 (ARA) - Wonder why the merchandise at your favorite discounter is laid out the way it is? Why most grocery chains put the produce section in the front of the store? Or why you can buy some brands of chips, but not others in bulk?
Those decisions weren't made by big business alone. They were heavily influenced by people like you. Moms who are often in a hurry as they shop with kids in tow - college students who only shop when they have to - men who have the time to shop but would rather be doing other things, etc.
In the past, businesses set up focus groups to get insight into the shopping habits and desires of their customers. But those groups were so narrow, they didn't offer a true representation of the average consumer. Today, companies are tapping into a network of potential customers, 2.5 million strong, to get the answers they need.
If you've ever had an idea, or opinion about something you saw while shopping that you wish you could share with the people who have the power to make changes, join the MarketTools Zoom Panel today. ZoomPanel is an online survey panel where consumers, like you, can tell companies what you think about their products or services, and ultimately influence the decision-making process.
Once you join, you'll be emailed surveys that seek your opinion about everything from packaging to new flavor offerings for leading products. "In exchange for their time, panel members are rewarded with points that can be exchanged for valuable merchandise and gift certificates of their choice; but most people tell us they join for the opportunity to influence the decision makers," says Pam Kramer, Chief Marketing Officerfor MarketTools, Inc., ZoomPanel's parent company.
Erin Gallagher of Orlando, Fla., joined the Panel three years ago after coming across an email that piqued her interest at work. "I jumped at the chance to participate because I know it's a way to make my opinion count," she says. Gallagher has participated in surveys about everything from new menu offerings at her favorite restaurants to new flavors of juice, and even the packaging on cereal boxes.
"The neatest thing to me is when a product I've been surveyed on or tested out eventually ends up in the grocery store," says Gallagher. "I get to point out to my friends, the influence I had on it."
If you, too, would like to influence the decision makers, just log on to www.zoompanel.com and click on the button that says "Join Now." Registration will take less than five minutes.
Photo: Zoom Panel member Erin Gallagher.
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