Abstract
Researchers using survey‑based methods must do everything they can to enhance their response rates in order to
improve the robustness and validity of the data they collect for analysis. Extant literature has explored several techniques to
do this across many contexts, including experiments/meta‑analyses. This paper addresses two particular deficits by
considering the difficult context of micro‑firms and also the impact of trade‑association endorsement (rather than
sponsorship). This is done by conducting an in‑depth ex‑post review of a single, successful survey case conducted and utilised
in a study of English tourism firms and regulation. We explore several factors: the type of trade‑association support (including
levels of endorsement, access to member firms, and messages sent on behalf of the research team); postal versus online
questionnaires; message type/frequency; and the importance of giving respondents an opportunity for open comments. The
paper ends with a comprehensive set of suggestions for future researchers.