FAQ

So...

1.  Somebody called to invite you to participate in a Focus Group for money?  YEAH RIGHT!  Too good to be true!!

OR

2.  You're a client we're trying to convince to use us for National Recruiting.  YEAH RIGHT!  Only companies in Toronto are big enough to take something like that on!!

NOT...

We've put this short FAQ together to re-assure everyone that 1. IT'S for real, and 2.  WE'RE for real!

Is this a SCAM?  You want to pay ME for my opinion?

No, this is NOT a SCAM.  Market research (more specifically focus groups) are used all the time to get people's opinions on products, services, advertising, policies, etc. before organizations and even the Government spends large marketing dollars on a huge release!  The focus group lets them get a perspective on how people respond to a product, concept or ad in a test environment so they know what to expect when they go public with it.  

How did you get my number?

There are 3 ways that we recruit people to our focus groups.  

One.  Through Canada Survey.  75 percent of our respondents in each group come from our online portal we use to invite and reward people for joining our research community.  Here, you get points for being screened, showing up on time, or doing one of our syndicated surveys.  These points (StyleBucks) can be redeemed for movie tickets, apple dollars or Starbucks goodies!!  When something terrible happens in the world, we give respondents the opportunity to donate their points to a charity.  This community powered by Samurai Technology was developed by the individual who originally founded eStyle 8 years ago.  Check them out by clicking here.  They also build the coolest websites, logos, ads, and fan pages!!

Two.  Through Random Calling.  Literally, we open up the phone book and call the first person our fingers stop at.  We try to ensure that at least 25 percent of every project is recruited this way to keep the perspective fresh.  We want the opinions in the group to be representative and robust!  

Three.  One of your friends, family or colleagues reccomended you.  They have likely participated in one of our groups and thought you'd be a good fit.  

What happens after you recruit me?  Why did you call again? 

Sorry about that.  We know it can be really annoying.  Unfortunately we have to do it.  See, each of you represent a very specific part of the population.  If you forget, or decide not to show up, the research can get messed up.  So, here's what you can expect from us after you've been recruited:

Right away, we'll send you a confirmation letter.  

24-48 hours after you've been recruited, our supervisor will call to verify your answers.  If there is a misunderstanding and you actually don't qualify, it'll be embarrassing for everyone to turn you away when you come here.  It's also your opportunity to ask any questions, get directions or re-request your confirmation letter if you've lost it or it got stuck in SPAM.

On the day of, we'll send you a courtesy text message.  If you reply, we'll see you at the group!  If you don't, someone will give you a reminder call just to make sure you're ok, and to answer any pending questions you have.  

If you don't want to be called, you're more than welcome to call us back after you've been recruited and just respond to the text when you get it.  We want the experience to be great for you and also give our clients the feedback they need.  The better the group goes, the better the products that will be available to you in the market.  As cheesy as it sounds, this really does give you the ability to have your opinions heard!

Do I need to give you my credit card information?

Ha!  This is Market Research not Telemarketing.  The idea is that we pay you, not the other way around!  The extent of any financial information we ask you for is the range that your household income falls into.  The reason we do this is because we want to ensure that people from all walks of life are represented in the group.

You're just a tiny little company from Alberta.  How can I trust you with my national campaign?

Hey, we've definitely learned a lot from our predecessors.  In fact, we've taken the best practices from everywhere and built a sound business model.  We'll tell you our secret (shhhh.... don't tell anyone):  

First, we took every penny we had and built a world class qual. panel using Samurai.  Canada Survey is by far the best respondent acquisition and engagement panel anywhere: fully automated word of mouth and super-sized with social media integration.  Period.  And we have it.  

Then, we hired a field guru that has mastered the craft of logistics and field and held him hostage until he helped us build the perfect model for writing screeners, client updates, recruiting and logistical management (incentives, catering, facility bookings, ACROSS CANADA.)

Finally, we put it all together in a non-convoluted, cost effective offering that would deliver ultimate value and wicked results for our clients (and their clients).   

Most companies outsource to home recruiters or organizations like eStyle.  Why are you any different?

It's because we don't outsource. Every-time we've tried, we've gotten burned or have had to replace groups ourselves at the last minute (our site optimizes really well, you're lucky we're not mentioning names.)  So, we built a kick a%^ panel and hired some super savvy field staff with LOTS of life exposure to engage!  Then we built alliances with facilities we think are just as cool as we are to keep the moderating and client experience the same.  

Does Leger Marketing own eStyle?

NO.  Leger Marketing does NOT own eStyle.  Last year, our Studios 1 lease was about to expire and the opportunity came up for both firms to merge BOARDROOMS to deliver a better client experience.  By consolidating facility business we were able to offer clients a larger space and more options.  PLUS our landlord was absolutely gouging us which resulted in higher costs to you, our clients.  SO, we packed up our super high end boardroom furniture and our cutting edge technology and we moved to the old Claros/Leger spot where we replicated the eStyle Studios (with some renos) feel in a logistically better space.  Without argument, the best facility in Western Canada.  Certified by over 50 moderators and hundreds of viewers! So, although Leger is a great recruiting client and our facility business has merged into the "Studios" brand, we are two independent organizations with autonomous management and leadership.