Quick Reference: Caribbean Focus Group Costs
$3K–$8K
Per group (all-inclusive)
$40–$100
Participant incentive range
4–6 weeks
Typical project timeline
1. Focus Group Facility Availability by Island
Purpose-built focus group facilities with one-way mirrors, recording equipment, and client viewing rooms are limited in the Caribbean. Here is the current landscape:
| Market | Dedicated Facility | Alternative Venues | Cost/Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaica (Kingston) | Yes – one-way mirror | Hotels, conference centers | $3K–$5K |
| Trinidad (Port of Spain) | Yes – one-way mirror | Hotels, boardrooms | $3K–$5K |
| Barbados | Yes – limited | Hotels, resort meeting rooms | $4K–$6K |
| Bahamas (Nassau) | No | Hotel suites, portable setup | $5K–$7K |
| Guyana (Georgetown) | No | Hotels, community centers | $3K–$5K |
| Eastern Caribbean | No | Hotels, portable video setup | $5K–$8K |
2. Recruiting Methods
Proprietary Database Recruiting
Established Caribbean research firms maintain databases of pre-screened respondents categorized by demographics, product usage, and past participation. This is the fastest and most reliable method for standard consumer profiles. Database recruiting typically takes 5-7 business days for common segments.
Street Intercept Screening
High-traffic locations (shopping malls, markets, bus terminals) serve as intercept points where trained screeners identify and pre-qualify potential participants. Effective for reaching consumers who may not be in any research database. Common in Jamaica (Half Way Tree, Liguanea), Trinidad (Trincity Mall, Gulf City), and Barbados (Sheraton Mall).
Social Media Recruiting
Facebook remains the dominant social platform across the Caribbean. Targeted ads and community group outreach are highly effective for recruiting younger demographics (18-34) and specific interest groups. WhatsApp is used for follow-up communication and confirmation. Instagram recruiting works for lifestyle and beauty product research.
Snowball Referrals
Particularly useful for niche segments in small island populations. Initial participants refer peers who meet screening criteria. Essential for B2B focus groups, professional audiences, and hard-to-reach demographics. Limit referral chains to prevent homogeneity in group composition.
3. Participant Incentive Rates by Market
Incentive rates in the Caribbean vary by market, segment, and session duration. These rates apply to standard 90-minute consumer focus groups:
General Consumer
- Jamaica: $40–$50 USD
- Trinidad: $40–$60 USD
- Barbados: $60–$80 USD
- Bahamas: $75–$90 USD
- Cayman Islands: $80–$100 USD
Professional / B2B
- Jamaica: $80–$120 USD
- Trinidad: $80–$150 USD
- Barbados: $100–$150 USD
- Bahamas: $120–$175 USD
- Cayman Islands: $150–$200 USD
Tip: Always pay incentives in local currency or provide phone credit top-ups as an alternative. Cash is strongly preferred across all Caribbean markets. Avoid gift cards as they have limited utility on smaller islands.
4. Moderator Considerations
Moderator selection is critical for Caribbean focus groups. Cultural and linguistic fluency directly impacts data quality.
Language fluency
Moderators must understand local Creole, Patois, or vernacular even if the session is conducted in standard English. Participants naturally code-switch during animated discussions, and missing these exchanges loses valuable insights.
Cultural norms
Caribbean participants tend to be more expressive and sociable than those in many developed markets. Moderators should allow for natural group dynamics while managing dominant personalities. Humor and storytelling are integral to Caribbean discourse.
Social desirability bias
In small communities, participants may moderate their responses to align with perceived social norms. Experienced Caribbean moderators use projective techniques and third-person questioning to elicit authentic opinions on sensitive topics.
Religious and cultural sensitivity
Schedule awareness is important: avoid sessions during key religious observances (e.g., Divali in Trinidad, Emancipation Day celebrations) and be mindful of dietary restrictions when planning catering for multi-ethnic groups.
