Top 10 Tips for Selecting a Research Company in China

(PRWEB) February 6, 2006

Research services are available from a huge number of suppliers in China, ranging from local to national in scope, and including research generalists, sector specialists, and niche players supplying every service from basic data collection, to sophisticated analysis.

Jeremy Gordon, Chief Executive of China Business Services recommends that, in selecting a research company, it is important to look beyond the glossy brochures, and at issues such as:

1. Independence: government-related companies are less likely to be objective, but may be able to provide internal data, access to leading companies, and useful connections.

2. Information Sources: multiple sources, including government and industry insiders, are needed to provide a balanced view.

3. Resources: these may be limited. Check what resources are available in-house, and what will be sub-contracted. For multi-location research, check what local resources are available, and with what controls.

4. Experience: in addition to asking questions to test the researchers’ knowledge of your business and the research aims, look at case studies, client lists, and references that can be checked. A little due diligence at the outset can save a lot of time, effort, and cost at the end.

5. Professionalism: professional service and good communications provide added confidence, and minimize the need to micro-manage projects. If this is a problem, look elsewhere.

6. Project Team: understand who will actually deliver the project - the director who sells it, or the new intern taking notes in the meeting? Ensure lines of communication with the project director are clear.

7. Project Management: good management will minimize the need for client inputs and delays. Check that processes are in place, and conduct regular reviews, especially in the early stages.

8. Proposal: this should show an understanding of the brief, be well organized, and provide clear information on the project plan and delivery. A poorly presented, generic proposal may indicate the sort of research that will be provided.

9. Research costs: costs vary widely - in terms of price, as well as executive time and stress, and value of information - depending on the company used. Resources should be selected to provide the best balance of value, insight, and professional service for the job in hand.

10. Start small and limit risk: don’t wait until critical research is needed for the board meeting next week…identify and build relationships with key advisors over time. It is useful to start by outsourcing smaller projects in order to test researchers’ capabilities and gain confidence.

Gordon notes that “local resources can be very good and cost-effective. We work closely with specialist researchers all over China, and are able to deliver quality results at surprisingly low cost”.

Jeremy Gordon is Chief Executive of China Business Services Limited an independent, research-driven consultancy that uses expert local resources to deliver consolidated solutions to international companies in China.

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