Choosing the wrong fieldwork vendor can cost you more than money. Here are 7 fatal mistakes agencies make.
1. Choosing Based on Lowest Price Alone
The cheapest vendor often cuts corners on training, QC, or verification.
2. Not Verifying Interviewer Credentials
Ask for CVs, training certificates, and past references.
3. Ignoring Quality Control Process
A vendor without documented QC is flying blind. Ask about QC percentage and independence.
4. No Real-Time Monitoring
Real-time dashboards catch issues on Day 1, not Day 14.
5. Skipping the Pilot Phase
Always run a pilot (10-20 interviews) before full deployment.
6. Not Checking Geographic Coverage
Ask about area coordinators and city presence.
7. Overlooking Data Security
Ask about encryption, storage protocols, and NDA compliance.
The Takeaway
A reliable vendor has transparent processes, trained personnel, independent QC, and real-time reporting.