Business Barometer, January 2010

• Our organization consists of myself and my partner. We do not have employees, nor do we have a payroll of any kind.
• Consumers are not spending
• The financial calamity south of our border combined with the globao warming zealots and potential carbon credits scares the crap out of me..
• Our business is supply to multi-family residential construction, we expect the first half of the year to be slow but that last half to show a good increase.
• Slow recovery in economy - probably good so that employers can manage their costs better - in times of rapid and or excessive growth, no one wins - employees or employers
• Hoping the economy steadies and prices/inflation don't rise more than 1-2%.
• business will be average if trends stay as present but will not grow
• We are an Insurance broker and anticipate the short to mid term business conditions will improve but still remain difficult.
• our business out look for 2010, in a word, is GRIM. we simply hope to be here in a years time, that, in our opinion would be a success.
• In our industry (retail, hospitality, tourism) we handle many of the "government" industries, i.e.; postal outlet, fishing/hunting licenses/rural agency store, etc. and it is becoming more and more frustrating that we are not better compensated for these very time consuming products. We are in an extremely rural setting and therefore most things are more expensive to us as well as skilled labor that is hard to come by. Having a better and more profitable working relationship with the government as regards these industries would be beneficial not only to us as business owners, but to our community whom we service and to our tourism clients in the summer and fall seasons.
• The credit card companies have been charging a .5% fee for over the phone (unsigned) credit cards. This is robbery since if a one of our customers deny making the purchase to their credit card company, the credit card company takes back that money from our account. So why the charge. Also credit card companies are charging us extra for credit cards with bonus points that the credit card companies offer to there clients. So business people are paying for programs the credit card companies are offering to card holders. There should be laws against this.
• U.S. sales are expected to be down somewhat. Other export sales, particularly to China, are expected to increase
• Economy was flat or neg in 1st 1/2 of 2009. Monthly increases seen as of Sept. 2009 through to Dec.2009. We are hoping that this is a shift in the economy and everyday spending. If so, 2010 should be a recovery year for us after and very hard 2008/2009.
• All levels of government and government agencies are spending us into bankruptcy. Taxes and red tape continue to rise and the level of government competency in most areas continues to decline. Inept management is the most glaring short-coming in government departments. Increasing spending is the preferred method of trying to correct management failures and this has reached epidemic proportions. It is the leading cause of pessimism in the future of the economy for us.
• the question of factors limiting sales - GOVERNMENT COMPETITION is missing - it has been and continues to be our largest direct & indirect competitor
• Problems in the forest industry are still causing severe hardship. Cash flow is extremely limited.
• I am still stunned with the fact that the government was able to proceed with the HST - They sure have a way of choking the small business sector to death !
• 2009 sales were 60% of normal. A lot of rebound needed before we can hire or talk about wage and pricing increases. We've just emerged from survival mode and entered getting-by-on-hold.
• Biggest challenge expected in 2010 is the double hit scheduled for the minimum wage in Nova Scotia-unrealistic for the hospitality industry-the increases should at least be over 2 years.
• In Very Near Future there will be no more service shops. With Big Business selling products cheap and Manufactu5res not supporting the service trade it is very difficult to continue. The ladfills are full of these products and if it keeps on they will need more space just to discard the cheap products sold today.
• I feel things are worse now than a year ago when all this econimic downturn hit. Most of my business associates including myself figured we could hold out for a year. Well that year is up and cash is getting tight, really tight. Banks are useless, to high a risk they say so they wont lend or increase lines of credit. If things do not turn around in the next 6 mos I fear the worst. We have not lost any customers they just are not spending nearly as much. Our average sales $ / customer is half of what it was last year. So we are doing the volume just not getting the $
• Our business is stable in terms of demand and limited by licensing restrictions. Our revenue is limited by government set subsidy amounts for the most part that have not changed in 4-5 years while incurring big increases in heating, transportation, insurance and salary costs. Changes in minimim wage in NB will have a big impact on costs because if minimim wage increases than so must rates for those above minimim wage to be fair to employees.
