# The Survey System Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is The Survey System the right Survey solution for you? Explore 18 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/19643/The-Survey-System/reviews

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The Survey System

4.6 (18)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Reviews of The Survey System

Ease of use

4.4

Customer Service

4.8

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-18 of 18 Reviews

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Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

Les W.  
Director  
Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Fabulous old-school, no-nonsense research data analysis tool"

July 25, 2019

5.0

We undertake a wide range of surveys and other research, from a few hundred short sharp online questionnaires to tens of thousands of lengthy face to face questionnaires with very complex cross-tabs, and it handles them all in its stride.

Pros

I have used The Survey System since it was written in the 1980s. It was written by researchers (not computer programmers) for researchers so it is user-friendly and intuitive. While it will still allow you to import from and export to 80-column punch cards (for old IBM 370s still in use in many universities for example), it has also been regularly updated to include most of the advanced features you would expect in an internet-driven world. Unlike many other data analysis programs which tend to be black box (secretive processes), its processes are relatively transparent so you can easily trace what is happening to your data every step of the way.

Cons

I love it, I have not a single complaint. Of all the computer programs I use, it is by far the most intuitive, easy to use and reliable .

Review Source

AP

Adam P.  
Manager  
Real Estate  
Used the software for: I used a free trial

### "Surveys made easy "

October 14, 2024

5.0

Happy with what the software provides us so far

Pros

We have just started trialing this software to get customer feedback

Cons

Only Just started the trial so cannot provide a genuine con right now

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
CEO  
Market Research  
Used the software for: I used a free trial

### "A Look at The Survey System"

June 11, 2020

2.0

I tried to carry out an online survey however when exporting the data I had a number of issues.

Pros

They provide survey systems for traditional means. Which helps gather data from a unique set of individuals.

Cons

I had compatibility issues when trying to install the software and certain integrations that I needed for exporting the data were not available

Review Source

Response from Creative Research Systems

June 12, 2020

Thank you. We appreciate all feedback. Since you chose to remain anonymous, it is hard to address your specific issues. We know of no compatibility problems installing our software on Windows PCs, laptops or servers. As for data export, our software can export to Excel, SPSS, CSV and other formats. We offer more extensive and customizable reporting than most other survey software, making data export unnecessary for the majority of our users. We also offer extensive, responsive tech support, including GoToMeeting sessions, to help our clients with software installation and any other issues that come up. If you choose to contact us, we would be happy to work with you. Additionally,We are available to customize our software to meet specific needs. We also offer extensive, responsive tech support, including GoToMeeting sessions, to help our clients with software installation and any other issues that come up. If you choose to contact us, we would be happy to work with you.

CK

Craig K.  
MD  
Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Ideal for professional market researchers"

August 6, 2017

5.0

1\. Survey package for professional marketing researchers. Goes well beyond mass-market packages like SurveyMonkey. 2. Can use for online as well as telephonic / face to face. 2. Well thought out. Subtle details others miss. 3. Value-for-money. 4. Stable, they don't make unnecessary changes on a whim leaving you in trouble in the middle of a research project. 5. Can make changes on the desktop instead of the cloud making it faster.

Pros

I've used 'The Survey System' for 7 years, and have found it one of the best value for money options for professional marketing researchers. While mass-market packages like SurveyMonkey claim to have 'professional' or 'academic' options, they are far from it. Advantages include: 1. Well thought out; subtle details other newer companies seem to miss. 2. You setup questionnaires & analyse offline, unlike cloud-based competitors. Cloud-based apps are slower to work with, and many of your assets (e.g. web templates, grid files, response options) sit on their server. 3. They actually know what 'respondent weighting' is. It still amazes me that many software providers (SurveyMonkey amongst them) don't know what you are talking about when you ask if they have 'respondent weighting'; or worse they confuse it with value weights. 4. Perpetual licensing makes it very economical. The only ongoing cost is paying for a server from a hosting company. 5. Banner tables. 6. Advanced question types. 7. You can see 'under the hood'. Data files, question files, grid files, images, web pages etc. are all stored in your project folder and can be renamed and uploaded as needed. This offers advantages such as being able to keep a survey version, and a reporting version of a questionnaire.

Cons

1\. Graphs are a bit limited compared to Excel. 2. All the modules together are quite pricey, especially given the dollar exchange rate. 3. They prefer you purchase via intermediaries in countries outside of the US. 4. If you buy late in the life-cycle of a version, support will be terminated early, and you will either need to upgrade or pay for support.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Owner  
Market Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Love it...Super High Value "

November 3, 2018

5.0

We would highly recommend as a super value that integrates for multiple methodologies.

