Custom Panels Services

Applications Consultation

A custom panel can support a wide range of strategic and tactical objectives. For example, a panel can be used to monitor and anticipate changes in needs, purchase motivations, brand images and preferences, as well as purchase propensities. The same panel can help product developers test product concepts, features and packaging or senior management can tap into the panel to obtain quick reliable market insight on issues of strategic importance. National Analysts consultants draw upon considerable panel, market and industry expertise to help you maximize the utility of your panel over time.

Panel Design

How many panelists do you need? What types of buyers should be represented? What countries or regions should the panel cover? Who should you recruit? How frequently should you contact a panelist? Experienced National Analysts consultants work with you to address these and many other critical design issues to ensure that you get the most out of your panel.

Recruitment

Recruiting is one of the most important and difficult components of panel development and maintenance. Clearly, the accuracy and value of panel data depends on reliable input from qualified, unbiased panelists but, it is increasingly difficult to recruit qualified participants. Applying extensive research and panel development experience in diverse, global markets, National Analysts consultants help you recruit the right people for the right information.

Data Collection

While we are well versed in all panel data collection methodologies, we use online methods most often to collect data for the custom panels we run today. Online data collection is preferred because it is generally less expensive and enables faster access to information than the alternatives. National Analysts’ NA WebQuest offers clients an engaging, comprehensive, powerful, panelist-friendly survey platform that can support virtually any application or objective including product demonstrations. Our online bulletin board is a particularly cost effective way to conduct qualitative and drill-down research among panelists.

Analysis and Reporting

In addition to collecting data from the panel, we can apply a full complement of analytic methods to interpret and draw insights from the data. Our repertoire includes proprietary conjoint, forecasting and modeling techniques. Additionally, we can prepare customized reports and presentations that fit seamlessly into your management reporting requirements.

Database Management

During the panel design phase, we work with the client to build a flexible database plan. These plans typically include the incorporation of available customer and third party data. At the client’s request, we continue to develop, clean, merge and manage the panel database. If the client prefers to manage the data themselves, we are available to provide guidance.

Panel Maintenance

Attrition and replacement bias are the two biggest panel maintenance problems. It is common today for panels to have attrition rates in excess of 50%. Erosion rates of this magnitude undermine the cost advantages of a panel. More importantly, erosion can result in an unrecognized bias if replacement panelist selection is not precisely defined and managed. National Analysts can help you minimize attrition and bias. For instance, we know from experience that panel attrition can be minimized by using well-written, professional communications and knowledgeable, thought provoking information gathering approaches. Bias can be reduced by creating and implementing a detailed sampling plan. If you are considering a panel, National Analysts panel experience and professional training are assets you should consider.