Month: June 2021

1. Home

In 2020, UK citizens spent over £250m more on groceries each week than in previous years. To take advantage of current consumer spending trends, your product must meet, and in most cases, exceed customer expectations. Consumer testing gives brands the insight they need to develop high-quality products. This form of product testing includes research methods that rely on consumer feedback to measure your product’s performance or properties. So, with that in mind, let’s run you through some of the different types of consumer testing.

Taste Testing

Taste testing is a product acceptance research method that tells you what customers really think about your product. Research can be conducted using home use testing or central location testing methods. Most taste tests are conducted on location as it allows researchers to create a controlled environment for all participants, which leads to more objective feedback. New and existing brands can benefit from taste testing. New brands can use the data received from the tests to impress retail partners and secure shelf space in busy UK supermarkets. Established brands, on the other hand, can use taste testing to make their product more competitive and increase market share. One of the most significant benefits of taste testing is that the research process itself acts as marketing. When tests are conducted in prominent locations such as shopping centres or supermarkets, your brand awareness increases automatically, likely increasing product sales.

Online Research

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of going digital. Online research is an affordable way to get feedback from your target audience, as there are no additional costs such as travelling expenses. As the name suggests, the research is conducted virtually, and customers can participate from the comfort of their homes. It’s essential to have the right software for accurate data collection when conducting online research. The last thing you want is for your product adjustments to be based on feedback from automated bots. An experienced consumer research company, such as Wirral Sensory Services, utilises reliable software and research methods to deliver real data from real people.

Focus Group Study

Focus groups studies are a qualitative research method that provides insight into your customer’s behaviour. During the research process, approximately eight respondents (sometimes more, sometimes less) are selected to discuss research topics for approximately two hours. The discussions topics and format are designed with your research objectives in mind. When conducted correctly, the data received from focus groups can give brands insight into their competitiveness, the effectiveness of their package design, or even product usefulness.

Children’s Testing

Children’s brands often find it challenging to gain objective feedback from their young target market. The research methods used in adult product research can’t be applied when conducting children’s research. There are critical differences in the research methods applied, even though the principles and desired feedback may be the same. For example, children can’t answer long-winded questionnaires. The questions must be designed specifically for their age group. Most children’s research is conducted through home use tests. The extended time spent with your product allows for comprehensive feedback that can be used for claim support or to make product adjustments.

Choose Wirral Sensory Services For All of Your Consumer Testing Requirements

Consumer research is an essential part of your brand’s success. With your brand’s profits at stake, the last thing you should be doing is investing in incorrect research methodologies. That’s why you need to enlist the help of industry experts. Wirral Sensory Services has over 20 years of experience in product research, including children’s testing, focus group studies, and taste testing. Our research team includes MRS-accredited moderators, experienced sensory panellists, and marketing claim support experts. We are serious about your brand’s success and have helped brands of all sizes conduct comprehensive product research. Contact us today, and one of our experienced team members will help you get started on your research journey.

1. Home

While no brand ever sets out to fail, hundreds of UK food and beverage brands do just that every year. Many of the failures occur because brands simply aren’t meeting their target audience’s expectations. Whether your product packaging is too dull or the taste is too bland, you won’t know what consumers think unless you ask them. Product research allows brands to connect with customers meaningfully. By asking the right questions, you can gather the insightful data you need to make the changes your brand needs to become or remain successful. Central location testing and home use testing are effective product research methods that give brands direct access to consumers – but knowing which research method to invest in can be complicated. So, does your brand need central location testing or home use testing? Let’s talk you through each method to help you make an informed choice.

What is Central Location Testing?

Central location tests are conducted in a controlled and public environment, such as a supermarket. The tests can also take place in laboratories, depending on the nature of the product. Central location testing allows for objective feedback as all participants experience the same conditions. During the testing period, researchers can control the environment to reduce bias and will be able to observe subtle data such as body language or facial expressions. Central location testing will provide valuable data for brands of all sizes. Many companies prefer central location testing as it is a cost-effective way to get accurate data in a short period.

What is Home Use Testing?

Home use testing allows participants to test your product in the comfort of their homes. Participants are supplied with the product, use it, and provide feedback that you can use to make improvements. During the test period, consumers will use the product for its intended use throughout the course of their ordinary day. The turnaround for these tests can be as little as three weeks, depending on your research objectives. This personal engagement allows for accurate data and detailed qualitative feedback. At the end of the testing period, you will know exactly what consumers think about your product.

Which One Should You Choose?

Different products require different research methodologies. The correct testing method for your product will depend on the nature of your product and your research objectives. If you are launching a new product or would like to improve your existing product, central location testing could be ideal. For example, taste testing can be used by new brands to gauge consumer preferences. Established brands, on the other hand, can use central location testing to expand their market reach. Home testing is ideal for products such as household cleaning or children’s products. Brands that require claim support for their products will benefit from home-use testing as it can provide detailed feedback from your target audience. Home use testing can also be used to conduct competitor comparison analysis, giving insight into how your product performs against your competitors.

Choose Wirral Sensory Services for Your Central Location Testing Today

Applying the wrong research methodology will lose you money and lead to implementing incorrect changes that hurt your product performance. That’s why you need to rely upon an expert team with decades of experience in carrying out product and consumer research. At Wirral Sensory Services, we understand the importance of quality research and the benefits it can deliver for your brand. We have over two decades of experience in product research and development. Over the years, we have provided leading British and international food and beverage brands with research support that has helped them become industry-leading brands. Whether you are a startup brand trying to create a new product, or an established brand looking to expand your reach, we can help. Contact us today, and one of our experienced researchers will help you choose the correct research methods for your products.