Now in its 13th year, the 2005 "How's Your Business?" feature continues to build on surveys conducted by the Automotive Service Association of its membership. Through the time and generosity of ASA members and their commitment to the industry, the 2005 HYB? survey provides a detailed picture of the independent automotive repair industry.

The survey covers the independent mechanical and collision repair sectors with regard to business profile, business ownership, staff, current sales and expectations for the upcoming year, advertising and marketing, customers and the impact of various industry issues.

In August, the survey was mailed to 800 randomly selected mechanical and 700 randomly selected collision repair businesses. Nearly 32 percent of mechanical and 23 percent of collision businesses replied.

With such a large response rate, the survey results have a 95 percent confidence level with a confidence interval of +/- 5. One can be 95 percent certain that the responses given are representative of the entire population within 5 points above and 5 points below the stated value.

The purpose of the survey is to provide an accurate benchmark for business owners and those interested in the industry.

Editor's note: Please note that sometimes, due to rounding, percentages will not add up to 100 percent. In other cases, percentages greater than 100 percent may result if respondents are able to select more than one answer to a particular question.

'How's Your Business?' is written by Karin White, ASA's research and project specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 252, or by e-mail at karinw@asashop.org.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | EPA Asks for Autobody Refinishing Product Input | How's Your Business?: Collision | How's Your Business?: Mechanical | How to Delegate More Effectively | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Around ASA | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message