The final quarter of the year is here and the pressure is on.
Projects need to be completed, deadlines are approaching and new proposals are still coming in. When you’re working against tight timelines, few things are more frustrating than receiving a feasibility estimate that falls short of your client’s expectations.
A fieldwork provider can tell you what’s achievable under the original requirements, but when those numbers don’t add up, you need someone who can help you explore the options, challenge assumptions and find a practical way forward. That’s where a partnership approach can change the conversation.
Looking beyond the initial requirements
Imagine you’re preparing a proposal for a healthcare market research study. Your client needs 100 respondents, but the initial feasibility assessment suggests that only 70 can realistically be recruited under the proposed criteria. You’re now facing a difficult decision: do you submit a proposal with a lower sample size, approach additional suppliers, or ask your client to reconsider the requirements?
Rather than simply confirming what’s available, your research partner works with you to understand the objectives and explore possible adjustments.
- Could a small change to the recruitment criteria expand the eligible audience?
- Would your client consider allowing a proportion of respondents to be recruited outside a predefined list?
- Are there alternative recruitment sources worth exploring?
For example, the original 70 respondents might be supplemented by another 10 through adjustments to the screening criteria and a further 20 through an agreed expansion of the recruitment approach.
Identifying and assessing these options can add pressure to an already busy team. Working with a fieldwork partner gives you the support to evaluate what’s realistic and develop a practical proposal with clear assumptions and recommendations.
These figures are illustrative and any adjustments would need to be assessed for their impact on sample quality and research objectives – example only.
Helping agencies make stronger proposals
Feasibility can influence how competitive your proposal is and how confidently you can present it to your client. Returning with a lower sample estimate may put your team at a disadvantage, particularly when other providers appear able to meet the original requirements.
A consultative fieldwork partner can help you explain what is achievable, what adjustments might improve feasibility and where compromises may be necessary. This gives your team a stronger basis for discussing the proposal with your client. You can present realistic alternatives, explain the reasoning behind each recommendation and help your client make an informed decision.
How we approach partnership
At m360 Research, this is how we approach our role, working as an extension of our clients’ teams. We work alongside agencies to assess project requirements, explore recruitment options and recommend practical solutions. When challenges arise, we review the available alternatives and help clients understand the implications of each decision.
When your team encounters a challenge, you should be able to count on your fieldwork partner to help find a way forward.
Let's discuss your next project
Whether you’re preparing a new proposal or reviewing feasibility for an upcoming study, m360 Research can help you assess the requirements, explore recruitment options and develop a practical approach to delivery. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project.
