In this article:
What is a Sample Retainer?
To conduct self-serve research on the platform, sample costs must be pre-purchased in advance. This model is designed to simplify procurement, enable immediate study launches, and provide clear visibility into how and when sample is used.
A sample retainer is a pre-funded balance that sits on your account and is automatically applied when you launch studies. Sample retainers support both cost savings and operational agility.
Cost Efficiency at Scale
Sample retainers allow teams to purchase sample in bulk rather than on a per-project basis. This means:
One purchase can support multiple current and future studies
Teams benefit from simplified procurement
Sample usage can be allocated flexibly across projects
Larger commitments unlock volume-based discounts
For example, a single retainer can fund multiple concept tests and follow-up ad claims studies without requiring separate approvals. Buying sample in bulk also enables cost efficiencies at scale and reduces repeated purchasing activity.
Transparent and Predictable Pricing
Sample costs are calculated using a standard rate structure, with clear adjustments when applicable, such as:
Additional cost for longer surveys (e.g., LOI greater than 5 minutes)
Adjustments for low incidence rates
Because usage draws from a pre-funded retainer, teams have clear visibility into:
How much sample has been used
Remaining balance available for future studies
This makes budgeting and forecasting simpler.
Ideal for Ongoing Research Programs
The sample retainer model is particularly well suited for teams running:
Multiple studies in parallel
Ongoing or iterative testing programs
Agile research that requires rapid turnaround
A single retainer can support different study types and timelines, significantly reducing operational friction over time.
How Sample Retainers Improve Speed & Flexibility
Beyond cost predictability and scale, sample retainers also play a key role in enabling faster study execution - especially for time-sensitive or iterative Agile Quant work.
Faster Study Launches
Without a retainer, teams typically need to:
Confirm final sample costs
Raise a purchase order for each project
Wait for internal approvals before launch
With a sample retainer in place:
Funds are already available on the account
Studies can be launched as soon as they are ready
There is no dependency on purchase order timing or business hours
This enables continuous, agile testing and supports tight research timelines.
No Disruptions When Costs Change
Some studies may experience cost fluctuations due to factors such as:
Longer length of interview (LOI)
Lower-than-expected incidence rates
Hard-to-reach audiences
Because sample is drawn from a retainer:
Studies do not pause if costs increase during fielding
Updated costs can be accepted without stopping data collection
Additional purchase orders are not required mid-field
This ensures studies remain live and insights are delivered on schedule.
Need Support?
If you need help estimating how much retainer to load, understanding pricing adjustments, or planning sample usage across multiple studies, your Customer Success team can provide guidance and recommendations based on your research needs.