Conducting focus groups indeed entail so much money, and the components sometimes fall into oblivion, establishing no standard to its system. But for the sake of a scholarly interpretation, let us briefly discuss the 2 major components of focus groups cost. You have the so called fixed cost and the variable cost. The fixed cost covers for the venues and any other quantifiable spending. The variable cost is the one that is a little vaguer because it is not easily quantified. This usually happens because the variable cost is the one that handles the fees for the participants and the moderator. And their fees could very well vary from time to time.

Moderators set no standard when it comes to their fees. They could charge as high or as low when they see fit. The success of the research done through focus groups could very well depend on the efficacy and efficiency of the moderator. That is why it is easily justifiable if an excellent and a well-experienced moderator will charge way higher above the rest. Although the moderators could talk as much as they want on how good they are, they could still not guarantee how the session will play, and that is a risk that any company should deal with readily.

Moderators could easily make their charges go higher when they already have big cases on their experience portfolio. One reason why a company would rather choose a high-paying moderator over a low-paying one is because of experience. Companies do not wish to take risk of getting a below average research result simply because they have a brand to protect, that is why they would go ahead with big shot moderators despite the huge price. However, this could not necessarily be the case all the time. There are ways for which you could find a moderately-charging moderator with the same or better output than any other expensive moderators.

For one, a company should have planned long before the research activity it wishes to execute so they could afford enough time to shop for very good moderators with reasonable fees. A good plan will also provide the company enough preparation to secure a practical site to be utilized as a focus group facility.

Another thing is, the company could very well conduct an open bidding where top moderators market themselves for the coveted position. An open bid will allow the company the opportunity to find the best talent at a very good price. Moreover, once you have already planned the activity, you may only invite potential local moderators. Locally hired moderators definitely have less cost implications than the ones who are hundreds of miles away from the facility.

Understanding how the costing system of a focus group facility makes a vital contribution towards achieving a cost effective and successful research.