Mastering Market Size Research Fundamentals

Table of Contents
- Understanding Market Size Research Fundamentals
- Core Components and Objectives of Market Size Research
- Key Metrics in Market Size Calculations
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative Approaches in Market Sizing
- Role of Segmentation in Market Size Research
- Data Sources and Collection Methods in Market Size Research
- Categorization of Primary and Secondary Data Sources
- Procedures for Collecting Primary Data
- Validating Secondary Data Sources
- Leveraging Public and Proprietary Datasets
- Methodologies for Estimating Market Size
- Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Hybrid Approaches
- Comparison of Methodologies: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Use Cases
- Rule of Product and Per Capita Consumption Methods
- Adjusting Market Size Estimates for Economic and Seasonal Variations
- Tools and Technologies for Market Sizing
- Software Tools for Market Sizing Calculations and Visualization
- Building a Dynamic Market Size Model in Excel
- Data Visualization Tools for Actionable Insights
- AI and Machine Learning in Automating Market Sizing
- FAQ
- market size research tools?
- market share research?
- market share research companies?
- market share research examples?
- market size study?
- share market research analyst?
Market size research serves as the cornerstone of strategic decision-making, offering businesses and investors a data-driven foundation to assess opportunities and mitigate risks. By systematically quantifying demand, identifying growth drivers, and refining market segmentation, this discipline transforms abstract projections into actionable insights. Whether evaluating entry into a new sector or optimizing resource allocation, precise market sizing bridges the gap between theoretical potential and operational reality.
The process demands a rigorous integration of quantitative rigor and qualitative nuance, from leveraging macroeconomic trends to dissecting granular consumer behaviors. Missteps in methodology or data interpretation can distort outcomes, leading to misallocated investments or missed revenue streams. This guide dissects the core principles, methodologies, and technological tools that underpin accurate market sizing, ensuring stakeholders can navigate complexities with confidence and clarity.

Understanding Market Size Research Fundamentals
Market size research serves as the foundation for strategic decision-making in business, investment, and policy formulation. Unlike market trend or demand forecasting—which focus on future projections—market size research quantifies the current scale of a market by analyzing historical data, industry benchmarks, and behavioral patterns. Its primary objectives include defining revenue potential, identifying growth opportunities, and assessing competitive positioning. Accurate market sizing enables stakeholders to allocate resources efficiently, validate business models, and prioritize expansion strategies. This discipline distinguishes itself from forecasting by emphasizing static analysis (current market dimensions) rather than dynamic projections (future shifts in demand or technology adoption).Core Components and Objectives of Market Size Research
Market size research integrates multiple analytical layers to derive actionable insights. The process begins with defining the scope, which includes specifying the product/service category, geographic boundaries, and timeframe. Key objectives encompass:For instance, a SaaS company evaluating its TAM for a niche CRM tool would prioritize metrics like subscription-based revenue per user, customer acquisition costs (CAC), and market penetration rates in specific industries (e.g., healthcare vs. retail). This granularity ensures that strategic investments align with realistic growth trajectories.
Key Metrics in Market Size Calculations
Market size calculations rely on a standardized set of metrics, each serving distinct analytical purposes. The selection of metrics depends on the industry, product lifecycle stage, and business model. Below are the foundational metrics categorized by their application:Revenue-Based Metrics
Revenue (USD/EUR) = Unit Price × Unit Volume × Penetration Rate
Example: The global electric vehicle (EV) market was valued at $366 billion in 2022, driven by unit sales of 6.8 million vehicles and an average price of $54,000 (IEA, 2023).
Volume-Based Metrics
Unit Volume = Total Market Size / Average Price per Unit
Example: The global smartphone market shipped 1.2 billion units in 2022, with an average selling price (ASP) of $350 (Counterpoint Research, 2023).
Penetration and Adoption Rates
Market Penetration (%) = (Number of Users / Total Addressable Population) × 100
Example: The adoption rate of 5G in the U.S. reached 25% in 2023, with 120 million subscribers out of a potential 480 million mobile users (CTIA, 2023).