• We are a new business starting up and we are struggling in this economy. It seems as if all factors are against small business in Ontario. My particular business has just hit it's absolut worst time of the year and I am hoping that we make it through. It would be nice if the government actually helped small business flourish instead of making it so difficult to figure all the requirements and payments out on our own. I feel like an un paid tax collector
• company's do not seem to have the funds for repairs -asking on average that the people we deal with are down in % at least 30%- if they don't need to spend for repair and cosmetic repairs-vehicles are parked.
• We are looking towards 2010. The consumers shift to buy quailty, Canadian made products is definetly in our favour. Consumers are tired of buying cheap, imported pieces that break within two years. Our products last a life time, our consumers are realizing and willing to pay more for quality, hand made products. They know it will last and support a small business here in thier country.
• Cattle prices are too low. Canadians will have to start paying more for food.
• Our ability to grow our business is limited by the lack of affordable, suitable real estate, zoned appropriately, available in our community.
• concerns are interest rates and hst
• As a pharmacy, we are severely threatened by impending government regulation as well as unfair audit practices by third party insurance companies.
• No sign of improved capital spending yet although I believe things will start to improve through the year
• In the past year I have been too busy to take on 7 small to medium research projects and have passed 4-5 of them on to newer business colleagues.
• Cost of doing business in Canada--NB-- is too high..we are at one end of Canada and we have to get our product delivered to other parts of North America--and NB is charging too much Tax on energy to get out product to market. Then there is the other cost such as hydro, way to high and it should not be, this is caused only be the bad management withing NB Government and NB Hydro...Selling it will not help, we need a better Government to get spending under control. Our problems are all Government related, they do not understand what the cost is to do buness with in our Province.
• Lower demand has significantly impacted our bottom line this year. Our sales are off of last years mark by 20%.
• 1) The economy will improve when people believe the economy has stabilized. This will cause people to start spending again and it will become a self fulfilling prophecy. It is not helpful to hear government opposition parties suggest that things are still bad. 2) Government debt will keep the economy from recovering as quickly as it could. Tax revenue has dropped significantly as a result of the recession so public service wages should be frozen to keep the debt from gowing. This would give the public confidence that there are responsible policies in place.
• We are deeply concerned about the increased personal costs caused by the HST tax.
• I operate a health care staffing agency and my major concern is lack of financing especially grants. I am disappointed that I cannot find credible information on grants anywhere.
• I can see a considerable loss of revenue if the HST is instituted in July 2010.
• I am trying to have a positive outlook for 2010, surely it can not get worse.
• our business has done well because of government stimulus funds
• will be reducing one permanent staff to part time.
• Changing government regulation, and increased redtape are my most frustrating obstacles.
• I'm new to all of this, and I have to say that I didn't realize there was so many road blocks that a person has to go through. The red tape is another matter alltogether . Big learning curve .
• My business can not afford to pay an employee, I do it all by myself 7 days a week.
• When you see over 50% of your revenue go to the government , Insurance companies and banks it makes it hard to know who your working so hard for
• SURVIVAL
• Solid 2009, 10% Sales increase over 2008. Pursueing same to 15% 2010 sales increase. I am not seeing the reduction in wholesale prices due to the higher dollar though. The increased buying power is not trickling to the retail end, and consumers are getting too many online from the U.S. not being taxed for duty. Would like to see C.B.S.A. taxing more imported personal purchases, as it hurts Cdn businesses.
• Our business is currently in a deflationary situation as a result of foreign exchange volatility. Also, we are seeing far more US competition in our domestic market, and there is an over-supply of products and sellers. As a result, margins have been dramatically impacted. The next few years will be difficult at best!
• The introduction of HST will cause major costs. Also Health Canada is becoming more difficult to deal with. In conjunction with that are higher costs associated to Medical and CSA licensing requirements. Less and less of our suppliers are willing to carry the costs of licensing products. This has resulted in less products coming into Canada with a higher cost. New Health Canada Regulations have resulted in total destruction of an entire industry for Physical therapy equipment in Canada. In conjunction with this regulations have changed for CSA to conform to the new 601 standarts, which are still not mandatory in the US. Also CSA and UL standards need to be the same for better trade with the US. The same should apply to CE markings. WE spend more and more time going to special inspections to try and resolve these issues. This reduces our productivity and increases our overhead. Most of the Medical device licensing represents only a hidden tax, which serves no purpose but to increase bureaucracy.
