Market Research

[Barbas]

Hi All,
Would like to start off by saying what a great forum I have stumbled across here, I have gone through and read a lot of the posts and it is great to see the level of support that is given to each other.

Well down to business… I am not a small business operator/owner yet but am seriously considering it and I would like to find out more detailed information about bad debt and the average percentage it is for small businesses i.e. businesses that are either non-employing or have a very small number of employees (under 10) also as much detail as I can about it. What I am hoping to know is where I can find these stat's, if anywhere.

Many thanks in advance for any help or advice that you may be able to lend me.

Regards,

Jamie

[MissieK]

OK, this is a shameless plug! I sell a great market research guide at www.businessmumsguides.com.au - it's called the Quick Dirty Guide to Market Research & is written especially for small business owners - this might help

Melissa

[Burgo]

Golly Miss Molly the " Quick Dirty Guide
to market research' now that did take my attention.

Market research is a key factor in creating a successful business, and anything that is QUICK AND DIRTY MUST be good

[geoffreybowman]

Hi,

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is a good starting point:
http://www.abs.gov.au/

Most information on the site is free - it just takes a little time to sift through it all.

Other sites such as Ibis World are also handy - http://www.ibisworld.com.au/ - the information is not cheap, but you might get some useful insight.

Also do some Googling as well - often you will find Universities who have completed research in specific areas which they have made available to the public. (I've used this in the past).

Regards,

Geoffrey.

[Barbas]

Thanks for the replies, I have been googling and searching the abs for all the information that I am chasing but seem to be coming up short. I will ibisworld a try and see if that returns any more detailed information for me, otherwise I will have to roll up the sleeves and do a little myself.

Cheers,

Jamie

[Lisa Murray - Biz Coach]

why not call a few of the companies that chase bad debts and ask them if they have any data?
Also call the state gov't small business departments and request data.

cheers
Lisa

[Barbas]

Thanks for that Lisa, I actually didn't think of contacting the Debt Collection agencies or the state gov't small business departments. Will give them ago and hope they can shed some more light on what I am trying to find out.

Cheers
Jamie

[Business Vic]

Originally Posted by Barbas

Thanks for that Lisa, I actually didn't think of contacting the Debt Collection agencies or the state gov't small business departments. Will give them ago and hope they can shed some more light on what I am trying to find out.

Cheers
Jamie

Hi Lisa,

You can view IBIS Australian market research reports for free at Victorian Business Centres. I recommend that you first contact IBISWorld on tel: 9655 3886 to enquire if they have a report that contains the information you are seeking.

Please visit the following link to view a list of Victorian Business Centre locations and contact numbers to arrange an appointment to view the IBIS reports:

http://www.business.vic.gov.au/BUSVI.../PC_63063.html

I also recommend you call the Australian Bureau of Statistics on tel: 1300 135 070 to help you locate reports on their website.

If you have any further enquiries please contact Business Victoria on tel: 13 22 15.

Regards,

Business Victoria
www.business.vic.gov.au

[@HeatherSmithAU]

Jamie,

I suggest you speak with someone from the ABS - their website is shocking to navigate - but free info is there.

[Barbas]

Thanks for all the information, it has been very helpful. I must say that I am on my way to getting the information that I am looking for, just a bit slow thats all.

Cheers,

Jamie