Inbound IVR overview

Respondents are asked to call a toll free number to participate in a survey.

  • The toll free number identifies the proper questionnaire and its language. A password or pin number can also be used as a further screening tool.

Methods of inviting participation include

  • Invitation card or leaflet given by recruiter/employer/salesperson/etc.

  • Invitation on a sales receipt (point of sale)

  • Letter

  • Phone call

  • E-mail

  • Web site

Optimal length of the interview

The optimal length for an IVR interview is 4 to 6 minutes.

Participation rates

Participation rates vary, but are generally lower than standard phone interviews. Participation depends on the quality of the recruiting and incentives.

  • IVR surveys generally require an incentive

  • The value of the incentive is proportional to the difficulty of recruitment

  • All age groups seem willing to participate in IVR studies.

Typical applications

  • Specific low-incidence studies where recruiting can be conducted at congregating points (eg. Opera enthusiasts at the theatre, teenagers at a rock concert, etc.)

  • Captive audiences (eg. Retail customer satisfaction studies, employee studies, identified buyers of new products)

  • Follow-up studies for previously conducted telephone interviews.
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