Trade Associations
Trade associations are incredible resources for industry and market research. They often provide openly available reports about important and emerging trends, as well as targeted statistical studies.
The best way to find trade associations is through web searches with phrases like "trade association [your industry]"
Your Librarian
What is Market Research?
Market research is an important step for understanding the viability of a business idea. It involves the collection of information and data about your industry, competitors, and customers and consumer base. It builds upon industry research to identify emerging trends relevant to your business and consider factors including:
- The appropriate consumer base for your business's products or services
- The size and location of your market
- The competitors within your market
- The industry trends that impact your market
There are many types of information and data used in market research - both information that's already available elsewhere (secondary research), and that you will collect on your own through surveys, focus groups, and other methods (primary research).
Best-Bet Resources for Market Research
Recommended Library Tools
- Bizminer This link opens in a new window
The Industry Market Profiles tool in BizMiner allows you to generate market reports with data on companies, market activity, and consumers within specified industries and geographic areas - Mintel Academic Access This link opens in a new window
Analyzes market drivers, sizes & trends, market segmentation, and consumer attitudes & purchasing habits for the US and European marketplaces.
- Statista This link opens in a new window
Providing statistical data for over 170 industries in 50 countries.
Data & Information on the Web
- American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)An index of American consumer satisfaction by industry, company, and sector.
- Consumer Expenditure SurveysData on expenditures, income, and demographic characteristics of consumers in the US
- Pew Research CenterData and reports on people and trends
- SBDC Net Market Research LinksUseful overviews and sources of market information grouped by industry and category
- U.S. Census BureauDemographic data that can be filtered by location and many consumer characteristics
