In-person customer interviews and street surveys

Independent retailers, shopping areas, event organizers, tourism groups, community organizations and local government teams.

Fixed fee per study, or a day rate for fieldwork plus a separate fee for analysis and reporting.

• Comfortable approaching strangers
• Neutral, friendly interviewing
• Organizing schedules and notes
• Reporting findings clearly

• Get permission from property owners or event organizers before surveying on their premises
• Privacy law: check federal (PIPEDA) and provincial rules, and avoid collecting more personal data than needed
• Winter weather limits outdoor fieldwork, so plan indoor locations or shift to phone or online interviews in cold months
• Check commercial general liability insurance if you work at client sites or public events
• Work for councils or public bodies may involve formal procurement, so check how local tenders work
• Quebec projects may need French-language materials

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on the survey tools, printed materials and insurance you need. Costs vary with how much fieldwork you plan to do and whether you work at client sites or public events.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many projects you take on and what clients pay. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week of work.

Check that you have permission from property owners or event organizers before surveying on their premises. Also check federal (PIPEDA) and provincial privacy rules, liability insurance, how local tenders work for public bodies, and French-language needs in Quebec.