• I am cutting as many corners as possible ,bank processing fees and HST are my worst enemy.The combination of the two might put us out of business.
• Tourism especially from the USA is an important factor in our business,until that improves our business can not increase significantly.
• Please note ours is a counter-cyclical manufacturing business. We tend to do better during recessionary times, in spite of currency issues.
• HAD TO USE JOB SHARING
• Make it easier for foreign worker to come to Canada that is make it easier to get an LMO.Allow foreign workers to stay in Canada longer than 1 or 2 years.Make it easy for them to become citizens.
• Very concerned about negative impact of the HST on the building trades.
• We are looking forward to a better year. I retired from full time outside work to dedicate full time to our small business. It is hoped that increased retail hours will show more dollars returned to the business. We own and operate a pottery and stained glass studio
• We're all just hanging in there. I am sure most businesses concur.
• Our town is going through some tough times as the wood industry has completely shut down our three mills. Business is tough as a lot of people are working out of town thus doing a big part of their business elsewhere. Rural communities such as ours are really hurting. The economy in our Northeastern part of Saskatchewan is in rough shape.
• The bad economic sentiments in the media contribute to our poor performance. A more optimistic outlook will change increase our service delivery opportunity.
• difficult to predict how the implementation of the HST will affect construction sector
• Continued tax incentives beyond February would continue to help the construction industry. The introduction of the HST and the lack of "educating" the public on its implications will create caution in terms of continued spending for building and renovations or retail purchases beyond July.
• Minimun wage increase + smart meter + lower consumer disposable income (HST and smart meter) + constant increases in alcohol + food costs + lack of alcohol HST input credit may spell the end of the independent restaurant owner.
• I am quite concerned about 2010 and beyond I am not seeing a busy time like we had two years ago, many customers are sitting on paying there bills.
• Our business will probably be affected with this new hst and of course with a low housing market, work doing new construction has been affected too. Thankfully spending is up for infrastructure, so we hope to capitalize on that.
• Overall I expect a very flat year. I hope iam wrong!
• Expecting a fearly good year as long as interest rates stay low
• Overall I have unique niche in my market and being booked solid for 6 months with semi solid to a year in advance ensures me steady income. I cannot expand because people are paying for my service's and not someone elses.
• Canada needs to start focusing on developing and aiding their own country rather than aiding others. The Feds need to stimulate the economy further. The Home Renovation Tax Credit was a great idea but an even better idea would be a Travel/Tourism Credit whereby a tax credit would be issued to those who travel at least 100km away from their home and spend money within Canada and provide those receipts. It would be trackable and guaranteed income for all types of businesses ranging from Hotels to Restaurants to Retail Stores to Attractions. This is where they should be spending money instead of printing meaningless magazines portraying how great it is to visit Canada and killing trees!
• Government acts like an advisory, not as a partner.
• Seriously concerned about impact of HST on service industry and my bottom line. Extremely disappointed in federal and provincial governments and their response to alternative health care costs to the community (despite savings made to national and provincial health care) This tax grab boards on pure fraud on the gov't part.
• We will increase our professional fees, but in PEI demand is static because of supply and geography
• In my area/marketplace, we depend heavily on the oilfield trades and workers. Until there is more demand for workers in the Medicine Hat area, I expect things to remain rather flat.
• Winters seasonal demand for our products did not materialize due to oil and gas industry recession.
• For my business the Temagami area is getting to the point of no return. There has not been anything done to attract more people, this is all caused by local government not wanting to open their minds to change.
• Many people are out of work. Spending money on vehicle maintenance is not on the priority list for them. If a person can delay an auto repair, he/she will. Times are very challenging & I'm very worried for the future of my company and myself.
• The outlook for 2010 looks very promising.
