Published for Advertising & Marketing Research Professionals by Beta Research Corporation

by David Buchler

What is INFO-CHECK?

• Info-check is an effective method of obtaining information from users of a product or service.
  
• Info-check is most effective when used to reach low incidence targets.
  
• It can be used to obtain reactions to specific stimuli and to create a database for future research.

How does INFO-CHECK work?

• Low denomination checks are printed and provided to the manufacturer for insertion into selected packages of products.
  
• Questions are printed on the back of the stub and the answers are recorded on the back of the check.
  
• After the purchaser/user fills out the check, he or she deposits in their bank account. The completed checks are returned to Beta Research for coding, data entry and tabulation.

Applications of INFO-CHECK

• Obtain consumer feedback on new product introductions.
  
• Identify users/triers to develop a profile of the franchise and or for subsequent research.
  
• Obtain in-market reaction to packaging and/or product changes (test vs. current scenario).
  
• Monitor product quality
  
• Obtain information from newsstand purchasers of magazines.

Return Rates

• Approximately 20% of the checks are returned within three months of on-shelf distribution of the packages containing the checks.
  
• An average of 90% of the checks returned are completed.
  
• About 85% of the completed checks include names, addresses, and/or phone numbers.

Advantages of INFO-CHECK

• The purchase is made under normal conditions. The purchaser does not know that the check is in the package/magazine.
  
• The respondent is a proven purchaser of the product. The only way the respondent can obtain the check is by purchasing the product/magazine.
  
• By volunteering an address and/or phone number, the respondent has indicated a willingness to participate in future research.