Market Share and Competitive Metrics
Market Share (%) = (Company Revenue / Total Market Revenue) × 100
Example: Tesla held a 15% global market share in the EV sector in 2022, despite producing only 1.3 million vehicles out of a total 6.8 million (BloombergNEF, 2023).
Growth Rate Metrics
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) = [(End Value / Start Value)^(1/n)] - 1
Example: The CAGR for the renewable energy market was 8.4% from 2017 to 2022, reflecting a shift from fossil fuels to solar and wind (IRENA, 2023).
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Approaches in Market Sizing
Market size research employs two primary methodologies—quantitative and qualitative—each with distinct strengths, data sources, and limitations. The choice of approach depends on the research objective, data availability, and budget constraints.| Criteria | Quantitative Approach | Qualitative Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Measures market dimensions using numerical data (e.g., revenue, volume, penetration). | Explores market dynamics, consumer behavior, and industry trends through non-numerical insights. |
| Data Sources |
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| Applications |
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| Limitations |
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| Hybrid Approach Example |
A fintech startup assessing the digital banking market in Southeast Asia might:
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Role of Segmentation in Market Size Research
Segmentation refines market size estimates by dissecting broad categories into granular subsets, each with distinct demand drivers and growth potentials. Effective segmentation improves accuracy by aligning analysis with real-world consumer behavior rather than aggregate assumptions. The three primary segmentation criteria—geographic, demographic, and behavioral—each influence market sizing in unique ways.Geographic Segmentation
Divides markets by region, country, or urban/rural divides to account for economic disparities, regulatory environments, and infrastructure differences.
Example: The global coffee market was valued at $107 billion in 2022, but North America accounted for 38% of revenue due to higher per-capita consumption, while Sub-Saharan Africa contributed only 5% despite being a major producer (IndexBox, 2023).
Demographic Segmentation
Targets markets based on age, income
Data Sources and Collection Methods in Market Size Research
Market size research relies on accurate, timely, and relevant data to derive meaningful insights. Data sources can be broadly categorized into primary (firsthand, collected for the specific research purpose) and secondary (pre-existing, sourced from external entities). The choice of data sources and collection methods significantly impacts the reliability and granularity of market estimates. Primary data offers customization and specificity, while secondary data provides historical context, benchmarks, and cost-efficiency. However, integrating these sources requires rigorous validation to mitigate inconsistencies, biases, and gaps—particularly in emerging markets or niche industries where data scarcity and regulatory constraints pose challenges.
Categorization of Primary and Secondary Data Sources
Data sources for market size research are systematically classified based on their origin, purpose, and accessibility. Understanding these categories helps researchers select the most appropriate sources for their analysis.Primary Data Sources
Primary data is collected directly from respondents or observations relevant to the market under study. It includes:
Surveys and Questionnaires: Structured or unstructured tools to gather quantitative or qualitative responses from target audiences (e.g., consumers, distributors, or industry experts). Interviews: One-on-one or group discussions to explore in-depth insights, particularly useful for niche markets or B2B segments. Focus Groups: Moderated discussions with small groups to uncover attitudes, behaviors, and trends through interactive dialogue. Experiments and Field Studies: Controlled or observational methods to test hypotheses (e.g., pilot market tests for new product launches). Sales and Transaction Data: Internal records from companies, including POS (point-of-sale) data, CRM systems, or inventory logs. Secondary Data Sources
Secondary data is derived from existing repositories and requires careful evaluation for relevance and accuracy. Key categories include:
Government and Public Datasets: Census reports, economic surveys, trade statistics (e.g., U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Eurostat, or UN Comtrade). Industry Associations and Trade Publications: Reports from bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, or sector-specific associations (e.g., NAM for manufacturing, CTIA for telecommunications). Proprietary Databases: Paid subscriptions to platforms such as Nielsen, IBISWorld, Statista, or Euromonitor, offering curated market intelligence. Academic and Research Institutions: White papers, journals, or working papers from universities (e.g., Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review). Financial and News Media: Press releases, analyst reports (e.g., Bloomberg, Reuters, Forbes), and corporate filings (10-K, 10-Q). Web and Social Media Analytics: Tools like Google Trends, Social Mention, or Brandwatch for sentiment and trend analysis. Procedures for Collecting Primary Data
