How quickly are SMBs making purchasing and strategic decisions?
In the U.S. and globally, the pace of decision making is increasing. The share of U.S. SMBs who say they are making major purchasing and strategic decisions more quickly than six months prior:
- 36% of very small businesses (VSBs, 1–19 employees)
- 59% of small businesses (SBs, 20–99 employees)
- 81% of midsized businesses (MBs, 100–1,000 employees)
SMBs in India are especially focused on accelerating decisions:
- 76% in India
- 62% in the UK
- 42% in Germany
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, February 2026
Bredin's SMB MarketPulse goes deeper on how SMBs make decisions.
How loyal are SMBs to their current vendors?
Most SMBs in the U.S. and abroad are open to switching vendors. In the U.S., willingness to switch increases with company size. The share of U.S. SMBs either actively seeking new vendors or open to switching providers:
- 67% of very small businesses (VSBs)
- 79% of small businesses (SBs)
- 93% of midsized businesses (MBs)
More than two-thirds of global SMBs are open to new vendors:
- 84% in India
- 82% in the UK
- 69% in Germany
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, February 2026
Bredin's SMB MarketPulse goes deeper on how SMBs make decisions.
How do SMBs discover new products and services?
As of November 2025, search ranks #1 across all SMB segments. Secondary sources vary by size:
- VSBs: peers and colleagues
- SBs: email newsletters and YouTube (tie)
- MBs: peers and colleagues and YouTube (tie)
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
Bredin's SMB MarketPulse goes deeper on how SMBs make decisions.
How do SMBs research products and services before buying?
As of November 2025, search ranks #1 and research reports rank #2 across all SMB segments. Among midsized businesses, ratings and reviews tie for #1.
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
How do SMBs make purchase decisions?
As of November 2025, a CFO or other executive ranks as the #1 information source across all SMB segments at the purchase stage. Secondary sources vary:
- VSBs: interactive tools
- SBs: business banker or financial advisor and vendor sales rep (tie)
- MBs: accountant or CPA
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
What makes SMBs willing to share their contact information?
As of November 2025, SMBs are most likely to share contact information in these formats:
- VSBs: 41% short sign-up forms
- SBs: 49% short sign-up forms, content previews, and exclusive research (tie)
- MBs: 65% ability to preview content before signing up
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
Bredin's SMB MarketPulse goes deeper on how SMBs make decisions.
When is the best time to reach SMBs?
As of November 2025, SMBs are most responsive at the following times:
- VSBs: late morning (33%); Monday or Thursday (35%)
- SBs: late morning (44%); Monday through Wednesday (51%)
- MBs: morning (56%); Monday (66%)
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025