Surveys mailed to your home

The good old-fashioned paper survey! While online surveys are increasingly popular, many organizations still rely on mailing paper surveys to households to gather feedback and opinions from their target audience. Here are some pros and cons of surveys mailed to your home:

Pros:

  1. Higher response rates: Paper surveys can have higher response rates compared to online surveys, especially for older demographics or those who may not be comfortable with online surveys.
  2. More thoughtful responses: Paper surveys allow respondents to take their time to think about their answers, which can lead to more thoughtful and detailed responses.
  3. No technical issues: Paper surveys don't require respondents to have a computer or internet connection, making them accessible to a wider audience.
  4. Tactile experience: Paper surveys can provide a more engaging and tactile experience, with respondents able to physically turn pages and mark answers.

Cons:

  1. Higher costs: Mailing paper surveys can be more expensive than online surveys, especially if you need to mail them to a large number of households.
  2. Longer turnaround time: Paper surveys can take longer to collect and analyze, as respondents need to mail them back to the organization.
  3. Data entry challenges: Paper surveys require manual data entry, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
  4. Environmental impact: Paper surveys generate paper waste and may not be environmentally friendly.

Best practices for mailing paper surveys:

  1. Clearly explain the purpose: Make sure the survey's purpose and importance are clearly explained on the cover page.
  2. Keep it concise: Keep the survey short and to the point to minimize respondent fatigue.
  3. Use simple language: Use simple, easy-to-understand language to ensure respondents can complete the survey without difficulty.
  4. Include a prepaid return envelope: Make it easy for respondents to return the survey by including a prepaid return envelope.
  5. Follow up with reminders: Send reminders to non-respondents to encourage them to complete the survey.

Overall, paper surveys can be an effective way to gather feedback and opinions from your target audience, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider the best approach for your specific needs and goals.