What expense category does market research fall under?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the specific business and how they account for their expenses. However, there are a few potential expense categories that market research could fall under.
Marketing Expenses
One possibility is that market research could be classified as a marketing expense. This is because market research is often used to inform marketing decisions and strategies. For example, market research can be used to determine which target markets to focus on, what messaging to use, and what channels to advertise through. As such, treating market research as a marketing expense makes sense for many businesses.
Research and Development Expenses
Another possibility is that market research could be classified as a research and development expense. This is because market research can be used to develop new products or services. For example, market research can be used to assess customer needs and wants, which can then be used to develop products or services that meet those needs. This is common in businesses that are constantly innovating and introducing new products and services to the market.
General and Administrative Expenses
Another possibility is that market research could be classified as a general and administrative expense. This is because market research can be used to support a variety of business decisions, not just marketing or product development decisions. For example, market research can be used to assess the feasibility of expanding into new markets, or to assess customer satisfaction levels. As such, treating market research as a general and administrative expense makes sense for many businesses.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to classifying market research expenses. The most important thing is that the expenses are properly accounted for and reported in the financial statements. This will ensure that the business has a clear understanding of its expenses and can make informed decisions about where to allocate its resources.
