Feel free to suggest the methodology but remain open to alternative techniques. Spend a few minutes discussing and better understanding ways in which the use of different methods will expand or reduce your overall use of the study. You need to make sure you understand why your contact is suggesting certain methods. Many research companies have become specialists. In other words, they have developed an expertise in one or two types of research.
Every situation resembles a nail to the man with only a hammer.
Although a phone call isn t the only was to screen potential suppliers, making the first contact by phone often helps you better understand the supplier s overall capabilities and communication skills. Rest assured that the research professional at most supplier companies will be someone genuinely interested in your call. At the same time, most live inordinately harried lives, so you have to make sure that you and the researcher are on the same page before you convey the request. Always take the time to introduce yourself. This will give both of you a minute to leave other tasks behind.