Shipping Critical to Online Buying Experience, Says UPS

Data Dump Index: 65/100

Media Reach: 10
Sample Frame: 2
Interview Bias: 2
Chronology of Interviews: 2
How does the media interpret the results:8
How does the media present the results to the public: 6
PR factor: 10
Public perception: 9
Weighting of data: 4
Sponsored survey: 8
Survey method: 4

Marketers to online purchasers should sail past these data given the sponsor is a premier provider of shipping services to e-commerce vendors. The Synovate panel respondents, while likely pre-screened to qualify, would better be supplanted by a random sample of online shoppers polled during earlier in the year when holiday shopping is less top of mind.

Travel Survey Will Likely Have Far Reach

Data Dump Index: 66/100

Media Reach: 10
Sample Frame: 7
Interview Bias: 4
Chronology of Interviews: 2
How does the media interpret the results:2
How does the media present the results to the public: 6
PR factor: 10
Public perception: 9
Weighting of data: 5
Sponsored survey: 7
Survey method: 4

We are cautiously optimistic on the validity of this survey of end-of-year travelers, given that sponser American Express could have interviewed mostly customers to target them with travel premiums and promotions. But marketers looking for data on spontaneous and adventursome consumers could find some value in pouring over these numbers in conjunction with travel-related consumer-focused campaigns.

Americans Trust Traditional News Sources Most, Says Harris Poll

Data Dump Index: 78/100

This blatant red flag for this survey about trusted news sources is that it's sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America. However, marketers looking to make educated media decisions can leverage these data for their next consumer-focused campaign but should be cautiously optmistic on the results related to Congressional and business executives.

I'm Sceptical About IM Survey

Data Dump Index: 54/100

This is the third annual AOL survey on instant messaging trends and the results, not surprisingly, show an increase in overall use of the communication tool. This upward scale is likely due to AOL's base of respondents that skews toward younger members. High-tech marketers to consumers who prefer real-time communications should cautiously approach these data before setting campaign plans.

New Survey Reveals Older Americans' Attitudes Toward Sleep and Healthy Aging

Data Dump Index: 78/100

This is the third survey on sleep deprivation research we've covered in a month and we're curious about the need for these data. Since this survey, by the ILC with Gallup, is not inherently tied to any prescription or OTC pharmaceutical manufacturer, marketers can "rest easy" that there is good figures here on which to leverage for campaigns targeted at the mature market.

Luxury Institute Survey Uncovers What Pubs Wealthy Read

Data Dump Index: 86/100

Marketing

We hold in high esteem The Luxury Institute's proprietary research on the attitudes and behaviors of the U.S. wealthy consumer. This survey on their reading habits adds another good piece to the puzzle of what those with money like to do and buy. Marketers to this high-profile demographic should heed these results when targeting media to reach this segment.