What is the best way to conduct market research for a computer repair business?

Me and a friend are considering starting our own computer repair business, however we'd like to carry out some market research before deciding to invest any money. The only strategy we have thought of so far is to stand in a crowded shopping mall and ask people to complete a survey but we doubt this will be effective.





I would appreciate any suggestions on other types of market research or confirmation that surveying is a good method and also how many people we should survey to make our data credible.

What is the best way to conduct market research for a computer repair business?
Have you ever heard of The Local Index? It’s a new site that provides local businesses a free website to showcase their products %26amp; services. It works like myspace but for local businesses. I think it would be a great way for you to get the exposure that you are looking for. They also have a contact Importer to import current customers to your new store, with announcements to keep them updated on your business. Local Business events, networking events and a whole lot more.





The Goal of this site is to reintroduce the concept of local businesses to consumers as the hip, hot new thing. Instead of Pizza Hut, Walmart, Circuit City and Etc.





Business Samples:


Auto


http://www.thelocalindex.com/store/?ID=1...





Clothing


http://www.thelocalindex.com/store/?ID=8


Food %26amp; Dining


http://www.thelocalindex.com/store/?ID=9





Spa


http://www.thelocalindex.com/store/?ID=5
Reply:online surveys. create a facebook group, promote ads on facebook, leading to the survey.
Reply:target small businesses that use computers eg salons, grocery stores etc? since you are starting off .