Pros

The system is very robust and full of features to aid in analysis. Further the ability to handle online, phone and field interviews in one system is exceptional. The customer support is unbelievably helpful, responsive, friendly.

Cons

It is not super easy to learn the programming (not like an off the shelf/out of the box). Also, woudl love to see them add conjoint.

Review Source

EM

Elizabeth M.  
Lead Statistician & Data Systems Manager  
Market Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Gets the Job Done!"

October 18, 2018

4.0

We are using Survey System v12.0 for online surveys and Creative Research System hosts them. It is easy to manipulate and send/retrieve data in a spreadsheet format. We use SS v10.5 and v12.0 for data entry and cross tabulation purposes. The BEST thing: Our rep at Customer Support! The entire Creative Research System team is INCREDIBLY responsive and easy to understand. He explains things very well, and will fix any small issues I might find VERY quickly with the excellent developers. This is customer support that is very hard to find these days - direct email and direct line and response within an hour.

Pros

Easy to produce cross tabs with banners, VERY fast with large data sets. Also, easy and fast to export/import to/from .xls (.csv, .txt, etc.). Data entry is easy and fast.

Cons

We do not use for regression, cluster, etc. - it is limited on higher level analyses. However, due to its speed, it is very easy to export the dataset into SPSS (STATA, R, etc.) and do the analyses then load back into Survey System to produce cross tabs from the additional variables created.

Review Source

CS

Christopher S.  
Vice President  
  
Used the software for:

### "Creative Research Systems - The Survey System"

February 26, 2010

5.0

Great, versatile, multi-faceted market research application! Easy to use product that allows you to do everything from data entry, CATI, Web Surveys to CAPI....even crisp, clean crosstabs for report at the end of data collection. Hank, Bill and the rest of the staff over at CRS are a pleasure to work with and always provide me with the market research software solutions I need to service my clients. I have been working with this product for over 12 years and it continues to improve year after year. Give it a try, they even have a free trial version...you won't be disappointed

Pros

Easy to use software where you don't have to speak a programming language to use it. Great tech support, - if you have a question or need a custom change to the software to meet a specific and unique client need Hank and the team can always accommodate you. Several of our clients want mult-methodology type projects these days. The Survey System product, just like our company capabilities, is one stop shopping. You don't need to use another piece of software to do the web survey or data entry, The Survey System does it all...saving you time and money, which is something we use day in and day out to be cost competitive.

Cons

With any product there are capabilities that are needed above and beyond the basics for some companies. However, this product continues to improve and get better throughout the years. And if you have a specific request, you can have them make a change/upgrade to the program that isnt going to cost you an arm and a leg. From the 12+ years I have been using this product I havent had many issues, I wouldnt still be using The Survey System today if I had.

Review Source

JPM

James P M.  
Owner  
Market Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "The Survey System Review"

October 18, 2018

5.0

You feel appreciated. Support is always available. Any problem can be solved.

Pros

Completely logical. Lets you do virtually anything. Makes you a full-service resource for your own projects. Saves funds and time previously used for tabulation services. Builds your confidence in what you can do for yourself and clients. Valued remote friendships with the owner and tech support staff.

Cons

Nothing, really. I will admit there is a gentle learning curve but I have found it gratifying. By the time you have established basic competence, you will understand the mechanics of survey construction and tabulation at the most fundamental level. You own it.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Development Officer  
Market Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Pretty Good"

September 17, 2018

4.0

Pros

The Software has been around for a long time,I've actually used it to help me with sample size estimation. But other than that, it has all the standard features required for a good survey tool.

Cons

The cons would have to be the outdated or traditional looking graphs exported by their software. I have a survey tool that gives me really well designed outputs.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Trauma and Extremities Associate Sales Representative  
  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Great adapting survey platform"

May 26, 2018

4.0

Pros

The Survey system is awesome for market research. They have been around a while and have truly adapted to the market needs - more people should really know about this product.

Cons

It is not the most intuitive platform I have ever used, so may not be the best for everyone out there.

Review Source

AD

Abril D.  
Project Manager  
Market Research  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "User-friendly Software"

October 18, 2018

4.0

It's very useful with our CATI projects since scripting is easy to understand.

