Semper Print Survey Reports Largest Drop in Profitability in 12-Year History of Survey

The most recent survey indicates mixed business trends:

• 51 percent of companies surveyed reported a profitable Q1. This represents a 28-point decrease over last quarter.
• 13 percent of companies expect sales to decrease through the remainder of Q2, 2013 while 47 percent hope for an increase.
• The vast majority of respondents indicated that hiring levels will remain the same. Compared to 5 percent of companies in the previous quarter, 11 percent are planning to reduce their staffs.
• 45 percent of companies reported that healthcare is the labor cost component that increased the fastest last quarter. 13 percent cited base pay, the second largest component.
• The greatest competitive threat to printers remains largely unchanged from last quarter. The current economy (53 percent) is the biggest threat, growing pressures from lower cost competitors (22 percent) and operating costs (12 percent).
• Referrals (47 percent) continue to be the most popular way to find employees. Online ads (31 percent) rose in popularity this quarter.
• Half of businesses with fewer than 50 employers, while 38 percent of businesses with more than 50 employees are not taking steps to prepare for the 2014 Obamacare mandates.

To participate in future surveys, please email always@semperllc.com. More information is available from the Semper International Website.

About Semper International
Semper International is a temporary help placement firm founded and staffed by professionals who were raised and trained in the printing and graphic arts industry, and who understand the innate needs and demands of the profession. Semper has a thorough understanding of all the positions, equipment, and software essential to the business, which assures a perfect employee-employer match.