Market research for doing business in Australia

If you want do business in Australia you need to know the regulations, market structure, competition and what investments you should make.

In this article I will provide basic information about the country and highlight how you can collect and evaluate all the information that you need.

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    Doing business in Australia

    Australia, with its robust economy and strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region, is an attractive market for international businesses. Known for its high standard of living, transparent regulations, and English-speaking population, Australia offers a stable and lucrative environment for business.

    Key Market Numbers

    Australia’s economic stability and high purchasing power make it a desirable market for foreign businesses. Below are the key market statistics:

    • Population: Approximately 26 million (2023).
    • GDP per capita: Around $62,000 USD (2023), reflecting high consumer spending power.
    • Urbanization: Over 86% of the population lives in urban areas, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane being the largest cities.
    • Economic Structure: Services contribute about 70% of GDP, followed by mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Australia is a global leader in mining and natural resources.
    • Ageing Population: Yes, Australia’s population is ageing, with around 17% aged 65 or older. This increases demand for healthcare and retirement-related services and products.

    Language and Documentation

    Australia’s official language and straightforward business environment make it relatively easy for foreign companies to enter the market.

    • Official Language: English is the official language and is universally used in business, education, and government communications.
    • Language Considerations: Unlike many markets, there is no need to translate documentation or packaging into other languages, making Australia an accessible market for English-speaking businesses.
    • Packaging and Documentation: Australia has strict regulations for product labels, especially in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Labels must comply with Australian standards, including clear ingredient lists and safety instructions.

    Consumer and B2B Buying Behavior

    Australia’s consumer and business sectors are characterized by a high preference for quality, brand reputation, and sustainability.

    • Consumer Behavior: Australians are brand-conscious and willing to pay for quality. Sustainability and eco-friendly products are increasingly important. E-commerce accounts for about 20% of retail sales (2023), with platforms like Amazon Australia and eBay being popular.
    • B2B Buying Behavior: Australian businesses value transparency, professionalism, and efficiency. Decision-making processes are relatively fast compared to other markets. Networking and building trust are important but less formal than in some Asian markets.
    • Online Presence: A strong online presence is crucial for success, with many consumers and businesses relying on digital channels for information and purchases. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are widely used for marketing and networking.

    Market Challenges and Opportunities

    Australia offers significant opportunities but also presents unique challenges for businesses.

    • Products/Services that May Struggle: Products that do not meet Australia’s high safety and quality standards or lack a clear value proposition may struggle. Price-sensitive items may also face challenges due to competition from local and global brands.
    • Test Market Potential: Australia is an excellent test market for products aimed at Western markets due to its diverse, affluent, and well-educated population. However, geographic isolation and logistics costs can be barriers for some businesses.
    • Regulatory Environment: Australia has a transparent regulatory framework, but compliance with standards and regulations is non-negotiable. Businesses must adhere to Australian Consumer Law, which protects consumers from misleading claims and unsafe products.

    Travel to Australia for a better impression

    The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.

    With Trip.com you can compare flights and also book your hotel.

    Hotellook compares different hotel sites so you always have the best rate.

    Localrent connects you to national rental car providers per country.

    Use TGM for first market surveys

    TGM Panel offers online market research with panels in over 50 countries, including Australia.

    Through TGM Panel, you can easily distribute surveys to check on the attractiveness of your products, what alternatives they use or what would be a good price level. Check their website!

    Topics to check before doing business

    Where it comes to assessing the viability of a product or service in a new market, I always look at the following aspects:

    1. Regulatory compliance

    Can the product be imported and sold in the country, what are import duties and are there any restrictions on service delivery? What are the investments to comply to all regulations? 

    2. Market needs

    Is there a genuine demand for this product or service in the market and which aspects are decisive for the customers? What are common channels for marketing and sales?

    3. Competition

    How fierce is the competition and is there a clear market leader? Is there room for a new entrant and what happened to other companies trying to penetrate the market?

    4. Investments

    What steps are needed to enter the market and what are the related costs. How quickly can you expect revenue and what is a reasonable pay-back time?

    You can of course find a lot of information yourself, especially about regulations. But in order to have a good view on the competition, you will have to search locally, visit retail outlets or talk with buyers. Only a local expert can do this.

    Before you focus only on Australia

    Please note that there are many countries in the world and the biggest ones or the ones nearby are not automatically the best choice. It all depends of the market growth, the competition and the barriers for entry. 

    Therefore I would advise you to make a short-list of at least three, but preferably five potential new markets and compare them against the same criteria.

    Frequently asked questions

    In Australia all aspects count that you normally have in other countries. What are the relevant regulations? How big is the market? What competition will you face? And how much will it cost to enter the market? These questions will help you decide whether to enter the market or not.