Freelance market researcher for local businesses

Local retailers, restaurants, startups, non-profits, business improvement areas and small agencies that want customer answers but have no research staff.

Fixed price per project (for example a customer survey and report) or a day rate. Some clients pay a monthly fee for ongoing customer feedback.

• Writing clear survey questions
• Interviewing and listening
• Spreadsheet or basic data analysis
• Explaining findings in plain language

• Privacy law: check how federal (PIPEDA) and provincial rules apply to the personal information you collect, and get clear consent from participants
• Quebec has French-language requirements, so surveys and reports for Quebec audiences may need to be in French
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register your business name with your province and check when you need to register for GST/HST
• Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, as clients may rely on your findings
• Small samples can mislead, so be upfront about the limits of your results

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on the survey tools, software and insurance you choose. Working from home keeps overheads low, so most early spending goes on tools and finding your first clients.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you win, the size of each project and the hours you put in. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check how federal (PIPEDA) and provincial privacy rules apply to the personal information you collect, and get clear consent. Also check French-language needs for Quebec audiences, home-based business licences, business name registration, GST/HST registration and professional liability insurance.