Market Insights: ECP preferences in supplier interaction and order submission during COVID-19

06/12/2020

The Vision Council serves as a leading resource for the most comprehensive optical industry research, fielding surveys on a regular basis to monitor attitudes and behaviors among consumers, industry member companies and eyecare professionals. Below is a snapshot of compelling data from the research team’s recent studies.

Sales reps continue to be among the most beneficial channels for ECPs when considering suppliers

ECPs ranked communication with sales representatives among the most beneficial forms of interaction when considering and researching suppliers given the current situation with COVID-19. Emails, calls, sample demonstrations and in-person meetings with sales reps were all highly ranked in recent surveys.

Digital ‘self-serve’ supplier interactions, such as reviewing websites and online materials, were among the highest preferred, while traditional ‘self-serve’ modes were among the lowest.

Q: Given the COVID-19 situation, what modes of interaction would be most beneficial to you when considering suppliers going forward? (Rank top 5) Weighted scores based on respondent rankings.
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 ECP Panel Study, 5/25–5/31/2020, n = 285

Digital ‘self-serve’ channels are the most preferred for order submission

While sales reps play an important role in ECPs’ supplier research and consideration process, digital ‘self-serve’ channels such as supplier’s websites and web portals are the most preferred for order submission.

Q: Given the COVID-19 situation, which of the following methods do you/would you most prefer to use when submitting your order going forward? (Rank top 3) Weighted scores based on respondent rankings.
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 ECP Panel Study, 5/25–5/31/2020, n = 285

New Q1 2020 Market Research Report Available for Download

The Vision Council’s first quarter 2020 market research reports are now available for download. Reports include:

Consumer Barometer Report
Over-the-Counter Readers Index Report
Plano Sunglasses Index Report
Up to $30 Plano Sunglasses Index Report
VisionWatch Report Card
Market Analysis Report
Vision Care Market Quarterly Overview
Canada Market Overview

These reports contain top-line and demographic data on the prescription lens, ophthalmic frame, Plano sunglass and over-the-counter (OTC) readers markets, including data on aggregate unit and dollar sales.

Click here to download the reports. Select “2020” in the Year Equals drop-down to find the Q1 2020 reports.

From consumer opinions to optical market reports, The Vision Council offers hundreds of industry studies for free to members as well as exclusive access to custom research projects. To learn more about how industry research and analysis can drive your business forward, contact Nathan Troxell at ntroxell@thevisioncouncil.org.