Monthly or Quarterly Sales Surveys - often referred to as a "Sales Barometer" or "Sales Index," these surveys typically track industry sales ($ and units) as a whole as well as for a few specific product subcategories. Sales data for the same period in the prior year is often requested on the survey so that percentage growth figures may be reported.

Quarterly Operating Surveys - these surveys essentially track income statement figures (sometimes a few productivity ratios are reported, as well). Typically the data are reported by geographic regions, sales volume, etc. These studies provide excellent performance benchmarks for companies on a timely basis. Often used in conjunction with our more detailed and complex Annual Operating Surveys or Cost of Doing Business Surveys.

Monthly or Quarterly Business Conditions Surveys - provides summary of current trends in the industry. Some possible items reported in these surveys include: total company sales growth figures, productivity ratios, profitability indicators, inventory levels, etc.

The projects mentioned above are just guidelines for you to follow in considering what type of study to conduct. They are not absolute rules for what can or cannot be included in a particular survey. Each project we conduct is individually tailored to the client’s specific needs and expectations. Our goal at Industry Insights, Inc. is to assist our clients in fulfilling the informational needs of their membership through high-quality research endeavors. We are therefore quite flexible with how any project is setup and undertaken.

If you would like more information about providing your members with information to gauge the "pulse of the industry," please contact:

Greg Manns
Vice President
(614) 802-2310 ext. 108
gmanns@indins.com