses, we carefully craft the invitation, including the subject line, for maximum "click-through" to the survey itself. The link to the web page hosting the survey (on RRC's server) is embedded into the email, with instructions on how to reach the survey. We use the latest survey software to create, collect, and analyze results.

Email invitation surveys are quick and cost effective. Without the printing, postage, and data entry cost associated with mail surveys, email invitations are typically less expensive to administer. Additionally, the turn-around time on results is much faster, making the email invitation methodology ideal for clients needing fast results.

3) Web-based surveys
Similar to the email invitation methodology, web-based surveys utilize the Internet to collect information about your customers. A typical web-based survey involves a open link to the survey posted on your web site (the survey itself is hosted on our site) inviting people perusing your web page to click though and take the survey. Rather than inviting people to take the survey, as for email invitations, the web-based survey relies on visitors to click through, making it a self-selecting form of research.

Click here for an example of a web-based survey.

A survey of this type can help clients better understand the people visiting their web site and collect information about those people for later contact. It is particularly useful for clients to learn about people who are not their regular customers, but might have an interest in purchasing their product or visiting their resort in the future. Useful information about competitors, the purchase or visit decision-making process, and perceptions or impressions of the product can be solicited in this type of research.

4) Telephone surveys
Telephone surveys are useful for reaching a broad range of people, either all within the same geographic location (such as residents of a town or county) or a more diverse population. Telephone surveys can be used to get feedback from potential customers or current customers.

Click here for an example of a telephone survey.

For a phone survey, the characteristics of the target audience must be defined before producing a list of phone numbers. Various quotas in the overall sample can also be set, so that, for example, the gender mix of the respondents is set at a 50-50 split. Phone surveys tend to be more labor intensive, and more expensive, than other forms of research. With the increasing adaption of cell phones, which cannot be called for survey research, some concern exists about theviability of phone research in the future.

5) Intercept surveys
Surveys conducted on-site at a resort or town area and administered by a trained interviewer are called intercept surveys. A great way to get feedback from your current customers, intercept surveys are one of the more common research methodologies utilized for resort clients. Surveys can be administered in high-traffic areas where people tend to congregate. Customers could be asked to evaluate the facilities, amenities, employee service, and overall aspects of their visit, as well as questions about the selection of the resort, trip planning patterns, and other topics of interest.

RRC has experience in training staff, either professional interviewers or simply your regular staff members, on proper interviewing techniques and strategies.

Intercept surveys do not reach people who are not your customers and thus can be combined with another research method (such as an email or telephone survey) that does reach potential, but not current, customers.

Click here for an example of an intercept survey.

6) Focus Groups
RRC owns a full-service focus group facility in Boulder, called the Boulder Focus Center. The Boulder Focus Center provides recruiting, moderating, and hosting services to clients with focus group needs. Our facility has audio and video recording capabilities, along with a viewing room for clients to watch the sessions anonymously.

Focus groups are an excellent research vehicle to dig deeper into subjective issues and get feedback on more comples problems. Some examples might include intent to purchase a new product, impressions of an advertising campaign, or a discussion of trade-offs. RRC and the Boulder Focus Center have extensive experience managing such groups and getting the real opinions and motivations of consumers.

For more information regarding the Boulder Focus Center click here.