Know your competitors

1. If I were going into a business for myself, I would personally research
   local business directories, advertising and searching on the Internet for similar products or services.
   
   
   the products or services they provide and how they market them to customers
2. the prices they charge
   how they distribute and deliver
   the devices they employ to enhance customer loyalty and what back-up service they offer
   their brand and design values
   whether they innovate - business methods as well as products
   their staff numbers and the calibre of staff that they attract
   how they use IT - for example, if they're technology-aware and offer a website and email
   who owns the business and what sort of person they are
   their annual report - if they're a public company
   their media activities - check their website as well as local newspapers, radio, television and any outdoor advertising
   
   
3. I think trade fairs are is an organized so that companies in a specific industry can show and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities.
4. 
   the products or services they provide and how they market them to customers
   the prices they charge
   how they distribute and deliver
   the devices they employ to enhance customer loyalty and what back-up service they offer
   their brand and design values
   how they use IT - for example, if they're technology-aware and offer a website and email
5. 
   If you're sure your competitors are doing something better than you, you need to respond and make some changes. It could be anything from improving customer service, assessing your prices and updating your products, to changing the way you market yourself, redesigning your literature and website and changing your suppliers.