In carrying out your research, you will want to focus also on the “supply” side of your business. If your business is based on taking a new product to the market place or taking your products to the market place in a different manner, are you acting alone or are you pulling together a group of producers to manage this business activity?
If you have appropriately measured the market value and consumer attraction to what you are doing, will you be able to meet demand? Or are you going to need to increase the amount of product in your venture? What is the interest level among other producers in working with you – now or down the road (a need that should be indicated in your research)?
You might be wise to survey other producers about these things. Considering such factors as how wide a geographic area you reasonably can work within and what types/ sizes of producers work into your plan, secure a mailing list of all who fit the description. The questions that follow would typically be included in your survey. As you do this, keep in mind that you are announcing – or promoting – your plans to others. Your survey questionnaire should be accompanied by a letter from you indicating your need for the information and what you plan to do with it (in limited fashion).
Sample Survey Questions
Are you interested in producing for a private, local venture?
Yes No
If yes, how many head per year would you be willing to supply?
Are you interested in alternate methods of production; for example, organic?
Yes No
Do you already serve any specialty markets?
Yes No
If so, what are they?
Are you willing to maintain specific product identification?
Yes No
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