How Much Do Expert Interviews Cost?

​In today’s fast-moving business landscape, access to expert insights has become essential for organisations seeking a competitive advantage. Whether you're validating an investment thesis, evaluating new markets, or navigating emerging trends, expert interviews are a powerful tool for informed decision-making. One of the most frequent questions businesses ask is: how much do expert interviews cost?

The answer depends on several variables, including the expert’s background, the complexity of the topic, and the platform used to facilitate the engagement. In this guide, we break down typical pricing ranges, explain what influences cost, and offer tips for maximising value.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Expert Interviews

Understanding the cost drivers behind expert interviews can help you budget effectively and avoid overpaying.

Expertise and Seniority
The level of experience a professional brings is one of the biggest factors in pricing. A C-suite executive or a renowned subject-matter expert will naturally command more than a mid-level industry professional. Rates can range from $300 for a mid-level consultant to $2,000 or more per hour for former CEOs or specialists in high-demand sectors like biotech or AI.

Industry and Location
Rates vary across industries and geographies. Finance, healthcare, and technology tend to be on the higher end due to the complexity and value of the insights. Experts based in major hubs like New York, London, or Singapore often have higher fees, influenced by both market demand and regional living costs.

Length and Scope of Engagement
A typical expert interview lasts around one hour, with prices usually ranging from $300 to $1,200. However, more complex engagements requiring preparation or follow-up may be priced higher. Extended advisory relationships or multiple-session projects can also affect the total cost.

Platform or Network Used
Each expert network operates differently. Established platforms like GLG, AlphaSights, and Tegus offer premium services, but they come with varying pricing models. Some, such as subscription-based platforms, provide access to libraries of transcripts or recordings, which can lower the per-interview cost.

What Do Expert Interviews Typically Cost?

Most one-hour interviews fall within the $300–$1,200 range. High-profile professionals or specialists in regulated, emerging, or highly competitive sectors may charge upwards of $1,500 per session — and in some cases, $5,000 or more.
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Subscription platforms, like Tegus and AlphaSense, allow companies to access interview transcripts or schedule calls within a bundled pricing model. This setup can offer savings over time, particularly for teams conducting multiple expert interactions each month.

For larger projects involving several interviews or long-term advisory roles, some networks offer custom pricing. These arrangements may include preparation, additional deliverables, and follow-up support.

How Pricing Differs by Network

The platform facilitating the interview can influence the final price. Some expert networks specialise in speed, others in volume or deep research. Here’s how some of the leading providers position themselves:

• AlphaSights: Offers highly tailored consultations and curated access to expert insights. Ideal for clients seeking personalisation and flexibility.
• GLG: Known for its large global database and ability to match clients with highly specific subject-matter experts across industries.
• Tegus: Offers a transparent pricing model and access to a growing transcript library, appealing to cost-conscious research teams.
• Third Bridge: Delivers primary research and curated interview content for clients who value deep qualitative insights.
• Guidepoint: Supports clients with rapid expert matching and flexible engagement formats, useful for quick-turnaround projects.

Each network differs in pricing and delivery, so choosing the right one depends on your budget, industry, and project scope.

Are Expert Interviews Worth the Investment?

While the cost of an expert interview might seem significant at first glance, the return on investment can be substantial. A well-placed consultation can save time, validate assumptions, and prevent costly mistakes. Some of the key advantages include:

• Speed to Insight: Avoid weeks of desktop research by speaking directly to industry veterans.
• Strategic Clarity: Gain real-time, tailored advice to support high-stakes decisions.
• Competitive Edge: Discover perspectives not readily available through public sources.
• Reduced Risk: Better understand markets, competitors, and regulations before making a move.

In short, expert interviews offer not just answers, but strategic confidence.

Why Silverlight Research is the Right Partner

At Silverlight Research, we connect clients with high-quality experts quickly and cost-effectively. Thanks to our efficient, tech-enabled operating model, we’re able to offer one-hour calls with senior-level experts for around $350 per session — a significant value compared to many traditional networks.

We focus on:

• Tailored Research: Every engagement is matched to your objectives — no recycled contacts or generic solutions.
• Global Reach: We provide access to experts in all major industries and regions, across developed and emerging markets.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or bloated platform charges.
• Speed and Efficiency: We pride ourselves on delivering expert matches within tight timeframes, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and compliance.

Contact Silverlight Research to learn more about how we can support your next project.

Conclusion

The cost of expert interviews can vary based on several factors — from the expert’s credentials to the platform you choose. But one thing is clear: the right insights at the right time can be invaluable. Whether you're a corporate strategist, investor, or consultant, investing in expert knowledge can help you move faster and make better decisions.

Silverlight Research offers an effective, streamlined, and cost-conscious way to access the expertise you need. If you’re looking for trusted insight at a competitive rate, we’re here to help.

FAQs

How much does a typical expert interview cost?
Most expert interviews range between $300 and $1,200 per hour, with higher fees for senior-level or highly specialised professionals.

What factors affect the price of expert interviews?
Costs are influenced by the expert’s experience, industry, consultation length, platform used, and the geographic region of the expert.

Are expert interviews worth the cost?
Yes — they provide unique, actionable insights that can shape smarter, faster, and more strategic decisions.
Why choose Silverlight Research?
Silverlight Research offers tailored, compliant, and competitively priced access to top-tier experts — with one-hour senior-level calls typically starting at around $350.

​Tags: expert interview pricing, expert networks, consulting fees, business strategy insights, Silverlight Research