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How do I sign up for consumer testing?
Open the
Sign Up menu item on this website, fill out the questionnaire, sign and submit electronically, or respond by email to
Innovative Consumer Research or call 1-800-991-3388 to ask for a form to be sent to you by mail. Just fill in the questionnaire, sign and mail the information back to ICR.
How will I know when I am selected for a test?
Once you have signed up and been accepted by ICR as a panelist, you will be contacted by phone if you are eligible to participate in a test.
When am I eligible for a test?
We match up our pool of panelists with tests based upon a number of criteria, such as age, gender, preferences in foods and flavors and days and times of availability to determine eligiblity. Once you are in our database, you will be called automatically when you are eligible for a test.
How often am I eligible to participate?
We schedule tests when our clients want to gather information on products, so we cannot say for certain how many times we may call a panelist. However, we typically give all eligible panelists several opportunities during the year to participate in tests.
I was eligible for a test, but I didn't qualify to participate. Why?
We ask a number of potential panelists if they are interested in participating in a test, and then select a small group of those who are best suited to take the test based on availability and other criteria. Even though you may not have qualified for a particular test, your name will remain in the selection pool for the next appropriate opportunity.
What happens if I was eligible to participate in a test, but I wasn't selected?
If you are not selected for a test, you will be thanked for your time and called again during the next appropriate opportunity.
How much does ICR pay its panelists?
You get a complimentary gift card to a local store to thank you for your participation. The amount of the gift card is based on the duration of the test.
What do I bring on the day of the test?
As a participant, you do not need to bring anything for the test itself unless requested. You should come prepared to sample the product indicated at the time of the recruitment.
Can I bring other children with me to the test?
No. ICR is unable to accommodate children that are not scheduled to participate.
How long do the tests normally take?
Most studies last from a half an hour to an hour.
How early should I arrive?
Arriving 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time will help us get you started promptly and stay on schedule.
Who should I contact if I am running late or unable to attend?
Call us as soon as possible at 1-800-991-3388.
Can I call the system to see if I am eligible for any upcoming tests?
You may call 1-800-959-9321 at any time to see if you are eligible for any current studies and go through the qualifying process.
How can I update my information?
Please call us at 1-800-991-3388 and leave a detailed message to update your information, or let the staff know the next time you are at the site.
What days and times do you test?
Tests generally are conducted at the ICR facility Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ICR sometimes schedules testing outside of these days and times.
Do you take walk-in panelists who aren't scheduled?
No. ICR organizes its tests by scheduling a set number of individuals who meet certain criteria, so it cannot accommodate walk-in panelists.
What should I expect when I come in for a test held at ICR?
After you arrive at ICR, you will be asked to sign in with your ID number or your child’s ID and PIN number. You will be assigned a judge number and a booth number and guided to your booth. After being seated in your booth, you will be given clear instructions on how to conduct the test and answer questions using the computer terminal with a keypad. In addition to the written instructions, our staff is available at any time to answer a question on how to conduct the test.
Can I refer a family member or friend?
ICR is always looking for new panelists, and you will be given a gift card for $10 if you refer an individual who is new to the program and she or he participates in a test. If you would like more details on the Refer-a-Friend program, please call 1-800-991-3388.
Can I participate if I or my child has food allergies?
If you or your child suffers from a food related allergy, you may not be eligible for participation in certain studies.
What types of testing is done?
ICR runs different kinds of product tests including tests onsite and at home, phone interviews, focus groups etc.
Will my personal information be kept private?
Yes. ICR maintains a strict privacy policy regarding the personal information of its panelists. For instance, we do not share your identity with companies for marketing purposes. For more information, please refer to the company's
Privacy Policy here.