Among the techniques to address the problem of unit-nonresponse in surveys, short follow-ups for nonrespondents have not (yet) a strong tradition. They are however a promising way to document and possibly correct for non-response bias, so that it can be interesting to put aside a small part of the overall budget to implement them.
This contribution relates a longer series of experiences from non-respondent surveys as follow-ups of long face-to-face general social surveys in Switzerland. It shows the great opportunities offered, but also the challenges that have to be faced when opting for this approach.