5. Online vs. In-Person Focus Groups
In-person focus groups remain the preferred format across the Caribbean due to cultural preferences for face-to-face interaction and the richness of non-verbal cues. However, online groups via Zoom or Teams have gained acceptance since 2020, particularly for:
- Diaspora research (reaching Caribbean consumers in the US, UK, Canada)
- Multi-island studies where travel costs are prohibitive
- Tech-savvy younger demographics (18-34) in digitally advanced markets
- B2B groups with busy professionals who prefer virtual convenience
Recommendation: Use in-person groups for primary markets (Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados) and online groups for secondary islands and diaspora segments. This hybrid approach optimizes both cost and data quality.
6. Client Observation & Viewing Options
In facilities with one-way mirrors (Kingston, Port of Spain), clients can observe sessions in real-time with simultaneous translation if needed. For markets without dedicated facilities, live video streaming via secure platforms enables remote client observation from anywhere in the world.
All sessions should be recorded (audio and video) with participant consent for post-session analysis. Provide clients with session recordings, moderator debriefs, and highlight reels of key moments within 48 hours of each group.
7. Group Composition Best Practices
Standard Caribbean focus groups comprise 6-8 participants (slightly smaller than the North American standard of 8-10 due to the naturally more talkative Caribbean discussion style). Key composition considerations:
- Separate groups by gender for personal care, health, and financial products
- In Trinidad, consider ethnicity-specific groups for food and cultural product research
- Separate income tiers to avoid social comparison effects
- Over-recruit by 25-30% (invite 10-11 for 8 participants) to account for Caribbean no-show rates
- Avoid mixing urban and rural participants who may have fundamentally different consumption patterns
8. Catering & Cultural Considerations
Caribbean focus group catering requires attention to dietary diversity. In Trinidad and Guyana, ensure halal and vegetarian options for Hindu and Muslim participants. Across the region, provide local refreshments (local juices, water, light snacks) rather than generic catering. Evening sessions (6-8 PM) are standard and should include heavier refreshments as participants often come directly from work.
Tip: Start sessions with 15-20 minutes of informal mingling and refreshments. Caribbean participants warm up through casual conversation before formal discussion begins. This is not wasted time; it builds the rapport that produces richer qualitative data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a focus group cost in the Caribbean?
Caribbean focus groups typically cost $3,000-$8,000 USD per group all-inclusive. Jamaica and Trinidad groups are at the lower end ($3,000-$5,000), while smaller or remote islands command premiums ($5,000-$8,000). Specialized segments add 20-40% to base costs.
What incentive rates should I pay focus group participants in the Caribbean?
Incentives range from $40-$100 USD per participant for a 90-minute session. Jamaica and Trinidad: $40-$60. Barbados: $60-$80. Bahamas and Cayman Islands: $75-$100. Professional/B2B participants may require $100-$200 USD. Cash in local currency is the preferred payment method.
Are there focus group facilities in the Caribbean?
Dedicated facilities with one-way mirrors exist in Kingston (Jamaica), Port of Spain (Trinidad), and Barbados. Other markets rely on hotel conference rooms with portable video equipment and live streaming for client observation.
How do you recruit focus group participants in small Caribbean markets?
Multiple methods: proprietary databases, street intercept screening at shopping centers, Facebook and social media outreach, snowball referrals, and community organization partnerships. Over-recruit by 25-30% to account for no-shows.
Should I conduct focus groups online or in-person in the Caribbean?
In-person remains the gold standard for richer data. Use online groups for diaspora segments, secondary islands, and tech-savvy demographics. A hybrid approach using in-person for primary markets and online for secondary islands optimizes both cost and data quality.
Related Guides
How to Conduct Market Research in the Caribbean
Complete 8-step guide for Caribbean research projects
Survey Sampling in Caribbean Markets
Small population methods & best practices
Focus Group Research Services
Caribbean qualitative research capabilities
In-Depth Interviews
One-on-one qualitative research in the Caribbean
Consumer Insights Research
Understanding Caribbean consumer behavior
Market Research Pricing
Cost guide for Caribbean research projects
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HRG operates focus group facilities and field teams across 15+ Caribbean territories. From recruiting to moderation to reporting, we manage the entire qualitative research process.
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