Options for industry research, from market analyses to forecasts, to planning and strategy, include producing studies internally, or commissioning an outside firm to do customized research. Given the prohibitive cost of customized research, companies are turning more and more to commercially available off-the-shelf studies produced by market research firms.

The most comprehensive guide to published market research reports, studies, and surveys is the Findex directory from Cambridge Information Group (800-843-7751). This reference contains descriptions of consumer and industrial studies and surveys, syndicated and multi-client studies, audits, and subscription research services, as well as published reports on general management and business topics. Individual reports may cover an entire industry, a specific segment of an industry, or an individual product or series of related products.

Some selected market research firms to help you further include:

Business Trends Analysts
2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 200
Commack, NY 11725
(516) 462-5454 or (800) 866-4648

The Fredonia Group
3570 Warrensville Center Road
Cleveland, OH 44122
(216) 921-6800

Frost & Sullivan
90 West Street, Suite 1301
New York, NY 10006
(212) 233-1080

Euromonitor
60-61 Briton Street
London EC1M 5NA
England
[44]-(71)-251-8024

Find/SVP
625 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10011
(212) 645-4500