Market research for doing business in the United States

If you want do business in the United States 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.

Market research

Doing business in the United States

The United States, as the world’s largest economy, is a highly dynamic and competitive market. With diverse consumer preferences, a business-friendly environment, and significant purchasing power, the U.S. is a key market for international businesses. However, its size and complexity require careful planning.

Key Market Numbers

The U.S. market is vast, affluent, and offers significant opportunities across various industries. Key statistics include:

  • Population: Approximately 332 million (2023).
  • GDP per capita: Around $75,000 USD (2023), reflecting strong purchasing power.
  • Urbanization: About 83% of the population lives in urban areas, with major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago driving economic activity.
  • Economic Structure: Services dominate the economy, contributing about 77% of GDP, followed by manufacturing and agriculture.
  • Ageing Population: The U.S. population is gradually ageing, with around 17% aged 65 or older. This creates opportunities in healthcare, financial services, and senior-focused products.

Language and Documentation

The U.S. offers a relatively straightforward environment for English-speaking businesses but still requires attention to certain localization aspects.

  • Official Language: English is the primary language for business and communication. Spanish is also widely spoken, especially in states like California, Texas, and Florida.
  • Language Considerations: English is sufficient for most documentation and marketing materials. However, bilingual English-Spanish packaging can be advantageous in regions with large Hispanic populations.
  • Packaging and Documentation: U.S. regulations require clear and accurate labeling, particularly in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Compliance with standards set by agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is critical.

Consumer and B2B Buying Behavior

The U.S. market is characterized by consumer diversity, brand loyalty, and a strong emphasis on value.

  • Consumer Behavior: U.S. consumers prioritize convenience, quality, and price. Online retail accounts for approximately 22% of total retail sales (2023), with platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify being dominant. Personalization and sustainability are growing trends.
  • B2B Buying Behavior: U.S. businesses focus on efficiency, transparency, and ROI (return on investment). Decision-making is often decentralized, requiring tailored approaches to different regions and industries.
  • Online Presence: A robust online presence is critical, with digital advertising and SEO being essential for both B2C and B2B success. Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter play a major role in brand-building and lead generation.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

While the U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities, it also presents challenges for businesses unfamiliar with its scale and regulatory framework.

  • Products/Services that May Struggle: Products that lack a clear value proposition, fail to meet U.S. safety standards, or are not competitively priced may struggle. Localization is key for success in this highly competitive market.
  • Test Market Potential: The U.S. is an excellent test market due to its diverse population and regional variations. Success in key cities like New York or Los Angeles can be indicative of broader market potential.
  • Regulatory Environment: U.S. regulations vary by industry and state. Businesses must comply with federal, state, and local laws, particularly in sectors like food, healthcare, and finance. Hiring local legal and regulatory experts is often necessary.

Travel to the United States 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 the United States.

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 the United States

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 the United States 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.