Places to start researching possible products:
ThomasNet http://www.thomasnet.com/
Personal Electronic Devices Owned by Students
http://www.campustechnology.com/Articles/2008/01/Snapshot-Personal-Electronic-Devices-Owned-by-Students.aspx
100 Best Products of 2008 – PCWorld
http://www.pcworld.com/article/146161-12/the_100_best_products_of_2008.html
Conducting Market Research
Market research involves finding and analyzing competitor information, demographics, and industry information.
The databases and links available here will lead you to relevant, quality information. Further assistance is available by visiting the Reference Desk of the Management & Economics Library.
Identification and description of the customers
Describe the potential customers
Find statistics and demographic information
Identify a target selling price
Find similar products
Identify a target sales quantity
Determine how much it will cost to run your company and what the potential market will be
Customer and engineering requirements and target values
Review recent research and federal regulations
Descriptions and analysis of competitive products and relevant patents
Seek companies producing similar products
Conduct effective patent research
These books will be useful in market research and developing surveys:
These resources will be best for finding information about your Industry and some Market Research:
Bizminer – Market & financial analysis for small and startup companies.
Frost Market Research – Market research reports.
IBIS World – Market research reports
Marketresearch.com Academic - Market research reports.
