Market research for my business plan

[markcranmer]

I am refining my business plan (using business plan pro) and the section called 'Your Market' is proving a challenge. I don't have funds to buy market research or industry reports but really would like to put in some basic information about my market.

I am a new online retailer in fragrances and cosmetics, and I suppose I'm looking for - free - information on the growth of the sector as well as market segmentation. Information the the growth differential between on- and off-line outlets would also be a great advantage.

Does anyone know where I ought to be looking for this kind of information?

thanks,

Mark

[IP2]

This is US based, but is this the kind of thing you were looking for?
http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/news/...s-online-sales

And Welcome to A1 Make yourself at home!

All my best
IP2

[Indizine]

Mark, which part of the country do you live?

[boxby]

Hi

The National Statistics Office is brilliant. They collate information for annual business survey, broken down by industry, value, numbers of operators etc, going back an average of 10 years. If you can't find what you want online phone them up, i did, and a very charming lady talked me straight through to the page of the report which gave me all relevant information.

And it's free.

[markcranmer]

thanks for your help I'll check out the recommended sources...

It can be tough going tackling a seemingly endless series of problems and issues setting up a business and it's great to have this kind of support...cheers

mark

(Indizine: I live in Walsall in the West Midlands and trade online throughout the UK and Europe)

[Indizine]

Have you tried your local enterprise agency? visit www.nfea.com to find your nearest agency.

They may have access to business fact sheets. Also, there could be sources of funding available to you.