• I'm a soul proprietor and basically a one man show. So this stuff doesn't apply to me a whole lot.
• We are excited for the year ahead. Our efforts for the past few years has been to upgrade our people, processes and international competitiveness. As a result we see significant opportunities for those companies who continue to focus on serving their customers needs ahaed of their own internal needs.
• Outlook looks good, market conditions are relatively stable, held in place by low interest rates/mortgage rates. We are in the real estate sales industry and the upcoming year should be mostly positive. We see a slowdown in the later half of the year when the first time buyer market starts to dry up. Inventory levels are down and the market is now more balanced.
• Cost of credit and current bank attitudes are greatly affecting the flow of money. That was one of the largest single factors in the cause of recent serious economic downturn. The banking industry continues to be driven by greed in their own compensation arrangements.
• last year was unexpectedly busy due to the Renovation Tax Credit. We suspect we may feel the negative results of that this year because customers moved jobs forward. We have fewer leads in the pipeline than usual for this time of year.
• we are in better shape than many of the area businesses and expect a good year ahead
• Very frustrtated by the fact that we can't after 10 weeks of advertising find a machinist who has CNC experience even with all the lay-offs in manufactoring.
• bah humbug
• the cost of pay roll didactions takes 50% of our gross income. it is hard to make end meet with competision and constont incrise in cost
• we are hoping for better prices for our product Our prices have gone down the past year.
• the increase in price of products is out of control
• The NDP's idea of starting another retirement plan (which I see as a tax) is frightening. It will mean additional costs for all and for unionized environments, unions will push for the companies to bear the full cost. ....huge job killer.
• Although I'm in a specialty market I cannot comment on the more diverse type of business.
• looking up.
• We went through the 80's and 90's slowdown but this fall was the worst we have encountered. Wages have increased dramatically as well as the costs to run a business. Workers Compensation is high. It is frustrating the time and money it takes to complete compensation forms and g.s.t. returns ... yet what return is there for the paid time put into completing this stuff?????
• The price increase noted is related to the input material cost of metal going up, and will not positively impact on the bottom line.
• Our business has shown itself to be relatively recession resistent, and we expect sales growth in the range of 10-15% in 2010, with a similar or greater profit increase. Our product range and quality have both improved over the last three years.
• Becasue of the poor economic situation, having to close my store!
• Property taxes out of control in Ontario. Especially for Commercial sector. HST could be okay but not when it is put in place during a depression.
• I am very concerned about the HST and the impact it will have on my cafe and health food store sales.
• overall feel bullish but am still tentative as I think the world economy is still a little jittery and I feel interest rates will climb steadily over the next few years so do not want to be leveraged when that happens
• We are very thankful for the many opportunities for our business; however, we are very concerned about the HST (our customers are not accustomed to paying PST on service charges)--this means our invoices will be up by 8%! We are also very concerned about the mandatory WSIB coverage for management.
• We have laid off plumbers because of lack of new homes being built.
• I am in the Ottawa area. Declining government spending, a brutalized tech sector and increased competition for declining market demand are all conspiring together. Just add some tax increases and a few interest rate hikes and that should be enough to push a few more companies over the edge.
• Government taxes are causing my business to fail.
• Government cost cutting statagies will eventually put me out of the school bus industry in South Western Ontario
• the rise in min wage is going to close my business
• It "feels"like something has changed, whether it is the attitude of people or the business climate-not sure what; but it's as if people are afraid to spend right at this moment. It's as if the recession has just begun here in NS. Seasonally we slow down now but everyone I see states they have no money! I am a Certified Pedorthist specializing in custom foot orthotics.
• My Rent is killing my business. I would like to buy but the business taxes would make it unrealistic.
• Our Canadian Dollar has to come down soon, the business expansion of the past 10 years has been based on a 65 cent dollar and now we are getting revenues based on a par dollar, yet our workers are still getting paid based on a 63 cent dollar. (But according to Ottawa, a par dollar is GOOD?) We need laeadership... NOW!
• Most of difficulties are rooted in the Economic downturn and the change in our dollar's position to the the US dollar. If we were back at an 80 cent dollar, things would look significantly different (as it would for all exporting industries). Reduction in regulation is the number 1 issue that could make us more competitive as this is something our governments control.
