Maple Alley Market Research | market research for new businesses.

Services for Start-up Businesses

So, you've decided to start a new business! CONGRATULATIONS! But what now? What should you do first? Maple Alley Market Research is here to help you get all the information you need before getting started.

With this information you can then make informed decisions about whether or not to go forward with the business, or what your next steps should be. (By the way, some basic research can sometimes show you that it's time to put the idea to rest - at least for now!). We also help owners of start-up companies who are ready to raise capital, but aren't quite sure how to put together a business plan, or how to gather all the data needed to fill in the "gaps" in their existing plans. (If you're looking for more specific information about how we can help you with your business plan, but you are not interested in research, click here.)

The following is a list of the services we offer, and those burning questions that they will help you answer:

Concept testing: Is there a market for my product or service? Is there anybody out there who will buy it?
Market size and demographics: How many potential customers are out there for my product or service?
Market trends: Is there a long-term future for my business? What trends are going on in the marketplace that will affect my business in the next five to ten years?
Feasibility studies/profitability analysis: Will I be able to make a profit?
Marketing tools: How should I market to the individuals or companies that will buy my product or service? How much will it cost to reach them?
Competitive analysis: Who are my competitors? Do I have something to offer that is unique enough to make me stand out from them?
Industry analysis: What is the size and structure of the industry I am in? Are there lots of small companies or just a few big ones? Why does this matter?
Resources: What trade associations, publications and trade shows can I use to learn more about the industry I am in and to make new contacts?
Benchmarking: How much money do other companies in this business usually make? How do they operate? What makes the successful ones successful?
Business plans: How can I get the money I need to get my business off the ground? How do I put together a business plan?

The following is a list of some of the research tools we use to get you the answers you need:

Primary Research

Surveys (mail, phone, Internet)
Focus groups
One-on-one interviews
Competitive shopping

Secondary Research

Trade publications and associations
Published research studies and reports
Government databases
Proprietary/private subscriber-based databases
Consumer publications
Media tracking services
Internet search engines

Whether your needs involve the completion of a business plan or market research, you can be confident that you will receive our utmost attention. Because we are a small business ourselves, we know the risks and sacrifices involved in making your dreams a reality. Accurate information and an objective assessment are vital in the early stages of a business venture and it is our intention to provide these services to you.

So if you have ever dreamed of owning your own business and you have an initial concept in mind, but you lack either the time or specific expertise to adequately research the market for it, give us a call! Or if you've ever thought to yourself, "I know this idea would make a great business!" but you're a little afraid to "quit your day job" or invest your life savings in it, then what you need is market research! Contact Maple Alley Market Research today to talk about your business idea and let us help you make it a reality.

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