Mailed Written Surveys and Focus Groups
Understanding Demand for Independent Living Communities
Understanding Resident Needs for Independent Living Success
Many communities have relied solely on demographic research to assess the demand for new residences, often overlooking the critical insights that consumer research can provide. At Bobby Sumner Consulting, we utilize both mailed written surveys and focus groups to investigate prospective residents' interests and preferences. Our research aims to answer essential questions such as:
Is there demand for a proposed independent living expansion?
Do prospective residents prefer apartments or cottages, & what sizes?
What amenities and services are they willing to pay for?
Mailed Written Surveys
Mailed written surveys provide an effective way to gather initial feedback from potential residents. We send surveys to age-appropriate households in both primary and secondary market areas, as identified through preliminary demographic analysis.
Test Acceptance of the Location
Gauge how well the site resonates with prospective residents.
Assess Project Interest
Determine overall enthusiasm for the proposed community.
Understand Residence Preferences
Discover which types of residences (apartment or cottage) are most appealing.
Create Community Awareness
Generate interest and visibility in the surrounding area.
Identify Key Issues
Highlight any unexpected questions that can be explored further in focus groups.
Focus Groups
Focus groups delve deeper into residents' preferences and concerns, providing a platform for real-time feedback and discussion. These sessions allow potential residents to express their views and help refine the community concept based on direct input. Here are some benefits:
Immediate Concerns
Address the most pressing questions from potential residents.
Detailed Exploration
Clarify any specific concepts or visions related to the community.
Refine Value Proposition
Test perceptions and preferences regarding residence types, services, and competition.
Gather Direct Opinions
Engage in face-to-face conversations to gauge intensity of interest and opinion.
Mailed Surveys vs. Focus Groups: Choosing the Right Insight Tool
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Mailed written surveys provide valuable demographic insights, help gauge interest in the location and project, and create awareness in the community.
A: You can expect between 125 to 250 responses from the 4,000 to 8,000 surveys sent out.
The primary goal of focus groups is to gather in-depth opinions from potential residents, address immediate concerns, and refine the community's value proposition.
We typically expect 40 to 80 attendees from the same list of recipients used for the mailed surveys.
Both mailed surveys and focus groups have an estimated timeline of 9 to 10 weeks from start to completion.
Informed Growth and Success
Our targeted surveys and in-depth focus groups provide the insights needed to make informed, impactful decisions. Whether gauging interest in new developments or refining services to meet current demands, we’re here to help your community thrive with data-driven strategies. Ready to build a community that reflects what residents truly want? Partner with us for a clear path to growth and engagement.
Benefits
Mailed Written Surveys
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Useful demographic information
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Defines geographic interest patterns
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Generates project awareness
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Increases focus group participation
Focus Groups
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Opportunity to query directly
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Ability to ask non-quantitative questions
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Live reactions show interest intensity
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Start mailing list (if appropriate)
Both
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Useful demographic information
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Defines geographic interest patterns
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Generates project awareness
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Increases focus group participation
Details
Mailed Written Surveys
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4,000 to 8,000 mailed written surveys–– should receive 125-250 responses
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25 +/- questions
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Limitations: Should not commingle residents at competition with purchased list
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Time: 9-10 weeks
Focus Groups
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4,000 to 8,000 focus group invitations–– should receive 40-80 attendees.
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40 written questions
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Limitations: Should not survey residents at competition
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Time: 9-10 weeks