A new feature is launched this morning on the MrWeb market research site. The Fieldwork Exchange (FieldEx for short) enables buyers, agency or client side, to brief a selection of fieldwork suppliers online. The shortlist can be compiled from a combination of a directory search and nominated / regular suppliers, and buyers can paste a pre-written brief or use an online form as a guide. The directory should be widely used because MrWeb this week received unexpected but welcome evidence to suggest that it is busier than 'the busiest MR Web site in the world'...
The Exchange is similar to the earlier (full service) Survey Exchange but introduces new features and is expected to attract users from a broader range of companies. About 20 field agencies currently have entries, and more will be added in the next week or two, taking advantage of a free trial offer which will last until the end of March. The Exchange will remain free to buyers - advertisers will be contacted about pricing in March.
Unlike the earlier full service briefing facility, FieldEx does not require a password although these can be requested if buyers wish to save completed briefing forms for later use. The directory places a ceiling of 10 on the number of agencies to be briefed, but recommends no more than 4 for most purposes. Potential suppliers are told in the email how many others are being asked to quote, so they can decide how much effort they think is justified.
MrWeb has seen a flurry of activity in the last 2 months, with the launch of 5 new features. Apart from FieldEx these are:
It seems unlikely that MrWeb is the busiest MR Web site in the world either. It may be one of the busiest, but as researchers, it's our duty to be scrupulous about the way we phrase these promotional claims. So who used the stats and made the rather spurious claim mentioned above? The BMRA.
:)
The Association have not yet replied to our email questioning the statistic, but we shall of course print their answer if we get one. Given the fact that 'hits' are the least reliable way of measuring anything on the Web, as opposed to page views or site visits, we wouldn't recommend jumping to any conclusions about site rankings just yet in any case. If we can get figures for page views and site visits from the other major sites, you'll see the comparison here.
If your company offers fieldwork and is not yet in the Exchange, you can complete the entry form online and take the free trial for two and a half months, via the Home Page address below. If you're looking for a fieldwork provider today, please try it - and if you have any comments, ring (020 7515 6040) or email Nick Thomas.
FieldEx - www.mrweb.com/fieldex
SurvEx - www.survex.net
Diary - www.mrweb.com/diary/
All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.
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