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Client Q & A

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Who are the members of BIG’s problem-solver network?

Our 13,000 members range from engineers to marketers, graphic designers, inventors, and industrial designers to soccer Moms, teachers, entrepreneurs, and everything in between. We also recruit channel specialists to complement our network. Through cross-country invention-review Roadshows, we have met and evaluated hundreds of inventors and continue to recruit new contributors to our network on a daily basis.

What do problem-solvers submit? What is the quality and level of refinement of the ideas received?

What creatives submit is largely dependent on the type of proposal and what the client desires. Generally, we receive a wide range of ideas in terms of both quality and refinement. We always consider the root value of the submission, and don't automatically dismiss a concept because it's poorly or incompletely articulated. If an idea has great promise, we invest the extra needed to refine it before we present it to our client. At a minimum, we do ask all problem-solvers to submit a complete description of the new concept and strongly recommend visuals. Some problem-solvers also submit PowerPoint presentations, prototypes or mock-ups, and competitive or IP information. While we generally don't require that submissions have IP protection (since many concepts are often being created for clients on short notice), our evaluations do take into consideration the defensibility of the product. Bottom line: Our job is to present you with the best concepts, clearly and concisely explained and compellingly positioned.

How are problem-solvers compensated?

Compensation depends on the assignment and client. Typically, clients offer both upfront prizes and a back-end licensing or buyout deal for ideas they want to move forward with. BIG generally splits back-end compensation with problem-solvers 50/50 (this is fully disclosed to them).

How does BIG recruit communities and panelists?

Community members are recruited to your specs. Some clients want us to use communities of existing customers, while others look to BIG to find participants. BIG recruits some communities directly and/or leverages partners, depending on the profile.

How are community members compensated?

Compensation for community members depends on the expertise and time commitment required. Generally we offer a mix of lottery and merit prizes, which can be cash or merchandise. We also nurture members’ sense of community and influence, reporting back to them on our findings and the client’s response.

Who owns the insights and information generated by the community? Who owns the ideas generated in Hunts?

Our client owns the insights and information generated by their community. Ideas generated in Hunts usually remain the property of the submitter until the client negotiates licensing rights or a buyout.

How does BIG manage confidentiality in Insight Clubs? In Hunts?

In Insight Clubs, our participants must agree to confidentiality terms. We have staged both clubs where the sponsor identity is revealed and where it is undisclosed. Hunts are usually run openly, with full disclosure of customer and marketing insights, as well as the client’s name. By using the client name, brands, and findings, we can generate greater participant excitement and insight into the project. However, some clients choose to remain anonymous and don't share insights with community members or disclose identity to our problem-solvers. In a few cases, we have even had Hunt participants sign NDAs before disclosing details of the Hunt. It can work both ways, but we prefer to be able to share the company, brands, and community contributions with participants whenever possible.

Who will be working on my business? What are the qualifications of BIG's staff?

When you work with BIG, you get a team of professionals with relevant experience for your brand and category, coupled with unique expertise in innovation services. Each of our team members has more than 10 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: