Understanding your cost estimate

When you set up recruitment for a study, User Sense shows a cost estimate on the right-hand side of the screen. This estimate helps you understand what recruiting participants for your study is likely to cost before you commit. This article explains what the estimate is based on, how our credit system works, which cost components make up the total, and when you are actually charged.

What the estimate is based on

The estimate is based on participants who can be reached well through our panel. For hard-to-reach target groups, or when we work together with a partner to source participants, the actual costs may be higher.

The estimate is an indication, not a final price. If you choose Managed by User Sense, you'll submit a recruitment request and receive a tailored quote — usually within one business day. Once you approve that quote, it becomes the agreed price for your recruitment.

Cost components

Your estimate can be made up of the following components:

• Project management (managed service only). The cost of building the screener, inviting participants, and scheduling the sessions. Your project is guided by one or more of our team members. This component only applies when you choose Managed by User Sense.
• Recruitment fee. The fee User Sense charges to recruit participants for your study. This fee includes the use of the User Sense platform.
• Incentives. The compensation User Sense pays out to participants for taking part.

Depending on your setup, your estimate may also include extra participants (a reserve or a floater) that cover drop-outs. Learn more about reserve participants and floaters. 

How the credit system works

The platform runs on credits. 1 credit equals € 1,00. All prices in your estimate, and on your final quote, are shown in credits.

When you purchase credits in bulk, a discount may apply. You can buy credits directly through the platform, or request a quote via sales@usersense.com. Credits remain valid for one year and can be used for any of our services. If you purchase new credits within that period, the validity of all your credits is extended to one year from that purchase date.

When you're charged

You're only charged for sessions that are actually carried out and that meet our quality requirements. For sessions that don't take place, credits are refunded — or, if paying afterwards is enabled for your account, they're simply not charged.