The best market research firms don't always surface on a Google search. DesignRush curates and vets top agencies so you can shortlist with confidence. Browse our directory to find your match.
SmashBrand helps CPG brands grow by creating packaging that performs in the market. Our proprietary process combines design with rapid consumer testing to eliminate guesswork. Every decision is backed by data and built to drive results...
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Design Services Review from Solyman Najimi
We worked with the folks at SmashBrand in 2025 for logo and artwork updates for our top product. They were able to take an analytical approach and output--through much testing and a thorough revision process--superior graphics and concepts for our product packaging and overall company branding. We have modernized and streamlined our look and feel with the help of SmashBrand. Early feedback has been positive. We hope the long-term impact will be great.
Brand Strategy Review from Rob Johnson
I’ve worked with dozens of design and strategy agencies throughout my career and SmashBrand’s approach is completely unique. They take a quantitative approach to packaging that aligns the most important purchase drivers with the consumer target, and designs around those. They have absolutely transformed our business and are always my first call when I have brand strategy needs.
We're a product design agency developing custom software solutions for health, learning, and more. We partner with innovators to bring purpose to the digital world through what we make and how we make it...
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Startups Software Development Review from Justin Collins
Our first engagement with Twenty Ideas was accurately scoped and allocated from day one, and that was impressive. Being on time and budget while exceeding expectations seems impossible for many vendors, but with Twenty Ideas, there were zero issues. They anticipated our needs and presented clear options when necessary.
Mobile App Development Review from Rachel Efron
The most impressive thing was the collaboration we established. I had been creating this app by myself for so long, and all of a sudden, I had a whole team of thought partners. Twenty Ideas really got in there with me, learned what I was trying to make, and collaborated with me on it. It was an extremely rewarding experience, and we're thrilled with the app!
Jana DiSanti's Review Sourced from Google
I started working with Twenty Ideas in a part-time consulting capacity, but I became so taken with the team’s passion, mission, and supportive culture, that I ended up applying for a full-time position. I’ve been with the team for three and a half years now, and it’s given opened doors to expand my skill set; work with smart, kind, and dedicated people, every day; and work with clients who truly care about making a positive impact, to create life-changing solutions together. It’s a great place to work!
Northbound is a studio of experts across brand strategy and brand expression that turn complex, feature-heavy products into brands people remember...
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We are Flying Bisons, the full-service leading digital consulting company.We craft meaningful experiences for millions of people around the globe.We help big brands and disruptive start-ups supercharge their performance with digital services...
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Consider us your Brand Partner. Through understanding perception, evaluating the customer experience, and listening to what's being said about you, well help you use customer experience as a significant competitive advantage...
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Deqresha Cox's Review Sourced from Google
Was working with Collyn on a mystery shop, and it gave the option for two dates. I simply asked to reschedule as I had an unexpected surgery. Instead of being flexible, she removed me from the shop without proper communication and just cancelled the shop on me and reassigned me. She said she would get back to me in a moment, but instead just cancelled the job. This was very unprofessional.
momo's Review Sourced from Google
I started with IntelliShop 6 months ago and have completed several jobs since. It's wonderful working with a reputable MS company that hires the most professional and nicest schedulers, coordinators, and project managers. I have been successful in the completion of shops thanks to this company.Intellishop ensures that they set you up for success, especially since they foster long-lasting relationships with the clients they work for. The assignments provide clarity, and the contacts assigned are always communicative and helpful when answering questions. Averi is one of the best to work with.
Jennifer Crockett's Review Sourced from Google
I have been part of this company for over 3 years and have done, in person shops, phone shops and audits for them. I can say they are a great company to work for. I have always had very quick repsonses to my emails and the team has been wonderful to work with, especially Stacy. I have been able to contact Stacy and the team for any clarification I might need on a shop and receive a response in a very quick manner.
NP Digital is a San Diego based global digital marketing agency founded in 2017 by Neil Patel and Mike Kamo. The agency delivers full-funnel performance marketing and creative services panning SEO, paid search and social, content marketing, digital PR, analytics, and technology with a remote-first model...
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GameChangerSF specializes in mobile app marketing, creative services, and data science. With eight years of experience and a track record of profitable apps marketed, we are the winning choice for your promotional initiatives...
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Gilda Soromenho's Review Sourced from Google
I had contact with this business, in a job online, that is why I gave that score
For 35 years, Pennebaker has been a trusted partner in helping businesses grow, change, and prosper through branding and marketing communications. Our award-winning approach to branding, advertising, investor relations, and employee communications begins with a targeted strategy and ends with the...
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Tracy Lammers's Review Sourced from Google
The Pennebaker team never disappoints. They come to the table with creative ideas that are on target, they are proactive with project management and they are diligent with hitting deadlines. They're also delightful to work with! First-rate team; highly recommend.
