Canada's Top Research Firms for Marketing

Good research is the foundation of every substantial marketing initiative and the reason that many companies invest in hiring professional research companies. Market research provides an upper hand on the customer mindset and lets businesses stay on the pulse of their targeted customer. Currently, in Canada, there are numerous Market Research companies, each with its own strengths, costs, and benefits behind its brand. 

To help Canadians better understand the various research service options available, we have put together a list of the four most-prominent research firms. For each firm, we have laid out examples of:

• Timeline 

• Deliverables

• Sample sizes

• Cost

• Pros

• Cons

These examples are subject to change for different industries, survey sizes, and requirements. For further information, we recommended reaching out directly for a quote.

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Leger:

Established in 1986, Leger is the largest Canadian-owned market research and analytics company, with more than 600 employees in eight Canadian and US offices. The company specializes in advanced analytic studies that provide in-depth knowledge of market culture and trends. To better understand what a buy with Leger might look like, see below:

• Sample Size:

  • 1000 Canadians

  • 1000 Americans

  • 7 minute survey

• Deliverables:

  • Survey consultation and design.

  • Programming, and testing.

  • Data collection and analysis.

  • Data coding and tabulation.

  • Detailed data tables.

  • Report of findings.

  • Webinar/teleconference presentation of the report (if desired)

• Timeline:

  Approximately from 5 weeks start to finish

• Cost:

  • $19,900

• Pros:

  • Leger uses a straightforward approach that is easy to understand

  • Offers clear data without cluttering the conversation

• Cons:

  • Findings may not be as detailed (with a simple quick online survey)

IPSOS:

Globally renowned marketing company, IPSOS, offering leading-edge marketing research.  Ipsos delivers reliable information and a true understanding of Society, Markets and People. IPSOS prides itself on being more than a data supplier, but a partner who can produce accurate and relevant results. To better understand what a buy with IPSOS might look like, see below:

• Sample Size:

  • 10 questions Canada with 1,000 samples

  • 10 questions US with 1,000 samples

• Deliverables:

  • Designing of unbiased survey

  • Facilitation of the unbiased survey

• Timeline:

  • Approx 1 month from start to finish

• Cost:

  • Survey: $1000/question per country

  • Survey cost estimated to be $20,000

  • Question design: $10,000 approx.

  • Total: ~$30,000

• Pros:

  • Very experienced in specific industries

  • Can shape insights and questions to specific industries

  • Excellent brand recognition

• Cons:

  • Hefty cost for designing the survey

  • Data is very comparable to less expensive firms

Campaign Research:

Campaign Research Inc. is a full-service research and strategy consulting firm that provides actionable insights and intelligence services. Founded in 2003, the company works with prominent Canadian organizations across a wide spectrum of industries to provide high-quality data-driven results. To better understand what a buy with IPSOS might look like, see below:

• Sample Size:

  • Virtual Focus Group consisting of 8 groups of 8-10 People

  • Focus groups provide an evaluative grasp of residents’ emotions

  • Online Survey - 2,000 US and 1,500 Canada

• Deliverables:

  • PowerPoint Report and Presentation

  • Excel Data Tables

  • Focus Group Transcripts

• Timeline:

  • Approximately 5 weeks start to finish

• Cost:

  • Focus groups: $44,000

  • Survey: $36,500

  • Total for both Qualitative and Quantitative surveys: $80,500

• Pros:

  • Most comprehensive with the focus groups

  • Specializes in focus groups

• Cons:

  • Less focused in other areas of research

Lux Insights:

Lux Insights is a high-touch, boutique market research agency with offices in Vancouver and Seattle. As an award-winning research firm, Lux insights is known for its cross-industry approach. Lux Insights conducts both qualitative and quantitative research, with a specific focus on B2B, foundation setting, brand approach, and concept development. To better understand what a buy with IPSOS might look like, see below:

• Sample Size:

  • 800 person sample (50/50 Canadian and US samples)

  • 5 or 10 minute online survey

• Deliverables:

  • Design questionnaire

  • Gather results

  • Present findings

• Timeline:

  • Approximately 7 - 8 weeks from initiation

• Cost:

  • 800 person, 5 minute survey: $11,750

  • 800 person, 10 minute survey: $13,750

• Pros:

  • Experience in the health/vegan industry

• Cons:

  • Smaller Sample sizes

  • Lengthier timeline

Written by Emma Whiten and Mackenzie Mowat