Primary data collection demands structured methodologies to ensure representativeness, minimize bias, and maximize response rates. The process involves designing instruments, selecting sampling frameworks, and implementing fieldwork with ethical and methodological rigor.Survey Design and Administration
Questionnaire Structure: Use a mix of closed-ended (quantitative, e.g., Likert scales) and open-ended (qualitative, e.g., "Describe your purchasing criteria") questions to balance depth and ease of analysis. Pilot Testing: Conduct pre-tests with a small sample to refine wording, identify ambiguities, and adjust response options. Delivery Channels: Choose between online surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), telephone interviews, in-person surveys, or mail-based questionnaires, considering cost, reach, and respondent demographics. Incentivization: Offer rewards (e.g., discounts, entry into prize draws) to improve participation, particularly in low-engagement segments. Sampling Techniques
Sampling ensures the collected data represents the broader population while controlling for feasibility and cost. Common approaches include:
Probability Sampling: Each member of the population has a known chance of selection. Simple Random Sampling: Every individual has an equal probability (e.g., random dialing for telephone surveys). Stratified Sampling: Population divided into subgroups (strata) with proportional representation (e.g., age groups, income brackets). Cluster Sampling: Groups (clusters) are randomly selected, and all members within clusters are surveyed (e.g., selecting entire neighborhoods for a city-wide study). Non-Probability Sampling: Used when random selection is impractical. Convenience Sampling: Selecting easily accessible respondents (e.g., mall intercepts), but prone to bias. Purposive Sampling: Targeting specific criteria (e.g., industry experts for B2B research). Snowball Sampling: Leveraging referrals from initial respondents to reach hard-to-find groups (e.g., underground markets). Bias Mitigation Strategies
Systematic errors (biases) can distort results. Mitigation involves:
Response Bias: Addressed through anonymous responses, neutral wording, and balanced question framing (e.g., avoiding leading questions like "Don’t you agree this product is superior?"). Non-Response Bias: Improve with follow-ups, multiple contact attempts, and stratified sampling to ensure underrepresented groups are included. Sampling Bias: Use weighting adjustments (e.g., oversampling underrepresented demographics) or quota sampling to align with population distributions. Observer Bias: Train interviewers on standardized protocols and neutral probing techniques to avoid influencing responses. Validating Secondary Data Sources
Secondary data, while convenient, often suffers from outdated information, methodological inconsistencies, or vague definitions. Validation ensures accuracy and comparability across sources.Cross-Referencing and Triangulation
Cross-Referencing: Compare figures from multiple sources to identify discrepancies. For example, if Statista reports a 5% market growth rate for a sector but IBISWorld reports 8%, investigate the underlying methodologies (e.g., geographic scope, revenue vs. unit sales). Triangulation: Combine data from quantitative (e.g., sales figures) and qualitative (e.g., expert interviews) sources to validate patterns. Example: If trade publications indicate rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs), cross-check with government subsidies data and manufacturer shipment reports. Time-Series Analysis: Assess trends over years to detect anomalies (e.g., a sudden spike in a dataset may indicate a one-time event like a policy change). Assessing Source Credibility
Evaluate sources using the CRAP Test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Purpose, Accuracy):
Currency: Is the data recent? Market dynamics change rapidly; prefer sources updated within the last 12–24 months. Relevance: Does the data align with the research scope? For instance, global GDP growth may not reflect a regional niche market. Authority: Who published the data? Prioritize government agencies, accredited research firms, or peer-reviewed journals over anonymous blogs. Purpose: Was the data collected for commercial, academic, or advocacy purposes? Bias may arise if a report is funded by a competing industry. Accuracy: Verify with primary sources (e.g., check if a trade association’s report cites original survey data) or third-party audits. Example Validation Workflow
1. Identify the Data Point: E.g., "Global smart home device market size in 2023."
2. List Sources: Nielsen ($45B), Statista ($42B), IDTechEx ($50B).
3. Compare Methodologies:
Nielsen: Based on retail sales data from 50+ countries. Statista: Uses expert forecasts and historical trends. IDTechEx: Relies on technology adoption models. 4. Resolve Discrepancies: If Nielsen and Statista align but IDTechEx diverges, investigate whether IDTechEx includes emerging markets or new product categories not covered by others.
