Market research is important to every company's business strategy. That's why, before moving forward with the manufacture or sale of a new product or offering a new service, you should always carry out either general or region-specific research based on the size and scope of your intended market. In fact, your German market research itself can actually guide you in determining the size and scope of the market you can realistically expect for your product or service—a factor that's critical to the development of any new or ongoing business plan.

In Germany, market research is apparently a lucrative business sector, which allows you greater freedom of choice in engaging a local firm to provide this valuable service for your company. By outsourcing to German firms, you'll help your business find the crucial data you need to effectively market your product or service. Here are some advantages you'll enjoy when you choose one of the many marketing firms in Germany to handle your research for you:

1. Experts who understand local markets;

2. Close, convenient office locations;

3. Optional firsthand viewing of your research;

4. More personalized service; and

5. Greater control over your research.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out a few individual German market research firms to get an idea of what they have to offer

By investigating several market research firms in your own region, you'll get a better idea of not only the services that market research companies in general provide, but also the specific focus of each of the local companies you'd likely deal with. Each of these firms has valuable experience with market research in Germany.

I recommend: Individual market research firms in Germany include AC Nielsen BASES, Opinion Market Research & Consulting, PDC Marketing and Untiedt Research. Each of these firms provides various strategies for addressing your German market research needs.

Look for market research providers that do your research online for greater speed and convenience

Web-based services can prove a convenient alternative to in-person research methods, which are more time-consuming and often more costly. Many local firms provide online options along with their face-to-face services.

I recommend: Harte-Hanks, a firm with an office in Germany, offers web-based surveys and other market research services. Brand Institute, Inc., which also has a German office, provides online focus groups, along with more traditional research methods. MR&S (Market Research & Services) provides many types of research services, including online market research.

Browse websites that do your homework for you, posting info on various German market research firms

Certain websites provide a valuable service to those seeking market research firms. By presenting often-lengthy groupings of companies located in various areas, they make your job of tracking down the right local firm that much easier.

I recommend: You'll find links to an impressive number of German market research providers assembled for your convenience by MrWeb and GreenBook. These helpful services greatly simplify your search for marketing research firms in Germany, providing an excellent cross-section of the German market research industry. For market research consulting, Germany appears to be a country which offers a great number of firms from which to choose.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you attempt to choose among the market research companies in Germany to find the one that will best meet the needs of your business, look for a service that understands and agrees with your company's philosophy. When you discuss your options with the firm's representative, you should soon begin to sense whether or not you'll be able to relate to and develop a rapport with this firm and whether or not it will be able to adequately represent your best interests. If you have any doubts at all, keep looking. For market assessment firms, Germany is an area which has no shortage of companies from which to choose.