Pros

Easy to use even for non-programmers, user-friendly

Cons

Some of the logic functions doesn't work in online survey

Review Source

AS

Aurel S.  
President  
  
Used the software for:

### "Support for Users"

February 26, 2010

4.0

I've reviewed many survey analysis programs over the years and have tried a few. But I always go back to the Survey System because it is so simple and does not only surveys done by phone or mail, but also has a module for Internet surveys -- which is also simple to use.

Pros

We have been using the Survey System since the early 1980s, when we switched from doing analysis on a mainframe to using an IBM desktop. The Survey System is so easy that nearly anyone, without data analysis experience, can follow the menus to produce tables. The very best thing about the Survey System is that you can always call and get help -- without fail -- if you have a question about how to do something.

Cons

Although there may not be a need because of the support provided by the staff at the Survey System, there isn't, as far as I know a user group with a listsurvey through the Survey System website. That would be helpful in getting hints on innovative things to do in the analysis and in reporting findings to clients.

Review Source

JB

Jennifer B.  
Owner  
  
Used the software for:

### "Most versatile survey tool out there!"

February 26, 2010

5.0

As a user of over 10 years, I highly recommend this tool for anyone doing regular survey work. There are many more alternative choices (mostly web-based) now than when I bought, but I have yet to find anything with the same level of reporting 'oomph' that The Survey System has. And the tech support is incredible...very helpful/savvy people who always answer the phone and can help you figure out the simplest or most complex programming challenge. No question is too 'dumb'! Investing in this tool when I first started my research business was the best investment I've ever made in my business.

Pros

Very complete reporting capabilities with easy inquiries, filters, cross-tab procedures Ability to customize look/feel of web pages Ability to use old surveys as templates for new ones and save standard questions (such as demographic questions, etc.) into a question library

Cons

Not as intuitive to use for programming as some other tools Requires frequent use to make the most of its features

Review Source

SE

Steven E.  
President/CEO  
  
Used the software for:

### "Survey System Version 9.5 is Excellent"

March 3, 2010

5.0

Excellent and stands head and shoulders above all competitors as a complete system for survey research at a good price value.

Pros

I have been using The Survey System since about 1984 and have kept up with its updates since then (although I have not yet updated to the latest version 10.0). I have often reviewed other competing products and have consistently found The Survey System to have the best range of features and the easiest to use at the best price value. I have at various times used almost all of the modules/features and have found all of them to meet our needs very well and to be easy to use. As well, whenever I have had questions about how to use a particular feature, I have found The Survey System to be very friendly and responsive in answering my questions.

Cons

I have no cons for this product.

Review Source

CP

Catherine P.  
President  
  
Used the software for:

### "Survey System User"

February 26, 2010

5.0

A full recommendation from us for Creative Research's Survey System. The software allows the user to imagine survey pages, it has instant reporting with charts. The Panel Management software allows for double opt-in and security. The statistics are easy to use - regressions and ANOVA (it doesn't do factor and cluster).

Pros

The modules overlap so you just have to learn how to use one of them and then you have enough knowledge to use and interact with the others very easily. The program provides great flexibility so you can be as creative or formal as you wish in designing your documents. We have the system on our servers and it is very fast for users to click through. It is much better now everything ends with .cgi.

Cons

GIFs and JPGs at the top of the page cannot be hyperlinks.

Review Source

DC

Diane C.  
President  
  
Used the software for:

### "Survey System Version 10.0"

February 26, 2010

5.0

Overall, I'm very satisfied with Survey System Version 10.0 and would most definitely recommend this software.

Pros

Survey System is easy enough for a novice user or sophisticated enough to meet the demands of a seasoned market researcher. In meeting their customers' needs, they have designed a module-based system that enables you to pick what meets your needs. The modules include: web-based questionnaires, PDA-based questionnaires, statistics, CATI and panel management. The software is easy to understand and simplifies designing your questionnaires. In addition to the top-notch software, they have one of the best customer support teams that I've worked with.

Cons

There are none.

Review Source

CB

Carol B.  
Managing Director  
  
Used the software for:

### "Carol"

February 26, 2010

5.0

Excellent - the best PC based research package available

Pros

Compiled as a market research tool - excellent package - flexible

Cons

No drag and drop features

Review Source

AM

AHM M.  
Manager  
  
Used the software for:

### "Good product"

April 4, 2015

5.0

Its really nice.Plz tell me how can i download this product as a free.Plz send me the download link

Review Source

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