Van Westendorp

Van Westendorp pricing (the Price Sensitivity Meter)

This is a follow up to classes I taught that included a short section on pricing research methodologies. I promised some more details on the Van Westendorp approach, in part because information available online may be confusing, or worse. This article is intended to be a practitioner’s guide for those conducting their own research. [Read More]

Since becoming our contracted consultant for market research services in 2010, 5 Circles Research has revolutionized our annual survey of consumer opinion in Washington. Through the restructuring of survey methodology and the application of new analytical tools, they have provided insights that are both wider in their scope and deeper in their relevance for understanding consumer values and behavior. As a result, the survey has increased its significance as a planning and evaluation tool for our entire state agency. 5 Circles does great work!

Blair ThompsonDirector of Consumer CommunicationsWashington Dairy Products Commission

First, I thought it was near impossible to obtain good market information without a large scale, complex market study. Working with 5 Circle Research changed that. We were able to put together a comprehensive survey that provided essential information the company was looking for. It started with general questions gradually evolving to specifics in a fast pace, fun to take questionnaire. Introducing “a new way of doing things” like Revollex’ induction heating-susceptor technology can be challenging. The results provided critical data to help understand the market demand. High quality work, regard for schedule, thorough understanding of the issues are just a few aspects of an overall exceptional experience.

Robert PoltCEORevollox.com

I have come to know both Mike and Stefan as creative, thoughtful, and very diligent research consultants. They were always willing to go further to make sure respondents remained engaged and any research results were applicable and of immediate use to us here at Bellevue CE. They were partners and thought leaders on the project. I am happy to recommend them to any public sector client.

Radhika Seshan, Ph.DRadhika Seshan, Ph.D, Executive Director of Programs Continuing Education Bellevue College

Profiting from customer satisfaction and loyalty research

Business people generally know that satisfying customers is a good thing, but they don’t necessarily understand the link between satisfaction and profits. This is partly because much of the original work was done so long ago that contradictory cases and nuances have created confusion to build up. Additionally, some companies have appeared successful for a [Read More]

Van Westendorp pricing (the Price Sensitivity Meter)

Methow Valley Ski Trails gets pricing right

The Methow Valley is a remote area in Eastern Washington State. It’s a destination recreation area year-round, and even more so in the winter when the North Cascades Highway is closed making a circular drive impossible. I’ve enjoyed skiing the trails in the Methow Valley on a number of occasions, and on a recent visit [Read More]

Dutch ovens: paying a lot more means better value

An article on Dutch ovens in the September/October 2018 of Cook’s Illustrated gives food for thought (pun intended) about the relationship of between price and value. Sometimes higher value for a buyer means paying a lot more money – good news for the seller too. Dutch ovens (also known as casseroles or cocottes) are multipurpose, [Read More]