Anybody else get an invite to participate in a survey from a company called iceology?

[Only Trons]

Received a post card in the mail yesterday with a photo of a white Tesla and the title "Luxury Electric Vehicle Research Opportunity." On the back of the card is an invitation for a survey and focus group in Reston, Virginia. The instructions state that a "small number of electric vehicle owners like yourself" are being invited to participate in a focus group on ownership experience. The focus groups are to be conducted in the morning and evening next week at a hotel in Reston.


Anybody else receive such an invitation?

Interestingly, what caught my eye initially was the group who is sponsoring the research: a company called Iceology. I immediately had little warning bells going off in my head: ICE - ology??????? A company focused on ICE cars maybe? But their web site (Iceology | Home) appears to indicate a company that does a lot of human behavior research and some examples they cite seem valid.

I haven't filled out the questionnaire yet. If I am reading the "invitation" correctly, a subset of those responding will be invited to participate, and $400 will be paid to the participant.

 

[mspohr]

Received a post card in the mail yesterday with a photo of a white Tesla and the title "Luxury Electric Vehicle Research Opportunity." On the back of the card is an invitation for a survey and focus group in Reston, Virginia. The instructions state that a "small number of electric vehicle owners like yourself" are being invited to participate in a focus group on ownership experience. The focus groups are to be conducted in the morning and evening next week at a hotel in Reston.


Anybody else receive such an invitation?

Interestingly, what caught my eye initially was the group who is sponsoring the research: a company called Iceology. I immediately had little warning bells going off in my head: ICE - ology??????? A company focused on ICE cars maybe? But their web site (Iceology | Home) appears to indicate a company that does a lot of human behavior research and some examples they cite seem valid.

I haven't filled out the questionnaire yet. If I am reading the "invitation" correctly, a subset of those responding will be invited to participate, and $400 will be paid to the participant.

Sounds like standard market research. Some big company (which prefers to remain nameless) hires consultants to research a market. Focus group is standard. Big companies love this stuff since they can place the blame elsewhere if it doesn't work out.

 

[JohnQ]

I did one here in NY last year with a different firm representing a major automaker. I presume they're paying you for your time? That's usually the way it works.

 

[Max*]

I got one, I gave them my info. The "questionnaire" is do you still have your Tesla? If yes, give us your name, email and phone number. That's it. It said someone will call if I'm selected to participate in the study.

- - - Updated - - -

I did one here in NY last year with a different firm representing a major automaker. I presume they're paying you for your time? That's usually the way it works.

The post card was very vague, it said $400 for I believe 1 evening of your time.

 

[Half Dollar Bill]

Received one as well. Seeing if I get a call. Nothing bad to say if I get chosen and the money would be nice compared to the last survey I filled out.

 

[Max*]

Anyone get a call? Or was this just a phishing expedition?

 

[Only Trons]

Shortly after I started this thread I logged in on TM.com and found a thread there on this same topic (in the Wash DC section). A few (1 or 2??) said they had received a call.

I went ahead and submitted my name; will wait to see if I get a call.

 

[Half Dollar Bill]

Email indicated I wasn't picked due to "overwhelming interest". And I was so looking forward to the "refreshment" component of the invite

 

[CatB]

I was so looking forward to the "refreshment" component of the invite

Well, heck, we can certainly alleviate that - convene a TMC happy hour somewhere!
If only we knew a TMC member who had a proprietor-like interest in a brewery...