The Effectiveness of Monetary Incentives in Mail Surveys: Further Data

Abstract

Three studies investigated the effectiveness of using various monetary incentives for improving mail survey response rates. The results provide further evidence that response rates in excess of 60% can be achieved in mail surveys of the general public and of businesses. However, contrary to previous findings that response rates of this magnitude could be achieved without an incentive by sending two follow-up mailouts, the studies reported here required the use of an incentive to obtain this result. Fifty cent and $1 coins were the most effective incentives, with the 50 cent incentive generally the most cost-effective. A 20 cent incentive, an Instant Kiwi, and the promise of a $1 donation to a charity, also increased response rates above a no incentive control.