Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.Data accumulated from Consumers' Association surveys are designed to be used by the consumer. The surveys are, therefore, very specific in nature and the subjects covered diverse. The Data Archive holds 19 such surveys. Readers are asked to note that, with the exception of the surveys on the Telephone Service - 69004, 69016, respondents surveyed are self selected from subscribers to the Association's magazine <i>Which?</i> and so the surveys cannot singly be used in descriptive accounts of the British public. Surveys 69005-69012 cover various aspects of the housing experiences of <i>Which?</i> readers who moved house in 1967 and 1968. It is here particularly important to remember that the choice strategies and the resources of <i>Which?</i> readers are unlikely to be typical.
Main Topics:
Private sale: topics include advertising (type, month first advertised, content of advertisement and response are noted); total cost of trying to sell property (either before respondent found a buyer or gave up); total time spent on this; how it was decided what amount to ask for property (7 categories); highest asking price and price property actually sold for; and finally, outcome of attempt to sell privately (including a statement of the disadvantages involved). Sale through a commissioned agent: type of agent; number of firms dealt with; month in which agent was commissioned; forms of advertising used; time which elapsed between first contacting agent and receiving an acceptable offer; asking price of property and how this was determined is noted. A section is included on costs of using an agent (particularly, whether cost was made clear from outset, whether extra charges for advertising in press, for auction etc. were levied). Details are given on the agreement reached between seller and agent, and arrangements made by agent for people to view property (respondent is asked to state any dissatisfaction felt with these arrangements). Finally, the respondent is asked to rate the service received from the agent (e.g. whether felt that agent was acting in his/her interests, whether agent was always helpful and attentive etc.). Respondents also have an opportunity to compare the services of the best' andworst' agents they dealt with. Description of property: type (e.g. detached house/cottage); size (i.e. number of rooms); age; region; type of area (e.g. rural, urban); whether offered with complete vacant possession; whether any prospective buyer commissioned a survey on property.
No sampling (total universe)
Postal survey
