idr.co

What It Is

IDR is a global expert network and market research insights provider founded in 2020. According to its website, it has 1M+ vetted experts, coverage across 125+ countries, 250+ employees, and 8 global offices. It is not a typical self-serve SaaS platform; instead, its core model is “expert sourcing + project delivery,” helping clients with 1:1 expert interviews, surveys, advisory boards, custom reports, in-person meetings, expert witness engagements, and more.

Core Capabilities and Delivery

IDR’s main strength is customized expert recruitment. The website says it has 200+ analysts who source experts from its existing network, professional networks, associations, digital platforms, and referrals. It also verifies expert backgrounds through screening calls, professional networks, publications, local databases, work email addresses, and other methods. The project workflow is relatively clear: clients submit their research objectives, IDR identifies and screens experts, and the client then selects who to connect with. Case studies show that it can handle complex projects such as B2B banking customer focus groups, digital creator interviews, insurance consumer research, and Asia-Pacific wealth management platform studies.

Pricing and Service Model

The website does not publish packages, unit prices, or subscription plans, so IDR appears to rely mainly on project-based engagement and custom quotes. Its value proposition is better cost-effectiveness than traditional expert networks: the site states that 80% of clients report lower total project costs, with average project spend reduced by 20-25%. However, without a public pricing table, enterprise buyers still need to request a quote and confirm the minimum project size, expert fees, cancellation rules, and scope of deliverables before procurement.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths include broad global coverage, support for multiple research methods, strong custom recruitment capability, and end-to-end service covering recruitment, screening, scheduling, incentives, and on-site coordination. It is especially appealing for consulting, finance, market research, and life sciences clients. The downside is that the website discloses very little about SaaS-style backend capabilities, such as team permissions, data export, third-party integrations, APIs, or self-hosting. Compliance information is also limited: it mentions transparency and auditability, but does not list specific certifications.

Who It’s For and Access from China

IDR is best suited for organizations that need insights across countries, niche industries, or hard-to-reach respondent groups, such as due diligence teams, consulting firms, market research companies, and corporate strategy/product teams. If you only need a standard survey tool or CRM-style SaaS, it is not a direct replacement. Access from mainland China and supported payment methods are not specified in the available materials and should be tested directly. If network access, time zones, or payment constraints become an issue, it may be worth evaluating GLG, AlphaSights, Guidepoint, Third Bridge, and local expert interview providers in parallel.