When it comes to conducting market research, businesses have two options: outsource or do it in-house. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your business will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Below are 7 aspects when comparing these 2 options.
Outsourcing Market Research
Pros:
Costs: Outsourcing market research can save you money on the upfront costs of hiring and training an in-house team. Market research agencies typically have economies of scale that allow them to offer lower prices than businesses that conduct market research in-house.
Access to talent: Outsourcing gives you access to a pool of top talents. Market research agencies have teams of experienced and qualified researchers who can conduct complex and specialized studies.
Flexibility: Outsourcing market research gives you great flexibility. You can scale your research up or down as needed, and you can choose the specific services that you need.
Project completion time: Market research agencies can typically launch projects faster than in-house teams. This is because they have the experience and resources to streamline the research process.
Information security: Market research agencies typically have high standards for information security. They use encryption and other security measures to protect your data.
Cons:
Communication: There is a possibility of communication gaps when you outsource. It is important to communicate your needs clearly to the market research agency and to be available to answer their questions.
Management: You have less control over the project when you outsource. The market research agency will be responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing the research.
In-House Market Research
Pros:
Management: You have full control over the project when you conduct market research in-house. This gives you the flexibility to make changes to the research design and execution as needed.
Communication: Communication is typically smoother between in-house market research teams and the rest of the company. This is because the team members are already familiar with the company’s culture and goals.
Cons
Costs: In-house market research can be more expensive than outsourcing. You will have to incur the costs of hiring and training a team of researchers, as well as the costs of purchasing research software and equipment.
Access to talent: In-house market research teams may not have the same level of expertise as market research agencies. This is because it can be difficult to attract and retain top talent for in-house teams.
Flexibility: In-house market research teams may have less flexibility than market research agencies. This is because they are limited by the resources and expertise that are available within the company.
Project completion time: In-house market research projects may take longer to complete than outsourced projects. This is because in-house teams may have less experience and expertise in conducting market research.
Information security: In-house market research teams typically have good standards for information security. They are responsible for protecting your data from unauthorized access and disclosure.
Which Option is Best for You?
The best way to decide whether to outsource or conduct market research in-house is to consider your specific needs and circumstances. If you are on a tight budget or need to launch a project quickly, outsourcing may be the best option for you. If you need a high level of expertise or control over the project, in-house market research may be a better choice.
Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:
The size and complexity of your project: Large and complex projects may be better suited for outsourcing, as market research agencies have the resources and expertise to handle them.
Your budget: Outsourcing can save you money on upfront costs, but in-house market research may be a better option in the long term if you need to conduct regular market research.
Your expertise: If you have limited expertise in market research, outsourcing may be the best option for you.
Your needs for control: If you need to have full control over the project, in-house market research may be a better choice.
