TABLE OF CONTENTS Before embarking on original research, an organization is well advised to discover whether the data it requires is already available. There are four sources of off-the-peg research data. Secondary desk research includes the use of published or online data from a range of identified sources covering data about companies, industries and markets. Syndicated research services produce current market data that is available for purchase, and a list of services and suppliers is given. Omnibus research services provide an off-the-peg vehicle for asking questions of specified groups. A list of services and suppliers is given with web addresses. Expertise exists in many research areas and the types of specialist research services available through the Market Research Society are described. This chapter concludes with a look at commonly used bases for consumer classification and provides some examples.
