What challenge might a small business face when setting up a sensory panel?

When setting up a sensory panel, one of the primary challenges small businesses often encounter is related to having sufficient resources to train the panelists effectively. Proper training is crucial as it ensures that panelists are capable of objectively assessing the sensory characteristics of products, such as taste, smell, texture, and appearance. Without adequate training, the data collected may be inconsistent or unreliable, leading to poor decision-making regarding product development or quality control.

While other challenges like finding a testing location, creating a detailed product report, and providing incentives for participation can arise, they typically can be addressed with relative ease compared to the complexity of training. Training requires not only time and financial resources but also access to knowledgeable personnel who can convey sensory evaluation techniques and ensure panelists understand how to articulate their perceptions accurately. Thus, having the necessary resources dedicated to training is essential for the successful operation of a sensory panel.