Survey Submission Tips

 

1. Don't wait until the last minute

• Don't wait until the last minute to submit your surveys. If there are any issues with the survey submission, we want to be available to assist you! 
• The data is due for submission by the date and time specified in the VMS for each Visit Slot. Be sure to submit your completed data survey on time following your visit.
• For most projects, we expect that survey entry will take no more than 30 minutes.
  
  

2. Use a computer, not a tablet

• The survey system is not formatted to work properly with tablets, such as an iPad.
• You run the risk of your survey entry taking a very long time or of losing data if you elect to use a tablet for survey.

3. Saving

If you need to save your progress and return to the complete the survey at a later time, just hit the forward arrow at the bottom of the screen. This will save all data entered up until that point in the survey. Please note, you must finish entering all required fields on that page in order for the data to be saved.

4. Formatting Tips

• Date and Time
  • • When entering the time, please use the XX:XX AM/PM format. E.g. 02:05 PM   
    • Please NOTE that there should be a space only between the last number and AM or PM.
    • When entering the visit length, please only enter numerical characters. 
    • If you are receiving an error, always check for extra spaces after the the character you entered.
• Deleting Data
  • • If you select a brand by mistake, do not enter 0s in the field. Always make sure to uncheck the brand at the start of that section of the survey.
    • If you need to delete a brand, make sure all of the fields of the brand are BLANK, before you uncheck the brand box. Leaving 0s will create errors in your submissions.
• When to leave it blank vs when to enter a 0
  • • Display Counts - Generally, for display counts, if you do not observe one, leave the field blank.
    • Stockout Promo Prices - Generally for stockouts, if the item was not on promo, enter a 0 in the promo price field.
    • Percent On/Off Promo - If one field is 100%, always make sure to enter a 0 in the other field.
    • Always check the instructions immediately above the field in the survey for guidance first!
      • Here are some general guidelines:
      • Display Counts - Generally, for display counts, if you do not observe one, leave the field blank.
      • Stockout Promo Prices - Generally, for stockouts, if the item was not on promo, enter a 0 in the promo price field.
      • Percent On/Off Promo - If one field is 100%, always make sure to enter a 0 in the other field.

5. Browser Selection

• If your survey seems to be lagging or taking a long time to load a page, save your progress and re-open in a different web browser.
• Chrome, FireFox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge function much more quickly with our survey system than other browsers.

6. Review response as a PDF or Word document

• We suggest that you download and save your finalized surveys as either PDF or Word documents.
• This may help you catch survey edits prior to submission and/or compare your data between visits.

7. After the survey is submitted

• Be certain to push the Submit button on your survey!
• You will see a final screen thanking you for your survey submission.
• The project's Research Manager will review your data and email you with any questions or necessary revisions.
• These revisions will come from Haynes and Company and are generally due back within 24 hours.