This is AutoInc.'s 14th year analyzing the results of its annual survey, "How's Your Business?" The year's report explores the overall success and business practices of ASA member businesses. Through this annual survey, ASA provides a thorough analysis of the independent collision and mechanical service and repair industry. The purpose of the survey is to provide an accurate benchmark for business owners and those interested in the industry based on feedback from ASA's membership base.

The automotive service and repair industry as a whole draws in an annual revenue of $65 billion. About 60 percent of that revenue comes from mechanical repair shops and 40 percent from the work performed by body shops. "How's Your Business?" examines a range of statistics behind that mammoth figure. The survey includes information about business ownership, staff, sales and expectations for the upcoming year, customers, marketing and advertising.

In August, the survey was mailed to 800 randomly selected mechanical and 700 randomly selected collision repair businesses. Nearly 16 percent of mechanical and 12 percent of collision businesses replied. With that response rate, the survey results have a 94 percent confidence level with a confidence interval of +/- 6. One can be 94 percent certain that the responses given are representative of the entire population within 6 points above and 6 points below the stated value.

For those participants in this year's survey, we offer our sincerest gratitude and we look forward to the participation of future contributors to the 2007 "How's Your Business?" (HYB?) survey. Members may use this information as a comparison benchmark and as a platform for developing future business plans. HYB? readers must keep in mind that the survey is reflective of the ASA membership and therefore may differ from what is going on in the industry as a whole. ASA member shops tend to be progressively minded and may experience greater success rates within their businesses in the various categories outlined in this report.

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.

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