Survey of Household Spending - Statistics Canada
Raw data in table form from the Survey of Household Spending (SHS). This general resource provides information on household spending by demographics. Report includes detailed information on Canadian spending patterns, household equipment, and housing conditions. Also includes the ability to view data from British Columbia only; click on "Add/Remove Data".
- The average household expenditure on specific goods and services by province or in Canada as a whole. Compare changes over last few years.
Library Resources
Access to the following sources may be available through your local public or academic library. For information on how to obtain a library card, and for additional information on using libraries in BC, please visit our Getting Access to Library Resources page.
Vividata (formerly "Print Measurement Bureau")
Includes information on Canadians' usage of over 3500 products and services. Information includes demographics, attitudes, media consumption, retail outlets, frequency of usage and brands used. UBC affiliates and in-person library patrons can learn more about the resource here.
- PMB Category Reports - PMB 2011 Spring Study. Information on the personal buying preferences of Canadians with regard to your specific industry.
Marketresearch.com/Freedonia Focus
How to access: Check your local public or academic library to see about access. If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
While you can search this website only some Canadian libraries provide full-text access to the market research reports on industries and demographics for North American industries. They can range from 50 to 400+ pages in length, and contain charts, tables, and graphs, and key facts. Marketresearch.com has varied industry coverage and includes US and international information.
Sometimes it can be useful when researching consumer behaviour and other marketing topics with psychological dimensions to consult article databases in that research area. This is an online guide to print and online resources about psychology in the UBC Library collection. UBC affiliates will have access to all the resources listed.
- Shaw, T. (2014). Identifying the factors that support and hinder the success of the home-based entrepreneur in Appalachia: A case study. Dissertation Abstracts International Section A, 75. Retrieved from PsycINFO online.
Research was conducted to explore the factors which supported and hindered the success of home-based businesses in Appalachia. A qualitative case study utilized a structured interview guide to obtain data associated with the personal traits, situational traits, and environmental factors of home-based entrepreneurs in these rural communities.
- Washington, V. M. (2009). A qualitative study of the characteristics of successful women entrepreneurs through home-based businesses. Dissertation Abstracts International Section A, 69, 3226.
"Women are starting businesses faster in the United States than in any other country. According to the 2007 Statistical Abstract of the United States Census Bureau, approximately 3 million businesses begin every year and women own 1,600,489 of them."
Public Opinion Polls
Roper Center for Public Opinion
Preserves the data from polls conducted by many leading survey organizations for the use of researchers, students, and journalists. Includes a section on how to analyze polls. Only for those affiliated with UBC.
Ipsos
Links to Canadian, U.S. and international polls. Includes polls on consumer goods.
Primary Research
The main point of this guide is to introduce you to a wide range of secondary market research resources but keep in mind there is great value in analyzing other information including:
- Advertising, blogs and sales brochures
- Your personal network and employees
- Direct observation, focus groups and interviews with potential customers