Today, it is difficult to imagine that there are people who do not have access to or struggle to use the internet. For some individuals, it is a matter of security and they do not want to enter sensitive data online. Here at Readex Research we understand their hesitance and want to assure both our survey takers and the companies that they are taking the surveys on behalf of that their data is secure. However, we know that there may still be a hesitance for some to use and access the internet. Because of this, we have kept up using direct mail as one of our methods of sending out surveys to participants.
Reasons We Still Offer Mail Surveys:
Email or online surveys are a great way to get feedback in many cases. But, sometimes using direct mail or a mixed method approach to get data is the better option. With emailed surveys, you must consider your audience, The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and potentially getting lost in the clutter.
What Audience Do You Want to Study?
Age, location, community, and income are important factors to keep in mind before conducting your research. Older audiences and participants without internet access may dislike an all online approach to gathering data. A survey should never inconvenience its participants. While capturing Generation Z and Millennial statistics are important they are not the only demographic that needs to be studied.
GDPR
With mail surveys, you don’t have to worry as much about GDPR regulations as you know where your survey is going. With an email or online survey, usually, you need to have more questions in your survey enquiring if the participant is in an EU/EEA member state. If the participant is in an EU/EEA member state you must then ask them if they consent to their data being used.
Spam and Getting Lost in the Clutter
How many emails do you receive in a day?
Do you read or respond to every email that you receive?
Mail surveys tend to have higher response rates as more people tend to open and look through them. You also don’t have to worry about your survey ending up in anyone’s spam folder.
Sensitive Information
Filling out sensitive data such as salary and benefit information online may alienate potential survey participants. They may not trust that their data will remain secure. These participants may feel more comfortable with a direct mail approach.
Due to all the reasons listed above, a direct mail approach may be a better option in some instances for survey research. Remember, there rarely is a one solution fits all approach to gathering data and in many instances, the better option is to customize many solutions and methods to fit your needs.