• In general, our business is stable, but we hope that sales will increase this year over next. The high Canadian dollar against the American dollar really hurts as customers spend their money in the USA instead of in Canada. Also, some Canadian wholesalers aren't competitive enough.
• competition is more agressive clients are pushing margins down by demanding lower prices and asking for various discounts
• banks are not lending money..
• The HST will affect my income,
• The economic recovery certainly isn't happening in my business. The government agencies that I had contracts with have all gone away on budget restrictions and they have centralized suppliers to Ottawa and Quebec. Taken suppliers away from Toronto, so the many contracts I have had for over 20 years have now become an "Approved Supplier's List", which means approx. 120 people make the list and then should an agency require our services, they have a choice of 120 suppliers on the list. No guarantees for work, no contracts - just lists!!! Welcome to the new government policies.
• weak to stable.
• Gulp!
• Our business is related heavily to the manufacturing sector. If manufacturing in Ontario does recover we will be on the very end of the recovery. Without government incentives for manufacturers to purchase new equipment (such as in the U.S.) our prospects are bleak!
• we need the overall economy to NOT contract further to have any confidence of our ability to stay in business
• In regards to high taxes I wish a real newspaper would investigate the meadian pay of a none government worker and publish the meadian wage and encourage governments to reduce public sectore wages and lower taxes at all levels of government.
• It is critical that both the Federal amd Provincial governments get their spending in check to revenues generated.
• Continue to pressure both the Provincial and Federal Governments to privatize all the services that it is currently providing!
• Business has been slow since May, 2009. Some improvement on the horizon. Margins are very tight.
• The past 12 months have resulted in a 45% drop in sales with the resultant need to cut every expense possible to survive, we have done that sucessfully but any significant further downturn in 2010 will make survival much more difficult for us, therefore we need an improvement across the board and that will only happen with an upturn in the economy, soon !
• I will be satisfied if FY'10 results are the same as FY'09. New goverment regulations and harmonized tax is already having impact on tourism market in Ontario.
• It is discouraging to constantly see less of an Industrial base in Ontario and Canada each year.
• it seems the "resession" is hitting our smaller comunities now.
• We need our government to step up & get fair trade, not free trade with foreign competition.
• Looking forward to getting our new expansion up and running. Potential new customer appointments schedules.
• reduce tax reduce government involvment in buisiness
• The upcoming minimum wage increase, as in the previous three years by the Ontario Provincial Government, is killing us.
• The olympic activity will curtail construction activity over the next 60 days but we anticipate a surge of activity following the olympics. The year will be good
• Generally favourable.
• We expect recovery will be slow but steady.
• To borrow for my business it is a stressfull process because ther is no interest by the institution of yoers of service of the company they want personal guarantees.
• We are definitely and deliberately downsizing this year. The global and local economies are closely tied and there is continuing news of job losses and corporate downsizing in spite of the meaningless rosy forecasts painted by politicians and dutifully reported by media. The fact is that consumers cannot be tricked into increasing domestic purchases when job stability is still uncertain. Without significant GNP and GDP growth, this year will probably actually be worse that last year. As a former corporate banker, I know first hand what happens behind closed doors and how banks quietly decrease exposure in tough economic times. With dubious growth in credit availability and even more uncertain growth in consumer confidence, the rationalization and downsizing of many businesses and corporations will continue in 2010. Most business owners I associate with are seeing the same general picture for 2010 and many of my peers have seen their businesses lose at least 25% or more in revenues year over year.
• We need to get our property taxes down so our occupancy costs can come back into line. The fact minimum wage is going up again means all plans of increasing staff have been shelved. Why do I have to pay a part time 15-16 year old $10 an hour when I usually have to teach them job responsibilty, work ethic and the value of a dollar. It puts undue pressure on employers to raise the rest of the payroll as now the experienced are not happy with their $12-$13 per hour. It is a vicious cycle and where is it going to end. You need to put wage freezes and even roll back on civil servants and government employees. It is about time that all essential services including teachers lose the right to strike. Since the province basically funds the structure, they should set the wages instead of ther local economy being held hostage by out of touch unions and members.
