ABACUS: Easy to Do, Great Benefits

Data gathering for the 2008 ABACUS Survey is now underway via a simple, confidential online form. All ABA member stores are encouraged to participate in the survey, which provides participants with a customized analysis of their business' financial results that can be used to evaluate and improve store performance. As an added bonus, participating stores receive a $50 rebate.

For most booksellers, completing the easy-to-use ABACUS Survey form will take about an hour. An Excel spreadsheet enables booksellers to organize their financial statement information so that it matches the categories on the ABACUS form. All information provided to the ABACUS study is kept strictly confidential.

David Walker, ABA's industry consultant, will be available at BookExpo America to assist any bookseller who needs help completing the form or interpreting the results from last year's ABACUS Survey. Booksellers wishing to make an appointment with Walker should contact him at davidw@bookweb.org.

The deadline for submission of data for the 2008 study is Friday, August 15.