Research insights
From survey to shelf: the life of a new product idea
Every new product on a store shelf started as an idea. Learn how survey takers shape new items from the earliest concept to the final launch.
Running research in 35+ countries: what changes from place to place
A study that runs smoothly in one country can stumble in another for reasons that have nothing to do with the questions. From the Research and Metric fieldwork teams behind Reward Hours, here is what really changes when research crosses borders.
Key points
- Multi-country research needs local knowledge, not just translation.
- Reward types, payment methods and fair incentive levels vary from country to country.
- Devices, connectivity, holidays and working hours all affect when and how people can take part.
- Privacy laws differ by region, and research must follow the rules where each participant lives.
More than one survey, translated
When a brand wants to understand customers in several countries, it often starts with one questionnaire. Translation and adaptation turn that into a version for each market, as we explained in how surveys are translated.
But wording is only part of the story. The practical details of fieldwork, such as how people are reached, rewarded and scheduled, change just as much.
Rewards and payments
What feels like a fair thank-you for 15 minutes varies with local costs and how people value their time. Payment methods vary too:
- some countries rely on bank transfers and digital wallets
- others prefer mobile money, popular gift cards or mobile phone top-ups
- some payment services are not available everywhere
A good panel offers reward options that actually work where members live, in the local currency where possible, and explains clearly any differences between countries.
Devices and connectivity
In many markets, most participants answer on a smartphone, sometimes with limited data or patchy signal. Surveys need to be light, mobile friendly and able to save progress. Video studies may need audio-only alternatives or scheduling around when connections are best. Assuming everyone has a fast laptop leaves many people out.
Calendars and timing
Fieldwork has to fit around local life:
- Weekends and working days differ between countries.
- Public holidays and festivals, such as Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali or Christmas, change routines and shopping behavior.
- Time zones affect when invitations are sent and when online groups can run.
- Seasons affect topics such as food, clothing and travel, and they are reversed between hemispheres.
Launching a study during a major festival can mean few responses, or answers that reflect unusual behavior.
Local teams make the difference. Fieldwork partners on the ground know when a holiday falls, which payment method people trust and how to phrase an invitation so it feels genuine, not suspicious.
Group discussions and culture
Focus groups reflect local communication styles. In some cultures people disagree openly, in others they may avoid contradicting others, especially older participants or the moderator. Some topics are discussed comfortably in mixed groups, while others work better in groups of the same gender or age. Experienced moderators adapt, and researchers interpret results with this context in mind.
Our article on speaking up when you disagree shares tips that help in any culture.
Privacy and the law
Data protection laws differ by region. The GDPR applies in the EU, the UK has its own version, several US states have privacy laws, and many other countries, including India, Brazil and Singapore, have their own data protection rules. Research must follow the laws where each participant lives, which can affect consent wording, how long data is kept and where it is stored.
For members, this means privacy notices may differ slightly by country, and your rights depend on where you live. Our guides to GDPR rights and California privacy rights cover two of the most common frameworks.
Finding the right people
Some groups are easy to reach in one country and hard in another. Online panels may underrepresent older people or rural areas in some markets, so fieldwork teams combine online invitations with phone, face-to-face or community recruitment. The aim is always the same: a sample that reflects real people, not just the most connected ones.
What it means for you
- Invitations and rewards are tailored to your country.
- Some studies are only open to certain countries, depending on what the client needs.
- Surveys may mention brands, prices or examples from your market, and you can tell us if something looks wrong.
- You may be invited to international studies where your local perspective is exactly what is needed.
Common questions
Why can members in another country take a survey I cannot?
Each study targets specific countries and quotas. If a study does not include your country, you will not be invited.
Can I take surveys while living abroad?
Update your country in your profile when you move, so you receive studies and rewards that fit where you live. Panels usually do not allow answering as a resident of a country where you no longer live.
Are rewards the same in every country?
Not always. Rewards reflect local costs, study length and how hard participants are to reach. The amount is always shown before you start.
