IPSOS Market Research - anyone know what they want?

cottager

Sorry, nothing to do with money-saving, but is anyone getting calls from IPSOS in the evenings at the moment for 'market research', and know what they want?

They've phoned 2 evenings on the trot asking for OH (who hasn't been in) and 'must' talk to him and not to me, but I got the IPSOS name and said if it is purely for market research I doubt he'd want to participate... but they're not going to take my word for it as they'll only speak to him.

I was just wondering what 'market research' this was likely to be about this time, if anyone's had similar.

And also I didn't think about it till now, but if they phone again could I quote the TPS to them, or don't market research calls count?

Heinz

The 'market research' ploy is just a way of getting round the TPS cold calling ban. Trust me, they're trying to sell you (the OH) something.

I recommend a loud whistle.

cottager

Heinz wrote: »

The 'market research' ploy is just a way of getting round the TPS cold calling ban. Trust me, they're trying to sell you (the OH) something.
I recommend a loud whistle.

Thanks Heinz. That's what I suspected, but on the other hand I've since looked them up and they are a bona fide market research company (MORI) so maybe, while a nuisance, they should be given the benefit of the doubt?
But as you say, they can get around the TPS bar, which Wiki confirms:

Ipsos MORI's research is conducted via a wide range of methodologies, especially telephone (CATI Computer aided telephone interviewing), face-to-face and internet surveys. Telephone surveys use a method called random digit dialling and are exempt from the Telephone Preference Service as TPS only blocks sales calls. As Ipsos sell nothing whatsoever and are purely research, they are exempt from the TPS. This system basically uses randomly generated, but area-specific, telephone numbers. This is the preferred method for telephone samples as ex-directory households are included thus not biasing the sample in any way. Ipsos MORI are able to lawfully to use this techonology as they use it for research purposes as opposed to sales and advertising.

(emphasis is mine)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipsos_MORI

Home site: http://www.ipsos-mori.com/

Heinz

As they're legit, why not give their name as MORI - which most people would recognise?

cottager

Quite!
Now I'm wondering why my views weren't interesting enough as OH was out!