Target Market Research

**OneStepAhead** · 12-31-2007 12:58 PM

I have found a businesss I would like to open and my next step is going to be to research the target market and see if there is really an opportunity/need for this product. Does can anyone suggest websites to conduct this research both domestically and internationally? Free and paid sites are both fine, thanks.

**BusinessAdviser** · 12-31-2007 01:15 PM

In today's age of information, you are likely in as good of a position as anyone else to conduct market research. (I say likely only because there are a few rare circumstances where you might not be able to do so due to money or logistical constraints.)

However, the key to doing so is really knowing who your target market is. Most young entrepreneurs do not fully have a grasp of what this means or what this entails. Once you have your target market properly identified, THEN you can work to create research tools.

Without knowing anything about your business though, I am unable to offer advice on your target market or ways that you might be able to gather the information you desire.

**jandmsolution** · 12-31-2007 02:54 PM

Stay away from many of the website you find out there. It is better to go with a local company out that has a long success history. Alot of marketing companies have research division to help you. But it is costly. Also if you try to do this on your own, many owners forget that target markets change frequently. What may be hot in your town, may not be hot in the next town or the state over. A very successful way of doing your own research is to actually build a small website that is designed to contact information. Than ask people fill out the information. I have used this approach in school for marketing projects in school. A small easy website from Yahoo! is good. But than there is actual theories on questionairre I would suggest reading. This can help abit Quantitative marketing research - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . Than there is an easier way of finding if a company produce a product like that and than research data on that product and seeing what customers thoughts are on that product.

**rogercbryan** · 12-31-2007 03:13 PM

If you give us a little more info about your location and your business type we might be able to give better advice.

**OneStepAhead** · 01-01-2008 04:56 PM

Thanks for your responses.

As requested here is some more information, hopefully this give you a better idea of what I am looking for.

My grandmother created and patented a sewing course many years ago but never sold it. I would like to sell the course to people who are interested in sewing. I am located in the US but have connections in central and south America and would like to venture in this direction as well.

**BusinessAdviser** · 01-01-2008 05:01 PM

Just think creatively. Create a survey with the information that you want to know. Establish relationships at your local sewing or quilting stores. Ask the owners if they would mind helping you out by getting their shoppers to complete surveys. Offer that you will pass out brochures or other advertisements for them during your courses in return.

This is just one of many ways for you to inexpensively get your information. And it will be more effective than purchasing market research.

**stand856** · 01-01-2008 05:43 PM

So basically you're looking to sell the course to schools or teachers?

**OneStepAhead** · 01-01-2008 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by stand856

So basically you're looking to sell the course to schools or teachers?

I am planning on selling them to individuals as well as schools, churches, and other groups (girl scouts, etc.)

Originally Posted by jmenq2

Just think creatively. Create a survey with the information that you want to know. Establish relationships at your local sewing or quilting stores. Ask the owners if they would mind helping you out by getting their shoppers to complete surveys. Offer that you will pass out brochures or other advertisements for them during your courses in return.

This is just one of many ways for you to inexpensively get your information. And it will be more effective than purchasing market research.

Thanks for the advice. My mom currently owns a clothing alterations shop with many clients, I will begin handing out surveys to clients coming in, thanks for the idea.

**BusinessAdviser** · 01-01-2008 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by OneStepAhead

I am planning on selling them to individuals as well as schools, churches, and other groups (girl scouts, etc.)

Thanks for the advice. My mom currently owns a clothing alterations shop with many clients, I will begin handing out surveys to clients coming in, thanks for the idea.

Good luck with that. Be aware though, that creating effective surveys is not as simple as it seems. If you would like help in putting together a useful survey that will actually provide information that will be valuable to you, feel free to contact me.