Frequently asked questions.

Yes. You do not need to arrive with a defined methodology. Start with the business question — we will help determine what research, if any, is required to answer it.

No. We work with companies exploring new opportunities and with companies already operating in their market. Research can support launches, expansion, repositioning, pricing, customer understanding, competitor monitoring, distribution and many other decisions.

Yes. Market-entry support is a core part of our work: assessing market structure, demand, competition, pricing, channels and commercial barriers, then translating the evidence into practical entry priorities, route-to-market options and, where relevant, partner identification.

FMCG and consumer-facing businesses are an important area of our expertise. However, we also work across sectors including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, real estate, hospitality, energy, finance, technology and professional services.

Yes. Projects can be conducted for international companies remotely, with local research and fieldwork where required.

Because we start with the decision, not the report. We combine desk research, consumer research and on-the-ground field investigation, interpret the evidence through a commercial lens, and are explicit about what the evidence supports — and what it does not.

For international companies, we bring local market understanding together with more than a decade of experience in international trade, investment and business development.

Yes. But we prefer to begin with the business question rather than a predetermined report format. The final study is designed around what you need to decide.

Yes. Competitive intelligence can include competitor mapping, pricing, products, positioning, distribution, retail presence, customer experience and other relevant dimensions — always within the limits of what is ethically permissible.

Yes. Depending on the research question, we use online or face-to-face surveys, focus groups or other appropriate methodologies, alongside qualitative and field research where relevant.

The method follows the question. Depending on the objective, we use online and face-to-face surveys, consumer interviews, focus groups, concept testing, brand perception studies, price research, usage & attitude studies, segmentation research, post-purchase research, mystery shopping and field observation.

Yes. Mystery shopping is one of the field-intelligence methodologies we use to investigate customer experience and commercial execution.

Yes. Projects can be designed around particular cities, regions, channels, customer segments or other geographic criteria where appropriate.

Where it serves your objective. Partner identification starts with understanding your offer, your customer, your route to market and your commercial priorities — then identifying the relationships that could genuinely create value. We do not make introductions for the sake of introductions.

Yes — but recommendations are grounded in the evidence collected. Our objective is not to manufacture certainty. It is to distinguish between what the evidence supports, what requires caution and what should be investigated further.

Where appropriate, raw or underlying research data can form part of the agreed deliverables. This is defined during the project scope.

There is no universal timeline. A focused field investigation can be relatively rapid, while a large consumer study or comprehensive market assessment requires more planning and execution. We establish the methodology and timeline before beginning.

Pricing depends on the research question, scope, methodology, sample requirements, geography, timeline and resources required. We provide a tailored proposal after understanding the project.

Tell us about your situation through the enquiry form or by email. We will arrange an initial conversation to understand the decision you are facing, then send a tailored proposal setting out the recommended approach, timeline and fees. Work begins once the proposal is approved.

Yes. Our published case studies protect client identities. Some clients have also left reviews on the ARKAD Plus Google profile and recommendations on Safaa Nasseh’s LinkedIn profile, which you are welcome to consult.