Sometimes, when you start a survey, you might find that it is not the right fit for you. This happens after you have answered a few questions about yourself, and you see a message saying the survey is not suitable. Do not worry, this is perfectly normal and an essential part of how market research works.
What does it mean when a survey isn’t right for me?
In market research, companies often want to hear from specific groups of people. They use screener questions to make sure they are reaching the right audience for that particular survey. This helps them get accurate insights, but it also means that sometimes the survey will not be suitable for everyone. Let’s break it down with a few examples:
- A cheese company might want to hear from people who eat cheese every day to understand what their favourite cheese is. In another survey, they might want to hear from people who never eat cheese to learn why not. If you do not fit into either group, the survey will not be right for you.
- A pet food brand could be trying to figure out how to sell more dog food, so they only want to hear from people who have dogs. If you have a cat or no pets at all, you would not be the right fit for that survey.
- A supermarket chain might be looking to understand the shopping habits of people who do their grocery shopping online. If you mostly shop in-store, they might decide this survey is not for you.
- A holiday company could be researching preferences for all-inclusive package holidays. If you usually travel on a budget or prefer self-catering, this particular survey might not apply to you.
Why does this happen?
The goal of market research is to collect opinions from the right people so companies can improve their products and services. Screener questions help make sure the people answering the survey are exactly the ones the company needs to hear from. It is not personal, and it does not mean your input is not valuable. It simply means that this survey is not the best match for you.
Will I still get surveys I can take?
Yes, definitely. There will be plenty of other surveys that match your lifestyle, habits, and preferences. This is just one survey that was not quite right, but others will come along that are a perfect fit for you. It is just how the process works to ensure companies get the most relevant insights.