Q. I sent out requests for proposals for the research project we want to do. Now I have several proposals and they all seem entirely different to me. How do I pick one?

A. This may sound like heresy coming from a researcher, but I would not worry too much about the various types of methodology and sample sizes proposed if they seem reasonable and if the company explains why they will work. With research, there is seldom only one correct approach.

I would be more concerned about four other things that tend to predict the overall success of the project:

• Did the company representative listen to you? Is this a proposal that reflects your needs, as discussed with them? Or is it a proposal for what the company usually does and/or is known for? (It could be both, but be sure you are comfortable that this won’t be just one more “connect-the-dots” project for them).
• Is the proposal clear and easy to understand? Does it explain the process in a way that is clear to you, but not condescending? Remember, this company will be writing the final report that you will have to be able to understand and work with.
• Does the proposal cover all the bases? Does it tell you what you need to know about what will be done, who will do it and how long it will take?
• Does the price seem reasonable to you? If one of your proposals is exceedingly high-priced, be sure you know why (most of the actual cost of primary research is in data-collection –number, length and type of interview). The same thing is true if one of the proposals seems much too cheap. If you don’t understand the price, ask for an explanation or a price breakdown.

This is also the time to talk to some of the previous clients of the companies to which you have narrowed your field. Ask them if the company performed on time and on budget. Find out if they do what they say. Find out if their former clients would use them again for the same project — and if not, why not.

Do you have a comment or research-related question? Send it to me for future FAQs!