This information can be obtained by shopping in and observing their businesses directly, buying and evaluating their products or services, and asking customers their impressions. There are many resources available to provide demographic and geographic characteristics of your customers or trends in your industry. You can find this information at the library or on the Internet. There are market research professionals who will do the work or you can do it yourself. Publicly held companies are required by law to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Articles are often available in the media.
Credit reports are available from some private companies. Zip Code Data FREE and low-cost assistance for small businesses is available from your local Small Business Development Center . This document was prepared by the San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center .