• The high dollar, lower international demand for in-Canada ESL, aggressive domestic competition from the public sector (ESL industry) and international competition (the Australia brand and UK brand of ESL are very strong) have made life very tough for us and the international shocks (GFC, 911, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sars, H1N1) have deterred students from travelling. We are not sure if we'll still be in business in 18 months.
• Our biggest challenge has been being under capitalized when we started. We have a very viable business however we have had to resort to putting business debt on personal lines of credit and credit cards to maintain stability.
• For the past 20 years we have always borrowed money at 1-1.5% above prime on December 20th, 2009 my bank manager informed us that due to their annual review we are now borrowing money at 6.1% above prime. Why are we paying for the financial mistakes made by our banks? Why can banks borrow at .25% from the Bank of Canada and then expect us to pay over 8% on the loans. This economy will never turn around until the gouging stops and they let us get on with our work!
• Last year we worked hard, changed our advertising, and saw our sales increase 30%. We are setting a similar goal for 2010.
• I expect the HST to have a negative impact since I will have to charge 13% on services that I now charge 5% on. I am also going to have to pay 8% more on already exorbitant shipping rates. We already cannot charge customers the full amount of what is costs us to ship in Canada since it is just way too high. We actually ship our DVD from California to fill Canadian orders outside the GTA since it is cheaper to ship from there to the East or West in Canada than it is to ship from the GTA. Also now I am going to have to pay 8% more on invoiced services and carry that extra on receivables. The HST is going to have a negative impact on my business.
• to many fingers in the pie and the pie is too small... to many employees at the goverment to pay... to many rules and regulations that only serve the empire of the USA, not much in it for us Canadians sub spieces
• Downward price trends from competitors means very low markups as the industriy is facing low demand from consumers and high dollar promotes cross border shopping
• The new addition of HST to our product on July 1st and potential reduction of consumer demand is the major concern to our seasonal tourism business. This 8 % of new tax is a higher increase than we have ever been able to pass on to our customers in the past!
• Gov't is to cut $200,000.00 from my business! What am I to do but cut staff & increase wait times for my customers!
• Home rennovation tax credit has had a significant positive impact. Are you lobbing government?
• opportunities for growth are positive for 2010
• Yes, we have experienced a small bounce in orders in this new year - however there is NO DOUBT in my mind that this is merely as a result of clients depleting their inventories (as we also did) in response to last years' business factors. Once the cupboards are full again and we all rely on the "regular pace" of business activity ....I see tough sledding ahead.
• WE would like to continue to do business inside of our COUNTRY as we keep trying to. BUT, we find that the work in majority goes to foriegn companies. If we can control the amount of work GIVEN OFF SHORE in every industry with a ceiling of 20% then the majority of the work will be done in CANADA. Lets DO IT.
• Too much government regulations.
• Generally have not been affected by the recent economic down turn.
• Since the American bank failures, our bank has tightened credit and raised the bar for qualification. Their demand for reporting has increased and they now think they know more about running your business than you do. Thank goodness we do not follow their business plan.
• Is there any suggestions that you can suggest?
• I hate capital gains taxes!!! We take all the risk, provide all the sweat and worry, and if we are lucky enough to realize a gain on a venture, the government is standing there with their hand out for a substantial sum!!!
• The Banks are still winning and screwing the little guy. They never suffer.................................Look at their profits during these bad times...............
• The falling US dollar is very concerning as our sales are/will be mainly US dollar this year.
• I can cope with everything the market is doing right now but the goverments are another thing. Cheap Chinese labour, foreign and domestic competition, fluctuating currencies etc. won't put me out of business but goverments are a killer. If they would just stay away and out of my businees then i can succeed and everyone benefits, even the bureaucratic leeches
• We are land developers and residential builders. Our projects are normally in the two to three year range from project start to revenue generation. The economic uncertainty plus the rumours of BOC plans for substantial interest rate increases makes us very hesitant to commit to any large projects. We're not undertaking any projects and instead sticking to small short-term home reno projects until we see more substantial recovery and a clearer picture for the BoC plan for interest rates.