Kimberly Koehn's Review Sourced from Google
Creative, enthusiastic and a sincere desire for our project to be successful. I can't imagine working with anyone else.
Ann Ollo's Review Sourced from Google
Cmove is a small consulting firm needing to take our deliverables and proposals to a more professional and user-friendly level.We reached out to Pennebaker, specifically Meagan Swegert. Meagan immediately took on our challenges and hit it out of the ballpark, too.(YAY ASTROS WORLD CHAMPIONS!)Meagan always delivers what she promises and helps keep us focused on our goals.I would always recommend Pennebaker and Meagan, and we have already thought of more projects.
As an integrated cross-cultural marketing agency, Sensis connects brands with people through meaningful marketing strategies that build sustainable demand. Our cross-cultural model combines expertise in the Hispanic, African American, and Asian markets, while our research-based approach offers cost-efficient...
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We are a top-tier custom software and technology company, and we create bespoke end-to-end software solutions...
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Brock Cline's Review Sourced from Google
The team that Jason and Jami have put together is top tier...just like their work product. 10/10 recommend working with them, and for them if you're an employee.
At Cutwater, we hone and sharpen a brand into something more distinctive so it has a better chance of cutting through, being heard, and standing apart. Because we believe that distinctive brands are the ones more people care about. And because we know distinctive brands are the ones that drive growth and...
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Barkley, an AdTech company and a nominee for the 2022 AdWeek Agency of the Year, is a full-service, independent creative idea business that aids in the development of entire brands and their greatest potential. With the firm conviction that all brands, including ours, can be a force for good in the world, we...
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Mike Heitmann's Review Sourced from Google
Leading ad agency in Kansas City. They produce tremendous work and they are a great ambassador of KC.
HOL Experiences is an award-winning user experience consultancy dedicated to transforming users into super fans through strategic and empathetic design. Utilizing a proven methodology that includes comprehensive user, market, and contextual research, we create experiences and products that resonate deeply...
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Murray Hill National provides customized recruiting and research solutions, connecting clients with top-quality participants worldwide. Its innovative approach and comprehensive panel ensure efficient project execution and client satisfaction. With pioneering services like video support and podcast...
Jasmin Rodriguez's Review Sourced from Google
I completed 2 surveys and have yet to receive compensation. It’s been about 4 months and nothing. I have emailed a couple times, even emailed different people within the company and nobody responds. But they continue to send emails for new surveys. I have called and left messages as well and again, nothing…. Please don’t waste your time
Tonya DeDeaux's Review Sourced from Google
I participated in a study on March 10th and was told I would receive my incentive within 2-3 weeks. I emailed and called Steffanie at Murray Hill National. About 1 week ago she told me my payment would be sent by Tremendous on April 5th. Today is April 5th, still no payment. I've participated in studies for many years and this company is the WORST research company in regards to receiving timely payments as I was told I would receive by a certain time line.Today is my daughter's b-day and I had planned on giving her my incentive as a gift, but not now still no payment today.I will NEVER participate with any studies with Murray Hill National in the near future!Very disappointed participant
Brandon Hawkins (Lost in the Static)'s Review Sourced from Google
One of the most coolest things I've seen yet. Don't quiet remember how I got connected with these guys but this is legitimate folks!! Simple, down to earth folks that provide surveys and more with amazing awesome rewards. "The surveys are easy and the pay is quick"!! It's a must try I swear !! SUSAN YOU'RE AMAZING AND YOU KNOW IT!! IT'S OKAY GO AHEAD FLAUNT IT...
We’re a brand consultancy. We think differently for people, developing imaginative insights and effective creative. That’s brand new thinking. We are 100% #EmployeeOwned and collaborate with our clients to define, create and activate their brands...
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We believe that the best outcomes arise from bringing the right experts together. Our customized size enables us to remain agile, collaborative, and dedicated to each project...
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Ashley Yu's Review Sourced from Google
Product design company that dedicated to enhance people’s living. There is a good view in the office!It’s a walking distance to subway station and the neighborhood Dumbo is very lovely!
T2O media is a Digital Media Agency founded in 2004, that designs and manages marketing and communication strategies with a results orientated approach (Paid, Owned, Earned Media, relying always on Technology). Currently has permanent offices in Europe, LATAM and US, where is the partner of major brands...
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BrandJuice strategy is a tried-and-true fusion of customer and cultural insights, business wisdom, and competitive distinctiveness, whether we're building a brand from scratch or giving an existing one new life...
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Adam Wright's Review Sourced from Google
The BrandJuice team gets to the essence of your customer(s) and the brand in a unique and meaningful way that is at another level compared to most agencies. The team is a dynamic, thoughtful and smart group of fun individuals who get up to speed incredibly quickly. They are an absolute pleasure to work with and will challenge you to look at your brand, market and customers in a new way. They approach things totally uniquely so even if you're not sure if they are a fit, invite them to a pitch and you'll see their differentiation firsthand.
Tracy Weil's Review Sourced from Google
Brand Juice is amazing! Not only were they fun to work with, they really took the time to get to know our district and helped us further our brand development to match our exponential growth. Great people and great work!
Blue Label Labs is a premier digital product agency, providing a comprehensive array of services to transform businesses in the digital realm. With a strong global presence, we specialize in mobile app development, especially iPhone app development, publishing app development, web design, and product...
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Christie CL's Review Sourced from Google
I have been working with Blue Label for several years. They have proven to be an excellent partner, they value collaboration and are well adept at integrating input from our project team and their's to create a high functioning, modern app. They also employ excellent project management methods to ensure consistent and clear communication across team members, which has made the development process run incredibly smooth for all involved.
Lauren Sobin's Review Sourced from Google
The team at BLL went above and beyond. They took my app idea and designed/developed it with lots of thought and care. The planning and "sprints" were well organized and we kept on-target with frequent catch-ups & project management tools. Looking forward to launching the app to the public with their support.
Michael Gayed's Review Sourced from Google
I've been working with BLL for over two years, and can confidently say they do incredible work. Founders are honest, everyone is hardworking and innovative, and they take real interest in their clients. Highly recommended.
You're ready to hire a market research firm when the cost of a wrong decision exceeds the cost of the research itself and when the question you need answered can't be resolved with internal data alone.
That threshold looks different by situation, but here's how to read the signals:
You're ready if:
You're NOT ready if:
Eliminate on three criteria before you spend a single call: methodology fit, sector fluency, and sample access.
What NOT to consider as a criterion: Agency size, award lists, and website aesthetics are not shortlisting criteria.
A standard market research project runs 6 to 8 weeks, on average. Here's how the timeline is usually sequenced:
Start with a pilot if you've never worked with this firm before and the full engagement exceeds $50,000.
A pilot project, typically a smaller, bounded study or a single research wave, serves three functions:
When to skip the pilot and commit upfront:
One important clarification: A pilot is not a free consultation. Budget it as a real, paid engagement with a clear deliverable.
Switch when the data quality is compromised, stay when the issue is communication or process friction, which are fixable problems.
Switch immediately if:
Give them more time if:
Rated 4.8 on Google and 4.7 on Trustpilot, DesignRush Agency Directory is a reliable resource for finding market research companies. We owe this to our executive selection team, which follows a strict screening process when featuring agencies on the platform, assessing key performance indicators, like portfolio, client reviews, and industry reputation.
Learn more about DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology.
DesignRush sustains a directory of over 40,000 agencies categorized by service category, location, expertise, and reviews. We build our database in two ways:
Agencies can also reach out to DesignRush and must go through the verification process prior to being listed.
The most disqualifying red flag is a market research firm that proposes a methodology before diagnosing your problem. This is a common indication that the firm is reverse-engineering your question to fit their existing fieldwork infrastructure, rather than designing a study to answer what you actually need to know.
You should also consider the panel opacity; namely, any market research company that can't specify whether they're using a river sample, a proprietary panel, or a blended approach, and what their median panel tenure and re-contact intervals look like, might be concealing a data quality problem.
Other red flags to watch out for are:
A custom market research project from a professional firm can cost from $25,000 to $65,000, with specialist market research commanding the higher end of that range.
In terms of variables, there are five factors that affect final pricing:
The costs most clients don't see coming are fieldwork overruns, unbundled data processing fees, and multi-market add-ons. Here are a few more details about each cost:
The safest way to obtain an accurate proposal is to ask the agency for a full cost-at-risk breakdown, i.e., a list of every line item that could increase based on fieldwork conditions or scope changes.
The right market research agency is the one that's honest about what your budget can and can't buy.
The real risk is underspending just enough to get a study that looks credible but can't answer your actual question:
A credible market research company will tell you upfront if your budget constrains the methodology.
Bad engagements follow the same pattern almost every time: a vague brief, a proposal that doesn't challenge it, and a final deliverable that presents data without telling you what to do with it. Underdelivered outcome looks different depending on what you hired them for:
In practice, these aren't unusual outcomes. More so, they tend to happen when a market research company takes a brief at face value instead of pressure-testing whether the methodology actually answers the main question.
Before you proceed with collaboration, ask the agency three things:
Hiring a market research firm only makes sense when you have a genuine information gap: a decision that's significant, hard to reverse, and cannot be answered with data you already have. Outside of that, you're paying for research you don't need.
Skip the service if your timeline is too short. A properly designed study with a screener, fieldwork, data cleaning, and analysis takes weeks. Rushing that process cuts quality controls, and data with hidden flaws will ultimately give you false confidence. That's worse than no data at all. If you need an answer within two weeks, you're better off with:
Skip the service if the answer already exists. If your transaction data already shows how different customer segments respond to price changes, commissioning a new pricing study is a redundant spend.
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