[Sigia-l] Re: User Test Cost - Does this sound reasonable?

[Richard Weigel]

I do not have an answer, but I offer more questions.

One technique you can use to analyze pricing is to break out the total
cost into it's component items, then judge what you think is reasonable.
You are paying for:

--Their time to locate and select suitable users. They are probably
charging a fee per user. 
--The user probably get some payment for their time. How much is that?

--The room and the equipment, hopefully a technician to make sure it
all works. There is a fee for the room and an hourly rate for the
technician. 
--A receptionist or coordinator to make sure it all flows smoothly.
What happens if fewer than the expected 10 users show up? 
--Any snacks/drinks for the users being tested?
--You facilitate the sessions. No costs to you here. 
--The videotapes. I assume you get copies to keep. 
--The report. This is the big one.

I would be careful with this approach because you can get lost in the
details and forget the big picture. It is like going out to a four star
restaurant and worrying about how much you are paying for the aspargus
tips. You judge the restaurant on the entire experience - the overall
quality of the food, service and atmosphere - and its perceived value.
 
I would dig deeper into the report itself: How much time are they
estimating it will take to review the tapes, identify issues, and
produce a report? Do you get to review and comment on a draft? Have you
seen samples of what they will be providing? Would you have paid $7000
for any of them? Have you met and interviewed the individual who will be
analyzing the tapes? Are you satisfied with their skills, experience and
expertise?
 
Remember, you are really paying for the report, because the quality of
the report and the findings that are spelled out in it will determine
the success or failure of the project.  If you get actionable results,
it will perceived as money well spent. If the report is poor and no
value is received, it will be a waste of money no matter how little is
spent.
 
Good luck.
 
-Rich