5. Apply Weighting: Assign higher confidence to Nielsen if it uses transactional data and lower to IDTechEx if its sample is skewed toward early adopters.
Leveraging Public and Proprietary Datasets
Public datasets and proprietary tools offer complementary strengths in market sizing. Public sources provide broad coverage and transparency, while proprietary tools offer granularity and actionable insights.Public Datasets
Census and Government Data: U.S. Census Bureau: Demographic trends, industry employment (e.g., NAICS codes for sector classification). Eurostat: EU-wide economic indicators (e.g., Purchasing Power Standards (PPS) for cross-country comparisons). World Bank Open Data: GDP, inflation, and infrastructure metrics for emerging markets. Trade Publications:
Methodologies for Estimating Market Size
Market size estimation is a critical analytical process that informs strategic decision-making, investment assessments, and business planning. Accurate market sizing requires selecting appropriate methodologies tailored to data availability, industry complexity, and research objectives. The three primary approaches—top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid—each offer distinct advantages and limitations, often dictated by the granularity of data, geographic scope, and the need for macroeconomic validation. This section explores their mathematical foundations, practical applications, and comparative strengths, alongside specialized techniques like the rule of product and per capita consumption, while addressing adjustments for economic and seasonal variations.
Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Hybrid Approaches
Market sizing methodologies differ in their starting point and analytical direction, influencing precision, resource requirements, and scalability. The top-down approach begins with macroeconomic data (e.g., GDP, industry revenue) and drills down to segment-specific estimates, while the bottom-up approach aggregates micro-level data (e.g., sales records, customer surveys) to derive total market size. The hybrid approach combines both to mitigate individual weaknesses, such as over-reliance on assumptions in top-down or data gaps in bottom-up.Mathematical Foundations
Top-Down: Market Size = (Macro Indicator × Industry Penetration Rate) ± Adjustments
Example: Global electronics market = (World GDP × % spent on electronics) × Regional GDP share.- Bottom-Up:
Market Size = Σ (Unit Sales × Average Price) Across Segments
Example: Smartphone market = (Units sold by Brand A + Brand B + ...) × Average Price.- Hybrid:
Market Size = Weighted Average (Top-Down Estimate × Bottom-Up Estimate)
Weights are determined by confidence in each method’s data quality.When to Apply Each
Top-Down: Ideal for broad, high-level estimates (e.g., national markets, emerging industries) where granular data is scarce. Bottom-Up: Suited for niche markets, B2B sectors, or regions with detailed transactional data (e.g., retail sales, subscription models). Hybrid: Preferred for complex markets (e.g., healthcare, energy) where macro trends validate micro-level insights or vice versa. Comparison of Methodologies: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Use Cases
The following table synthesizes the key attributes of each approach, emphasizing their trade-offs in accuracy, effort, and applicability.
Criteria Top-Down Bottom-Up Hybrid Data Requirements Macro-level (GDP, industry reports, government statistics). Micro-level (sales records, surveys, transaction data). Both macro and micro data, with cross-validation. Strengths
- Quick to execute with limited resources.
- Useful for identifying market potential early.
- Leverages existing high-level data (e.g., IBISWorld, Statista).
- Highly accurate for segmented or localized markets.
- Directly reflects real-world transactions.
- Adaptable to dynamic markets (e.g., tech startups).
- Balances speed and precision.
- Reduces bias from over-reliance on one method.
- Ideal for validating conflicting estimates.
Weaknesses
- High sensitivity to macroeconomic assumptions.
- Lacks granularity for niche segments.
- Risk of overestimating due to optimistic penetration rates.
- Resource-intensive (requires extensive data collection).
- Prone to sampling errors or incomplete datasets.
- Difficult to scale for large or fragmented markets.
- Complex to implement without robust data integration.
