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

In the area of market research companies, Oregon is a state which enjoys its fair share of firms. You'll find any number of Oregon marketing research firms, 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. One or another research and marketing firm in Oregon should be able to help you determine your company's potential share of the action, in that state or elsewhere, through your choice of either online or in-person versions of the following vehicles:

1. Focus Groups;

2. Surveys;

3. Panels;

4. Studies;

5. Interviews; and

6. Data Collection.

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

Check out a few research firms in Oregon 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 Oregon.

I recommend: Individual Oregon marketing research consultants include Zanthus, Thanos Partners (a Portland, Oregon market research firm), BNResearch and Pulse Research, Inc. (both also in Portland). Each of these firms provides various strategies for addressing your market research needs.

Get info on numerous firms market research firms in Oregon

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., MarketsDirectory.com and Respond all make Oregon marketing research comparison shopping a breeze, providing information on numerous market research firms in Oregon.

Look for market research providers in Oregon that do your research online for greater speed

Some websites provide info on numerous market research firms that offer online research services, while others only advertise their own services. Such web-based services can prove a convenient alternative to in-person research methods, which are more time-consuming and often more costly. Some local and remote firms also provide online options along with their face-to-face services.

I recommend: Online research panel and data collection providers, assembled in one convenient place by GreenBook, make your search for web-based market research services a snap. Research Edge, Inc. is one of numerous research firms in Portland, Oregon, which provide online focus groups, among other market research services. Path Marketing Research, a company which offers web-based surveys, is another Oregon firm that can help make your market research easier.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For your market research, Oregon agencies are located in numerous cities statewide. You'll simply need to decide whether you want online or face-to-face market research services. Check out different companies, and don't hesitate to ask questions that can help you figure out which type of market research will better fit your needs, bearing in mind that many believe that online market research isn't as effective as face-to-face research.