I’m just going to say it: if the cost of research is low, the quality of the data probably is too.
That doesn’t mean the most expensive option will always deliver the best results either. But just like with anything else in life, when you’re evaluating vendors, price should never be the only factor. The real value of research comes from the integrity of the data and the thinking behind it.
So when I hear clients say they loved our proposal but that our price was at a premium, I remind them that high-quality research requires more than a survey link and a few incentives.
It demands:
- Rigorous sampling and strict quality control
- Using panels that are built and maintained with care
- Thoughtfully designed research that engages real people – who read your questions and give meaningful responses
- Subject matter experts who deeply understand your topic area
At Environics Research, we’ve been around for over 50 years because we’ve always put quality first. We invest heavily in quality assurance – often removing more low-quality responses than most firms (yes, that drives costs up). And we pair that commitment to quality with researchers who understand the nuances of the spaces we work in. That means we ask smarter questions, spot red flags early, and deliver insights you can actually trust.
We do this because we refuse to cut corners or expose our clients to questionable data – especially when the decisions they’re making guide strategy, policy, and/or public trust.
So the next time you’re evaluating a research proposal, ask about more than timelines and budget. Ask how they protect data quality. Ask who’s behind the work. Ask how they’d approach your problem if a survey wasn’t even on the table.
Because when the stakes are high – when people’s livelihoods and futures are on the line, “good enough” isn’t good enough.
