1. What is Rent-a-Researcher?
Rent-a-Researcher is Research Rockstar’s temporary staffing service for clients who are understaffed due to employee leaves (maternity, medical, etc.), schedule conflicts or other temporary workload fluctuations.
2. What companies use the Rent-a-Researcher program?
Although our client list is confidential, we work with market research departments within Fortune 100 companies as well as market research agencies and marketing consultancies. Often our clients have a market research team, and they just need temporary help.
3. Why do clients hire freelancers through the Rent-a-Researcher program vs. hiring them directly?
Most of Research Rockstar’s clients are either A) larger organizations that prefer not to work with individual freelancers due to legal and insurance reasons or B) fast-moving teams with no time to find and screen candidates.
4. Why do market research freelancers choose to work through the Rent-a-Researcher service?
We build relationships with our clients so that we can act as your sales department, matching your qualifications with a client’s needs. Also, while on an active engagement, you are paid every two weeks versus the 60 to 90 day payment terms freelancers typically get when working directly with clients. Another benefit is that our model is designed to protect the value of your time: no “eating” extra hours from scope creep.
5. What types of skills are currently in demand?
We get requests for a variety of qualitative and quantitative research needs. Common requests include questionnaire design, programming, banner tables and statistics help, moderation (for asynchronous research, focus groups, and in-depth interviews), end-to-end project management, and report writing. Less commonly requested but highly valued skills include advanced Q or SPSS, Sawtooth, text analytics, sentiment analysis, workshop facilitation, and UX tools. Be sure to complete the application carefully so that we know all of your skills.
6. How much do I earn?
You should expect your hourly rate to be about 30% less than the rate you would charge if you had found the client on your own. Since we are acting as your sales department, we will mark up your rate, as all staffing agencies do, to offset costs for screening candidates, client development and support, and administration. In all cases, our clients pay Research Rockstar, and we pay the contractor. All contractors are paid on an hourly rate basis, even for qualitative research work. We know many moderators expect to earn a fixed amount per group. However, think about all of the hours that go into such projects and the risks of excessive hours when working on projects where there are many changes: we protect the value of your time and work with you to estimate the actual number of hours needed (often expressed as a range).
7. What is the typical duration of Rent-a-Researcher engagements?
Engagements vary depending on the client’s needs. A “rush” gig might be 10-20 hours. More common project engagements are 20-60 hours. Other engagements are longer term, such as 25 hours a week for six months. The scope and duration is always documented in writing.
8. What is the process for a Rent-a-Researcher engagement?
Once a client accepts you as the contractor for the project, you will receive a statement of work (SOW). Once you return the signed SOW, work begins. Timesheets are due weekly on Mondays (for the preceding week), and payments (ACH) are made by Research Rockstar to the contractor every two weeks for hours worked and documented during the engagement. If during the engagement the client asks you to take on additional work, simply notify us so we can update the client agreement and make sure you get paid for the expanded scope.
9. How often will I get projects?
We are unable to predict this. Project frequency varies based on lead volume and topics, which can vary a lot on a month to month basis. Not all leads suit all researchers, and we strive to match you clients that will be a great fit for you and the client. Promptly responding to Gig Alerts increases your chances of selection for interviews and securing more projects. Also, you may work with multiple clients and then find yourself with a great match–a client who hires you repeatedly. Some of our freelancers have worked with the same clients regularly for over five years.
10. I am in the RAR program but haven’t won any gigs yet—why?
If you’ve been responding to gig alerts but haven’t yet been selected, here are four common reasons why:
- Timing. You may have responded too late. If you reply more than three to four days after a gig alert is sent, the client may have already selected from earlier responders.
- Location. Some clients prefer researchers in a specific time zone—either for easier scheduling or to avoid travel expenses. This can affect selection, even for remote work.
- Rate. Your rate may be uncompetitive. If your required rate is higher than what other qualified researchers offer, clients may pass. We typically present 3–4 candidates per gig, and price can be a deciding factor.
- Reporting Samples. If you’re applying for report-writing gigs, strong samples are essential (clients understand they will be sanitized as needed to protect confidential information). Clients expect clear analysis, professional writing, and current slide design. “Old-school” formatting or dated visuals are often disqualifiers, even if content quality is high.
11. What if the client wants me to travel?
If a gig will require travel, we will always let you know in the gig alert. Travel time is generally paid at a reduced rate, and travel expenses are always covered by the client.
12. What if I’m unhappy with a project?
Please bring it to our attention right away. We’ll see if we can resolve the situation; but if not, we’ll arrange to transition you out as quickly as possible.
13. What if a client wants to hire me as an employee?
“Temp-to-perm” is a great way for you and a future employer to get to know each other. If you and a client have a match and want to move to an employee status, just let us know. The client knows that they will owe a one-time transfer fee per their agreement with Research Rockstar, but this will not affect you in any way.
14. Will I be subject to a background check?
Not usually. Some clients do require them, but this would always be specified upfront. If a client requires a background check for a gig you are interested in, then it is up to you if that is agreeable (you may choose to pass on that gig).
15. What happens if I think I may go over the hours stated in the SOW?
Before starting any engagement with us, you will sign a Statement of Work (SOW) which documents the maximum number of hours that have been approved. If you are getting close to the maximum and feel you may need more time, bring it to our attention immediately so we can negotiate with the client to get approval. Under no circumstances should the freelancer exceed the maximum number of hours as documented in the SOW, because we cannot guarantee payment for the excess hours.