Field market research and customer surveys for SMEs
Starting costs about $6,250 in the United States and 1,130,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,570 net per month in the United States and 602,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 8 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6,250 | $2,570 |
| Nigeria | 1,130,000 NGN | 602,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £4,250 | £1,830 |
| Kenya | 276,000 KES | 87,200 KES |
| India | 138,000 INR | 63,600 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
SMEs launch products, shops or prices without reliable customer data, because research firms are too expensive and online polls unrepresentative.
The solution
Short, affordable studies: field or phone questionnaires, interviews, footfall counts and mystery shopping, with a report and actionable recommendations.
Your customers
SMEs, shops preparing an opening, franchisors, associations, cooperatives and founders who need to convince a bank.
How you make money
Simple study from 800 to 3,000 €, mystery visits at 40 to 120 € each, quarterly satisfaction tracker on subscription.
Competition
Market research firms, free online survey tools, independent consultants and students running cheap surveys.
Who has an edge
Someone with a sociology, statistics or marketing background, rigorous on method and able to recruit reliable local interviewers, delivers credible results fast.
The risks
Irregular demand, clients undervaluing data, uneven interviewer quality, personal data protection rules to follow.
The first 3 steps
- Create three standard study offers with prices and timelines
- Run a pilot study for a shop in your network
- Recruit and train five occasional interviewers
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,000 − costs €1,200 = €1,800 net per month. Revenue: 1 study × €1,800 + 12 mystery visits × €100. Costs: freelance surveyors, travel, survey software, insurance, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Field market research?
About $6,250 (United States), 1,130,000 NGN (Nigeria), £4,250 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,570 (United States), 602,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,830 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 8 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Irregular demand, clients undervaluing data, uneven interviewer quality, personal data protection rules to follow.
Where do I start?
1. Create three standard study offers with prices and timelines 2. Run a pilot study for a shop in your network 3. Recruit and train five occasional interviewers
Similar ideas
- Specialised translation for exporting small businessesTranslation for exporters
- Building energy and thermal audit officeBuilding energy audits
- Visual identity and graphic design for small businessesGraphic design for small firms
- Mail-in soil test kit with fertiliser adviceMail-in soil testing
Register your business in your country
Belgium · Brazil · Cameroon · Colombia · France · Ivory Coast · Mexico · Morocco · Peru · Portugal · Senegal · Spain