Home Improvement

While freelancers work on fixing interviews, some agencies such as IMRB, TNS and Indica Research even allow their own company professionals to work from home in case some would like to avail this option.

"A researcher who has a few years of experience and has been on our payroll can work out of her home as a consultant on retainer basis," says N Ravi, Managing Director, Indica Research.

Agency experience and a person's skills sets decide this arrangement. In such a work arrangement, the work can also include research design and interpretation. A pay package is worked out based on individual productivity.

Getting Started

Make a copy of your resume and contact a few research agencies. Fix appointments and meet them to explain how you can contribute from home. Alternatively, scan the job websites for possible assignments and contact job consultants.

As a tele-researcher, compensation is not high. After you take out your phone bills, stationery and Internet expenses, you can make Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,000 a month. The industry rate is Rs. 175 per day, Rs. 50 per appointment and Rs. 100 per interview.

Just as you get dissuaded, Jayshree adds, "I can only put in a certain number of hours a day. If one takes on more projects and puts in more hours a day, they can earn more."

While market research agencies are willing to take on freelance professionals, it is important to know that they cannot experiment with anyone. They work with confidential data and stringent deadlines. You should have the ability to deliver and build trust.

(Author: Puja S Navin)