A consumer survey panel is a group of people chosen by a business or organization to provide ideas and opinions on research products and services on consumer behavior. Panel members are elected to represent the general public or the target group. Consumer panels are used to assess public opinion in a controlled manner for ads, products, and services. Investigators may direct the focus of the panel and ask specific questions for which they want answers. Consumer panels allow companies to evaluate responses with less risk than full product launches, which require the investment of more resources. The data collected may indicate a change required before the product can be released to a wider market. Consumer panels can be used for experimental marketing, which is a tool used by companies to measure potential market success or the effectiveness of a marketing campaign.

The panels can provide a dedicated team of market researchers who can collaborate and learn over time. Currently, researchers can investigate the attitudes, behaviors, and opinions of existing clients or potential use of interaction surveys, discussion forums, and various marketplaces. Also, results are readily available and responses can be tracked over time.

Consumer survey panels use are growing in the market research industry. They close the gap between people who do not prefer or are not comfortable with telephone surveys and organizations that needs to know their views/opinions.