The early returns are in. With over 450 verified responses from North American custom cabinet and woodworking businesses compiled to date, 54.4% report achieving higher sales results in 2012 than 2011, 33.6% report about the same sales tallies and only12% showed lower sales volumes.

Perhaps of even greater interest, 67.5% feel more optimistic about 2013 than 2012, stating they are seeing more forward bookings, better pipeline and more leads. Brand preferences for Blum, Hafele, Rev-A-Shelf and Quickbooks are also emerging trends. Eye opening payroll rates for various employees with differing experience levels in woodworking businesses are also being reported.

Current responses were compiled from data provided by shops of all sizes (1 to 100-plus employees) with annual sales from under $250,000 to over $10,000,000. About 30% reported being a member of one or more trade associations, such as the Architectural Woodwork Institute ((AWI), Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. (KCMA), National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Woodwork Institute (WI) etc.

This annual survey of the state of the industry includes responses from woodworking business owners and managers from every region in the U.S. and Canada. Participation in the survey is being extended through 11:59 p.m. (CST) Saturday, December 22, 2012.. All woodworking shops in North America are invited to participate.

To take the survey, follow this link. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NPVSTQC

While we do require that each respondent identifies himself or herself as a quality-control measure, all data provided will be held in the strictest confidence and only be reported in aggregate format. Therefore, no individual business will be identifiable within the final industry report, which will be issued in early 2013. The survey takes about 12-15 minutes to complete. All survey participants will be among the first to receive the final, in-depth report.

If you’d like a complimentary copy of last year’s 24 page benchmark study report to be e-mailed to you, you can request it by contacting me at the Cabinet Makers at [email protected] . Please include 2012 Benchmark Study Report in the subject line of your e-mail.

Thanks to all who have participated in this important study, and thanks in advance for your consideration and anticipated participation.

Note: The Cabinet Makers Association, in conjunction with Custom Woodworking Business magazine, will cosponsor the 2013 Cabinets Conference, Feb. 27 in Edison, NJ,

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