• General business climate for customers as well as suppliers is one of extreme caution. Freight carriers in particular seem to be having a very difficult time. There are not as many trucks available for LTL deliveries.
• very dismal upcoming year. City gov't spending our future away and 190 jobs just confirmed gone by March of this year. Meanwhile, property taxes going up do to unbelievable spending by local govt. Our city is the largest employer here.
• We have not yet seen the bottom of this economic shift. The Asian imports are gutting our manufacturing infrastructure. The government must impose tarrifs on any imports that are not at least, partially manufactured here. We are losing our "consumer base" to layoffs and low paying jobs, and soon will not even be able to afford to buy the cheap imports. Sam Walton;s legacy will be that he singlehandedly gutted the North American manufacturing infrastructure by importing cheap Asian products. And most major retail distributors followed suit... Good luck to those of us who remain... We are truly an "Endangered Species"...
• Banks will not lend to anyone over 60 yrs of age and that is discrimination. We have worked all of our lives to build business in Southern Ab and the thanks we get is no money from a bank now that we are older.
• Wages should be froze like business. Credit cards should pay their own perks & promotions not busness. They should give you one average fee for all card types and let competition control it. HST is going to kill consumer disposible income. All utilities should be HST exempt. (gas, hydro, water etc.) Add to the question ability to increase sales, current economy & too much competition from foreign big brock stores trying to hurt every business with cheap imports. Make them open set hours, obey holidays & sell 50% Canadian products in Canada.
• government better pay attention to what is happening with the issues that small businesses have. They are the back bone of the work force in this country.
• overall outlook looks very bad our business is the food industry and with prices at retail below our cost we are constantly losing busniness to the big box stores like costco who don't require any special permit to sell to retailors who transport dairy products in none refrigerated vechiles.
• We have grown a lot in past years, but the last 18 months have been flat. Credit is really tight and suprisingly enough, skilled labour is still hard to find. Unskilled labour is much easier to find these days.
• interest rates are helpfull to my customers when they are low the harmonized tax will hurt us because homeowners additions will cost approx 5% more
• Things appear to improving slightly. Better but not great
• Big will decrease due to the opening of several big box store in my area.
• inflation is my worry
• Government paperwork a big burden especially the new OES fees
• labour strikes are a major factor resulting in decreased sales!
• on the question of our firms wges you asked h0w much it would decrease? we are looking at a10% increase
• During tough times, banks get tougher to deal with. In the BDC's case, they are relatively easy to deal with initially, when the recession came, they tightened everything up. In our case, we were in the process of expanding. We did finish our expansioin, but now we are severely short of cash, with none of the banks budging to make it easier for us. I suspect our story is the same for a lot of businesses.
• IF YOU HAVE MONEY BANKS WHANT TO TALK. NO MONEY NO TIME FOR YOU.
• in rural area box stores and unemployment level in area as well as closing of businesses in area hurting. traffic flow down ( people)
• Future prospects could not be better as we serve the transit industry in N America
• Overall i feel very optimistic as the the 2010 year unfolds. if the government does their part to assist small business instead of placing more burden on it, our ecomomy will continuue to roll just fine.
• Credit card processing fees are causing us to cut back on part time staff and to ask people to pay cash or debit. Consumer confidence is very dependent on the media and the media prefers to use sensationalized world economic reporting rather than responsible local or regional reporting. They should be telling us how well Canada is faring compared to the world, not the doom and gloom of the world wide markets. People hear that and assume it is the same here in Canada. Very irresponsible journalism.
• I am in the Ottawa valley and am experiencing a huge downturn in sales, directly related to the slow economy in this area. The recession may be technical over but this area is not seeing that. In fact I believe it is now at it's worse in this demographic.
• Credit Union is more difficult to deal with then they used to be. Character does not count the way it used to although they still preach it. They do NOT practice what they preach.
