A feasibility study way before laying down the foundation of a business, especially a small one, is a must. This is because a small business owner cannot afford to make mistakes. A small folly can cost him a fortune, setting the business in doldrums even before it sets off.
To begin with, think what you want to gain from the business. If you intend to manufacture products of a particular category, you may wish to market it efficiently, so that the business generates profits. To market the products well, you need to position them in the right market. Remember just talking to a few people in the industry would not be enough. You may have to talk to thousands of people and obtain expert advice on whether your business plans will work.
After studying, the market you will have to set prices for your different product categories carefully. You cannot price your products more than what the buying power of the public in the particular area that you have targeted. So, fix a price that the masses will be willing to pay. All these details must be a part of your feasibility report. Let us find out what a feasibility study is and how to go about it.
What is a Feasibility Study?
Feasibility study refers to the research that determines the viability of one’s business plan. It is market report comprising various details on the preferences of the consumers, consumer habits and their buying power, and the competition that the new business is likely to face in the targeted area.
Make a feasibility Report:
You can hire the services of a consultant who can make a feasibility report for you. These companies use various methods like – Internet, surveys, industrial seminars and conference, and much literature is available on the subject to create the perfect feasibility report for you. If the industry you intend to get into is well defined such as toy manufacturing, you can use ready reports conducted by the national professional organization. If not, you may also seek professional services of the consultants who can give you relevant advice on necessary business tactics after studying the market trends.
Importance of Feasibility Study:
It determines the potential of the market where a product is set to sell. A feasibility study gives a business planner insight into whether the product is required in the market, and if yes, then will the consumers afford to buy it at the price determined. This survey can prove significantly important in formulating price strategies for a company’s products or services, which is a determinant of a business’ success.
By: Alexander Gordon
Posts Tagged ‘Consumers’
Feasibility Study for Small Business: The First Step towards Success
March 5th, 2010Green Consumer Loyalty Considered – Case Study Discussion
February 7th, 2010
What happened to the American Auto Makers, it seems that over the years, fewer and fewer folks and their families have carried on with their loyalty for Ford, Chrysler or General Motors? Why is this? It seems that often the consumers have more loyalty for Toyota and Honda then for the big three American Brands. Well one recent story may in fact give at least some insight to this challenge:
Study: Hybrid Car Owners are the Most Loyal
DETROIT — Hybrid car owners are some of the most loyal in the U.S. market, with nearly half purchasing a vehicle of the same make when they buy another car, according to a study released Monday by an automotive data company. Forty-seven percent of hybrid buyers buy a vehicle of the same make, compared with 35% of buyers overall, according to Experian Automotive… Eighteen percent of hybrid car buyers even buy the same model, compared with 12% overall. [Source: Associated Press].
Apparently, Detroit is starting to learn what Honda and Toyota have already discovered with regards to their hybrid customers. In fact, now that I think about it, everyone I know who owns a Prius also owns is planning on buying another one or replacing that one if and when it ever dies, interest statistics indeed.
Strong customer loyalty can save the big US automakers 100s of millions of dollars per year in advertising. And both GM and Ford have several Hybrids on the market and are introducing many more in 2009, 2010 and 2011. And right about now that is a very important fact to consider for the struggling automakers.
By: Lance Winslow