Why use phones for data collection in 2024? Please allow me to explain. First, let’s acknowledge the challenges: response rates have dropped significantly, and with fewer than 25% of U.S. households having landlines, it’s tougher than ever. Throw in TCPA laws that make calling wireless numbers tricky, and it’s clear that telephone data collection is no walk in the park.

But here’s the thing: some audiences simply can’t be reached online. No matter how advanced an online panel may seem, they usually struggle to target low-incidence or hard-to-reach audiences the way phone interviews can. If someone tells you otherwise, be cautious.

The quality of phone interviews remains unmatched. For example, at ResearchSIX, we record every interview, giving clients the ability to listen to any individual interview or you can even monitor live, ensuring transparency and trust in the whole process.

Sometimes, the “old-school” methods still offer the best results!