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 in the public marketplace, you should always carry out either general or region-specific research based on the size and scope of your intended market. In fact, your ME 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.

You'll find numerous market research firms in Maine, spread throughout the state, which can help your local business quickly and easily find the crucial data you need to effectively market whatever your company is selling. Market research companies in Maine can help you determine your company's potential share of the action, in that state or elsewhere, enabling you to avoid the following potential problems:

1. Saturated markets;

2. Unpopular products;

3. Unneeded services;

4. Unseen opportunities;

5. Unrecognized needs; and

6. Untapped markets.

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

Check out a few individual Maine 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 Maine.

I recommend: Two individual market research firms in ME which you can investigate are Planning Decisions, Inc. (PDI) and Portland Research Group. These companies offer various strategies for meeting your company’s ME 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: Critical Insights, Inc. is a Maine market research firm that offers web surveys. Digital Research, Inc. (DRI), another market research firm in Maine, features online focus groups. Both firms also offer other on- and off-line market research services.

Browse websites that do your homework for you, providing info on various Maine market research firms

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

I recommend: GreenBook, SalesVantage.com, Inc. and MarketsDirectory.com all make Maine market research comparison shopping a breeze, providing information on numerous ME market research firms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you seek the Maine market research firm that will best match the needs of your business, look for a service that understands and agrees with your company's philosophy and mission statement. 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 therefore whether or not it will be able to adequately represent your best interests through its market research activities. If you have any doubts at all, keep looking.