• We are a consulting company and have concerns that implementation of the HST in Ontario will impact sales. I remain unconvinced that this is not simply a government tax grab to counter deficits that were caused by government and large business mismanagement.
• our business depends alot on the weather in the summer months. We would like sun in the daytime and if needed rain at night, just like farmers.
• I am entering my second year of running this business (was an going concern when i purchased it). All in all, things are going well and I expect this second year to be up.
• red tape and government reg that increase the actual cost of doing business
• Municipal taxes are being raized in Yellowknife.
• The business of farming is difficult. People only want to pay for the poisoned food from China or other countries. I think ALL Canada's farmers should sell their land and move to the Ukraine or Soiuth America and set up farming there and export to Canada
• Current economic situation along with operating costs and reluctance of lenders to lend funds has put myself in a critical situation of not being able to meet financial obligations
• Government decisions have caused a major loss in contracts. Expecting more loss with smaller clients with HST.
• After 30 years of being in the Spa business, it is sad to see such an increase of taxes,(effecting a large rent increase) and card processing fee that truly affect the bottom line. The economy as well is impacting our business.
• In one of your questions you ask about bank processing fees and in another about interest rates. The banks (or at least the credit unions) are not much of a problem, but, the credit card companies are!! As a vendor, we have seen fees as much as double in some cases and as consumers, we have seen interest rates go up dramatically at a time when the prime rate is the lowest in history!!
• 3 years in business... Gross sales at 180,000 average....bookkeeping and tax prep business...sales are half since six months due closing or bankruptcy of different business....impossible to get even a $5000. credit line with practically no collateral.....bank need your short or you do not get anything....receivable are at 25,000 and should be paid in the next four months, because these businesses have just started working again....government said they were to make it easier for small businesses to be able to continue through rough econimics.....WHERE IS THAT...plus had to cut down on wages...therefore do not have extra time to put in my managing side of business as I had to replace hours of my staff cause my staff is now on the work sharing program....tks god for that LITTLE help...but downfall that I have do put in those extra hours...my work weeks are presently in between 60 to 72 hours...how long can I last...but I guess this is only my problem and not the government or banks fault....Have a grt day....
• Business is generally positive
• If our goverment fed. and prov.won't stop to eliminate business such us, we will be closing doors. New labour low impose on temp. agency services is one of the reason another very importent is PWGSC new Standing Offer which tights our hands.
• Things are progressing as usual.
• I know that there shall be a review shortly by the BMO.
• Municiple, provincial and federal taxes, and lack of management time all contribute to reducing profitability to the point where I am questioning why I own my own company and take all the risks.
• We're cautiously optimistic that we've seen the worse of current economic cycle.
• Thankyou for letting me participate in this survey.
• I am currently entering my 2nd year in business for myself. I have been in the industry for over 15 years.
• Business is doing well considering it's a slow time of year. we are projecting a slight increase in sales for this year.
• When the Canadian dollar is close to par with the U.S. we often loose sales to the US competition which causes fluctuation and instability in our sales.
• Obtaining credit does not seem to be a problem. The bank has the ratios it looks at to prevent too much credit being advanced and we appreciate that. Access to 'easy' credit where you can obtain too much credit is not a good thing.
• looking for a modest increase in sales with prices to be quite stable
• the only commodity increasing in availability is government waste and stupidity (me)...the controlled demolition of the first world economy is no accident (anybody paying attention)...socialism is great until you run out of other peoples money (thatcher)
• overhead is highest and sales lowest I've seen in 20 years of business. ready to close doors
• With a lot of work and lots of luck will survive.
• The minimum wage increase for liquor/food servers is our biggestenemy. Servers making take-home pay of $50-$60k/ year are getting paid too much already. The gap between them and salaried kitchen staff is shrinking and my small business CANNOT afford to pay the staff that keep me in business!
• The HST is going to negatively impact our business this year. Wtih having to additionally charge PST, our client base will shrink. We will lose many potential customers that would have considered paying for our services but instead will look for cheaper alternatives or DIY based on having to pay an additional 8%. The new HST will increase the underground economy because these type of customers will seek out companies willing to accept cash for their services.