- May inherit weaknesses from both methods if weights are poorly assigned.
- Higher cost and time investment than single-method approaches.
Ideal Use Cases
- Emerging markets with limited primary data.
- Macro-level strategy (e.g., M&A, portfolio diversification).
- Industries with standardized metrics (e.g., agriculture, utilities).
- B2B markets with clear transaction records (e.g., industrial equipment).
- Local or hyper-local markets (e.g., regional retail chains).
- Innovative sectors with rapid product cycles (e.g., SaaS, biotech).
- Complex industries with both macro trends and micro dynamics (e.g., healthcare, automotive).
- Cross-border markets requiring regional validation.
- High-stakes decisions where accuracy is critical (e.g., IPOs, large-scale investments).
Rule of Product and Per Capita Consumption Methods
Specialized techniques like the rule of product and per capita consumption provide structured frameworks for estimating market size when direct data is unavailable. These methods rely on logical decomposition of market drivers and historical consumption patterns, respectively.Rule of Product
This method estimates market size by multiplying key variables that influence demand. The formula is:Market Size = Population × Penetration Rate × Consumption Frequency × Average PriceExample: Estimating the global coffee market in 2023.
1. Population: 8 billion (UN World Population Prospects).
2. Penetration Rate: 60% (60% of the population consumes coffee regularly).
3. Consumption Frequency: 2 cups/day × 365 days = 730 cups/year.
4. Average Price: $0.50/cup (varies by region; global average approximated).Estimated Market Size = 8,000,000,000 × 0.60 × 730 × $0.50 = $1.75 trillion (adjusted for regional price disparities).Limitations: Sensitive to accuracy of penetration and frequency data; may overestimate in low-income regions.Per Capita Consumption
This approach calculates total market size by multiplying per capita consumption by population, often using historical trends to project future demand. It is widely used in industries like beer, dairy, or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).Market Size = Population × Per Capita Consumption (units/year) × Unit PriceExample: U.S. beer market in 2022.
1. Population: 331 million (U.S. Census).
2. Per Capita Consumption: 24 gallons/year (Beverage Marketing Corporation).
3. Unit Price: $1.20/gallon (average retail price).Estimated Market Size = 331,000,000 × 24 × $1.20 = $9.55 billion.Adjustments for Inflation: Historical per capita data (e.g., 20 gallons in 2010) can be indexed to 2022 dollars using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).Adjusted Per Capita Consumption = 20 gallons × (CPI 2022 / CPI 2010) = 20 × 1.25 = 25 gallons.Adjusting Market Size Estimates for Economic and Seasonal Variations
Market size estimates must account for inflation, currency fluctuations, and seasonality
Tools and Technologies for Market Sizing
Market sizing relies on a combination of analytical rigor, data accessibility, and visualization capabilities to derive meaningful insights. The selection of appropriate tools and technologies streamlines calculations, enhances data-driven decision-making, and enables stakeholders to interpret complex datasets efficiently. From spreadsheet-based modeling to AI-driven predictive analytics, the right technological stack can transform raw market data into strategic actionable intelligence. This section explores the functionalities of key software tools, methodologies for dynamic modeling, and the transformative role of AI and APIs in modern market sizing.
