Onsite Observation

On occasion, it is not possible to use observational videography in an environment. In such cases, we are able to provide many of the benefits of our videographic methodology by placing Merchant Mechanics' experienced and professional research staff on-location to covertly observe and record shopper behaviors.

Recording rich, accurate, reliable data from real-time observation of natural shopper behavior is a notoriously difficult task, requiring strict attention, a sharp eye, and the ability to blend in unnoticed with other shoppers or staff. Our in-house field research team has received the highest levels of training in the behavioral sciences and have years of observational research experience in commercial environments.

We recognize what does and what does not constitute a reliable observation, and we understand the level of effort, attentiveness and strict objectivity that is required to ensure that your dataset is not biased by inaccurate, incomplete, or overzealous "outlier" observations of shopper behaviors. This unique experience base allows us to record and evaluate 'live' behavior with all the reliability and much of the richness permitted by the detailed analysis of video recordings.

Our experience and professionalism allow us to conduct on-site observational studies with virtually the same level of 'invisibility' as we achieve in our videographic studies, ensuring that we obtain unbiased observations of natural shopper behaviors.