Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

Definitions, common uses and explanations of 1,500+ key market research terms and phrases.

What is a disappointment score?

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Disappointment Score Definition

The proportion of respondents in a product test who indicate, after trying the product, that they would not buy it.

The disappointment score measures the level of disappointment or dissatisfaction experienced by customers with a product, service or brand. In other words, it is the proportion of respondents who will not purchase a product again after trying it. This measurement also determines the gap between customer expectations and actual experiences, which is a signal to whether a  business is meeting customer needs and identifying areas for improvement. The disappointment score provides a quantifiable way to measure customer experiences, which can help businesses identify pain points and areas for improvement. In response to the data, companies can enhance their products and services, leading to increased customer satisfaction and retention.

Who relies on the disappointment score?

Marketing teams, product managers and customer experience departments gauge customer satisfaction and loyalty when analyzing the disappointment score. What’s more, market researchers and analysts use the score to interpret consumer sentiments.

Why should I care about the disappointment score?

By staying tuned in to the disappointment score, marketing professionals and businesses can enhance the reputation and bottom line of a product or service. A high disappointment score can indicate dissatisfied customers might switch to competitors or share negative feedback. Conversely, a low disappointment score suggests strong customer satisfaction and loyalty that could translate into repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing.