Serving the B2B Sector with Industrial Market Research Solutions

With its specific requirements, the B2B industry has given rise to the need for finding industrial market research solutions. It requires carefully selected focus groups, expertise and planning.

Till recently the B2B industry has been relying on the usual consumer market research for its surveys and test-runs. However, it has become increasingly obvious that this method falls far short of what is required. Businesses have different requirements when compared to the average buyer and their decision-making process is also markedly different.

This dilemma gave rise to industrial market research solutions. These are B2B marketing solutions that are tailored to serve a particular industry. This stream of research developed as a response to highly specialised search needs that normal parameters could not meet. There are some significant differences between regular consumer research and industrial research.

Focus group: To begin with, industrial research relies on a very different focus group. While most consumer research selects its sample group from a fairly wide range of buyers, industrial research is far more specific. Respondents must come from the concerned industrial field. The sample group is uncompromisable and diligent care must be taken to see that it remains so.

For instance, if the research involves certain software for the advertising agency, the respondents must come from the advertising industry. Involving anyone from other fields, even a related field, will result in completely faulty and misleading results. The strict sourcing also makes the sample size smaller.

Technical expertise: Industrial research tends to deal with higher technical expertise than consumer research. The respondents are carefully chosen for their expertise in their respective field. Hence, it is important that one has a good working knowledge of the product at hand. Since most of the products in industrial research tend to be technical, knowledge of the product is also essential in case of queries or further clarifications.

Planning the survey: Due to its unique conditions, finding industrial market solutions can become rather challenging. Starting from sourcing the sample group to actually carrying out the survey, the researchers can face several difficulties. Unlike consumer research, here we are dealing exclusively with busy professionals. Hence, the research must be scheduled carefully. In case of a group study, there is the added challenge of assembling everyone at the same time and spot.

In industrial research your client and confidentiality issues can also complicate matters. Unlike consumer research, maintaining confidentiality is not very important here. Respondents are often informed of the concerned company. There are two reasons for doing so. Sometimes the client name helps in drawing more respondents. It also raises awareness of the products being developed by the client.

But, while it may draw in more applicants, it can also make things harder, especially if the research involves peers. While most professionals will want to know more about industrial market research solutions in their field, they may show reluctance when attending a rival’s study.

Ref: - http://www.articlesbase.com/business-ideas-articles/serving-the-b2b-sector-with-industrial-market-research-solutions-7474817.html