Software Tools for Market Sizing Calculations and Visualization
The foundation of market sizing often begins with spreadsheet software, which provides flexibility for manual calculations and iterative adjustments. Advanced tools like statistical programming languages and business intelligence (BI) platforms further refine analysis through automation, scalability, and interactive dashboards.Spreadsheet Tools (Excel, Google Sheets)
Functionality: Excel and Google Sheets serve as the primary platforms for basic market sizing due to their widespread adoption, formula-based calculations, and collaborative features. Key functionalities include: Data aggregation via `SUM`, `AVERAGE`, and pivot tables. Financial modeling with functions like `NPV`, `IRR`, and `XNPV` for discounted cash flow analysis. Conditional logic using `IF`, `VLOOKUP`, and `INDEX-MATCH` for scenario-based projections. Data visualization with charts (bar, line, pie) and customizable dashboards. Limitations: Scalability issues with large datasets, lack of advanced statistical functions, and manual error risks. Business Intelligence and Visualization Tools (Tableau, Power BI, Qlik)
Functionality: Drag-and-drop interfaces for creating dynamic dashboards with filters, drill-downs, and real-time updates. Advanced analytics including trend analysis, cohort segmentation, and geographic heatmaps. Integration with databases (SQL, Oracle) and cloud platforms (AWS, Google BigQuery). Collaborative sharing via embedded reports and interactive web portals. Use Case: Tableau’s "Show Me" feature automates chart selection based on data relationships, while Power BI’s "Quick Insights" uses AI to highlight patterns in datasets. Statistical and Programming Tools (R, Python, SQL)
Functionality: R: Libraries like `tidyverse` for data wrangling, `forecast` for time-series analysis, and `shiny` for interactive web apps. Python: Packages such as `pandas` (data manipulation), `statsmodels` (regression), and `matplotlib/seaborn` (visualization). Libraries like `scikit-learn` enable machine learning for predictive modeling. SQL: Querying relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL) to extract structured market data for analysis. Example: Python’s `pandas` can merge multiple datasets and calculate market penetration rates with: penetration_rate = (target_users / total_population) 100
while `statsmodels` fits linear regression models to forecast demand growth.
Building a Dynamic Market Size Model in Excel
A dynamic market sizing model in Excel combines static data with formulas to project future growth, penetration rates, and revenue streams. Below is a step-by-step guide to constructing a model with CAGR and penetration projections.Step 1: Define Core Variables
Market Size Drivers: Base Year Revenue: Historical sales data (e.g., $500M in 2023). Growth Rate: Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) calculated as: \[
\text{CAGR} = \left( \frac{\text{End Value}}{\text{Start Value}} \right)^{\frac{1}{n}} - 1
\]
where \( n \) = number of years.
Step 2: Implement CAGR Projections
\text{Future Value} = \text{Base Value} \times (1 + \text{CAGR})^n
\] In Excel:
=Base_Revenue (1 + CAGR_Rate)^YEARS
- Dynamic Range Expansion: Use `OFFSET` or `INDEX` to auto-expand projections across years.
Step 3: Project Market Penetration
\text{Addressable Market} = \text{Total Market} \times \text{Penetration Rate}
\] Example:
=Total_Market Penetration_Rate
- Scenario Analysis: Create data tables with varying penetration rates (e.g., 10%, 15%, 20%) to assess sensitivity.
Step 4: Add Visualization
Example Model Structure:
| Year | Base Revenue | CAGR (%) | Projected Revenue | Penetration (%) | Addressable Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $500M | 8% | $500M | 15% | 1.5M |
| 2024 | $500M | 8% | $540M | 18% | 1.8M |
Data Visualization Tools for Actionable Insights
Visualization transforms numerical market data into intuitive narratives for stakeholders. Tools like Power BI and D3.js enable interactive exploration, while static charts (e.g., Gartner’s Magic Quadrant) communicate competitive positioning.Power BI for Market Sizing Dashboards
\text{Market Share} = \frac{\text{Company Revenue}}{\text{Total Industry Revenue}}
\]
D3.js for Custom Interactive Visualizations
Static Visualization Tools (Canva, Venngage)
AI and Machine Learning in Automating Market Sizing
AI accelerates market sizing by automating data collection, identifying patterns, and forecasting demand with minimal human intervention. Predictive modeling and anomaly detection reduce reliance on manual estimates.Predictive Modeling for Demand Forecasting
Anomaly Detection in Datasets
Accurate market size research is not merely an analytical exercise but a strategic imperative that shapes competitive positioning and long-term sustainability. By mastering its methodologies—from top-down projections to hybrid models—organizations can align resources with measurable demand, anticipate disruptions, and capitalize on emerging trends. The fusion of robust data sources, validated assumptions, and adaptive tools empowers decision-makers to transform raw figures into growth strategies. As industries evolve, the ability to refine market sizing techniques will remain a defining factor in achieving operational excellence and market dominance.
FAQ
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Q: What are the best tools available for conducting market size research?
market share research?
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market share research companies?
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