February 2006                  return to the newsletter contents page

2006 SEDA/SMG PROFIT Survey Due March 31

One of the most important benefits SEDA distributor members enjoy is the annual PROFIT Report. Conducted by Dr. Al Bates and the team at Profit Planning Group, the PROFIT Report is the best source for financial benchmarking information in the industry. The information in the report – on gross margin, operating expenses, average collection period and the like – is arranged to provide direct comparisons with your firm. However, the information is available only to those firms that participate in the study.

In return for your participation, you’ll receive:

• The PROFIT Report – A financial and operating profile of the entire industry.

• Profit Improvement Profile – A confidential report sent directly to you comparing your firm with similar businesses.

• Profit Toolkit Online – A Microsoft^® Excel-based tutorial which is designed to assist your financial planning. Access is included with the Profit Improvement Profile.

The detailed industry benchmarking information in the PROFIT Report and in your Profit Improvement Profile is available to free of charge. It is a great bargain.

Be assured that your proprietary company data is kept strictly confidential. The information is aggregated with the other respondents and analyzed in terms of sales size, line of business, and the like. Only the employees of Profit Planning Group ever see your individual data. In over 20 years of conducting such surveys, they have an unblemished record of maintaining confidentiality.

Once again, SEDA has partnered with the Safety Marketing Group (SMG) to permit SMG members to participate in the survey. This will increase total participation, making the aggregate results even more valuable to you. If you are a SEDA member and a member of SMG, you only need to complete one survey form.

If you need to know more about this program and its benefits to your firm, call Jackie King, Executive Director, 443-640-1065 x105. Click here for a copy of the questionnaire for the SEDA/SMG PROFIT Survey. Do not delay in filling it out, the deadline for responses is March 31, 2006.

The 2005 Profit Report containing 2004 data is available for purchase now by non-participating members at the discounted price of $125. The 2006 Profit Report containing 2005 data will be available for purchase in June 2006 for $250. If you would like to order a copy of the survey, please fill out the order form and return it to SEDA Headquarters.