Market Research Methods
Market research is a vital process for businesses to gather information about customers, potential customers, and the overall market. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about products and marketing strategies.
Definition: Market research is the process of collecting and analyzing data about products, customers, and factors influencing sales to aid in decision-making.
There are two main types of market research: primary and secondary.
Primary Research
Primary market research for A-level Business involves collecting first-hand data specifically for the business's needs.
Methods include:
- Observations
- Surveys
- Telephone interviews
Highlight: Primary research provides more specific and detailed insights directly focused on the business's needs.
Advantages of primary research:
- More specific to the business's requirements
- Data can be kept private
- Provides more detailed insights
Disadvantages of primary research:
- Time-consuming
- Expensive
- Sampling may not be representative
Secondary Research
Secondary market research for A-level Business involves using existing data that was collected for different purposes.
Sources include:
- Google
- Government departments
- Trade press and magazines
Highlight: Secondary research is often quick to access, use, and can be free or low-cost.
Advantages of secondary research:
- Quick to access and use
- Often free or inexpensive
- Easy to obtain
Disadvantages of secondary research:
- May not be specific to the business's needs
- Can be outdated
Example: A business might use government statistics (secondary research) to understand general market trends, but conduct a survey (primary research) to gather specific information about their target customers' preferences.