Three-Quarters of Small Businesses Feeling Impact of Higher Fuel Costs;  Owners Remain Split About Passing Increases on to Customers

BUFFALO GROVE, IL (July 20, 2005) -- Small businesses continue to feel the increasing impact of higher fuel costs according to the latest IPA Small Business Research Board (IPA SBRB) poll.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of the small businesses responding to the nationwide IPA SBRB poll said they are feeling the impact of rising fuel costs. This increased from 64% who indicated their businesses were being hurt by fuel prices in a previous IPA SBRB poll which came out in April.

However, small business owners and managers remain split on whether to pass on the increase to their customers with 49% saying they are passing on part or all of the increase and 51% indicating they are not, according to the IPA SBRB poll. This is essentially the same as in April when 48% were passing on the increase on 52% were not.

"Fuel costs are an example of the kind of fluctuating expenses that small businesses must deal with everyday," said Gregg Steinberg, President of IPA, the largest privately-held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size businesses in North America. "The use of variable pricing strategies, whether it is for fuel or other escalating costs, should be considered in order to control costs and ensure ongoing success."

Poll participants indicated they were seeking ways to include increased fuel costs in a variety of ways. Some participants said they are now including fuel costs in their bidding process. One participant said that new contracts were being charged for increased fuel expenses while established contracts were not. One small business said the increased cost for fuel was being reflected in a higher delivery charge. A number of business owners said they were looking for ways to reduce the impact of higher fuel costs, but were wary of charging more because of competition.

The IPA Small Business Research Board ascertains the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations.