hose who fill out more than one survey to increase their chances of winning.)

5. Construct the survey so that the results can be utilized in as many ways as possible. For example, names and addresses can be used to develop mailing lists. (Note: Surveys that ask questions about income or general demographics should not request the respondenSurveys can be conducted in numerous ways: directly, by mail, by fax or by phone. Generally, you will have a better response if you ask customers to complete surveys while on your premises. Follow the guidelines below and, above all, let your customers know how you have implemented their suggestions. Eight out of ten will come back to see if you have followed their advice.

Keep surveys simple and easy to read. Do not get too technical or make the survey long and boring.

Ask close-ended or direct questions as much as possible. Instead of asking, for example, "What products would you like to see us add to our product line?" ask, "Of the following list, which products would you like to see in the store?"

1. Get a large sample before you tabulate results. Ten surveys won't give you an accurate representation. Depending on your business, 500 or more respondents may be necessary.

2. Put yourself in the place of the customer. Can the customer furnish all the information you are asking for?

3. Leave plenty of room if you ask open-ended questions or if one of your answers is "other."

4. Give respondents some kind of reward or incentive for filling out your survey. Examples include a coupon redeemable on their next visit, a grand prize or a drawing from amongst the finished surveys. (Be wary, however, of those who fill out more than one survey to increase their chances of winning.)

5. Construct the survey so that the results can be utilized in as many ways as possible. For example, names and addresses can be used to develop mailing lists. (Note: Surveys that ask questions about income or general demographics should not request the responden

f you have followed their advice.

Keep surveys simple and easy to read. Do not get too technical or make the survey long and boring.

Ask close-ended or direct questions as much as possible. Instead of asking, for example, "What products would you like to see us add to our product line?" ask, "Of the following list, which products would you like to see in the store?"

1. Get a large sample before you tabulate results. Ten surveys won't give you an accurate representation. Depending on your business, 500 or more respondents may be necessary.

2. Put yourself in the place of the customer. Can the customer furnish all the information you are asking for?

3. Leave plenty of room if you ask open-ended questions or if one of your answers is "other."

4. Give respondents some kind of reward or incentive for filling out your survey. Examples include a coupon redeemable on their next visit, a grand prize or a drawing from amongst the finished surveys. (Be wary, however, of those who fill out more than one survey to increase their chances of winning.)

5. Construct the survey so that the results can be utilized in as many ways as possible. For example, names and addresses can be used to develop mailing lists. (Note: Surveys that ask questions about income or general demographics should not request the responden

roducts would you like to see in the store?"

1. Get a large sample before you tabulate results. Ten surveys won't give you an accurate representation. Depending on your business, 500 or more respondents may be necessary.

2. Put yourself in the place of the customer. Can the customer furnish all the information you are asking for?

3. Leave plenty of room if you ask open-ended questions or if one of your answers is "other."

4. Give respondents some kind of reward or incentive for filling out your survey. Examples include a coupon redeemable on their next visit, a grand prize or a drawing from amongst the finished surveys. (Be wary, however, of those who fill out more than one survey to increase their chances of winning.)

5. Construct the survey so that the results can be utilized in as many ways as possible. For example, names and addresses can be used to develop mailing lists. (Note: Surveys that ask questions about income or general demographics should not request the responden

asking for?

3. Leave plenty of room if you ask open-ended questions or if one of your answers is "other."

4. Give respondents some kind of reward or incentive for filling out your survey. Examples include a coupon redeemable on their next visit, a grand prize or a drawing from amongst the finished surveys. (Be wary, however, of those who fill out more than one survey to increase their chances of winning.)

5. Construct the survey so that the results can be utilized in as many ways as possible. For example, names and addresses can be used to develop mailing lists. (Note: Surveys that ask questions about income or general demographics should not request the respondenhose who fill out more than one survey to increase their chances of winning.)

5. Construct the survey so that the results can be utilized in as many ways as possible. For example, names and addresses can be used to develop mailing lists. (Note: Surveys that ask questions about income or general demographics should not request the respondent's name and address.)