Question:
I am applying for the Australian distributorship of a boat shoe brand and I have to provide a marketing plan. Where can I get figures of boat shoes imported in to the country during 2001? Australian Customs? Any other resources?

Answer:
I think your first stop should be AusTrade rather than Customs. They may have some statistics on who is importing what, or have an idea of where you can go for more detailed information. As mentioned, you can, of course, try Customs.

You should also ask your supplier whether they have any figures about the shoes and if there are any other distributors in Australia. If there are other distributors over here, you can always call them as a “retailer” and ask a few pertinent questions!

An outside chance might also be the Australian Bureau of Statistics and AusIndustry.

Please note, however, that the above is very much in the realms of ’secondary’ research. I think what you really need to look at is what your individual product is going to do. You are releasing a new range of existing product and will either extend/expand the market or take custom off existing products. One way to work out which, and thereby give you an idea on how to market your product, is through primary market research and the development from that of a business plan.

Filed under: Starting a Business, Government Assistance, Marketing
This page was added on 18 January 2002, last updated on 18 January 2002.