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Small Business Survey

Hi, my name is _________ and I’m conducting a Vital Economic Survey on behalf of 416Direct, BDC, CFIB, ORHMA and Canada Co-ops. Is there an owner or manager I can speak to?

(if not) when is the best time for me to come back?

Economic Survey -

Account Representative (First name) *
Account Representative (Last name) *
Representative Email (leave blank if N/A) *
Business Name
Contact Name
Phone *
Email *
Address
City and State/Province
Business Category
1. In 2014, a proposal was made for a Walmart to open in Kensington Market, an action that was opposed by the community. Under the leadership of the Kensington BIA, CFIB and 416Direct, the community came together to stop Walmart from opening. Are you aware of this action?
2. Are you aware that when a Walmart or a big box store opens in a neighborhood, an average of 180 businesses that existed for 15 years go bankrupt within 18 months?
3. Amazon has just opened their new office with 600 employees in Downtown Toronto, that will be able to deliver anywhere in Downtown Toronto within the hour and nearby cities within 3 hours. Will that affect your business?
4. How is your business doing?
(If doing poorly) Why are you doing poorly?
5. Who do you see as your immediate competition?
6. If you could buy the same products and services, that you currently use for your business, together with other businesses like yourself, would that reduce your costs?
7. How much are you paying for your TV, internet and phone services?
8. Are you happy with the services you are currently receiving?
9. Would you prefer a less expensive month-to-month prepaid rate, or a better than market contract rate?
10. Who do you use for credit card processing?
11. Did you buy or rent your payment processing equipment?
12. How long is your current contract? How many payment terminals do you currently have?
13. Is your typical monthly processing volume
14. Are you aware of the recent changes to the rules governing credit card processors that require them to allow early termination of a contract without penalty, if they change their terms and conditions?
15. Are you currently using any business financing from BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) or any other major financial institution (in Canada or the USA)?
16. Earlier this year, 416Direct and its global affiliation Direct Co-ops, got 1,000 businesses to purchase products together and save 50% off their original prices. Our products include a wide variety range, from coffee to LED lights and cleaning supplies. If we do it again, would you be interested in participating in future purchases?
17. 416Direct/Direct Co-ops negotiated credit card processing deals that offer: No contract, free equipment at a lower rate than market value. For small businesses that wish to explore more suitable options, Direct Co-ops was able to arrange deals with major banks (Chase, Global Payments, FirstData, etc.). If we can't beat your current rate, we will give you a FREE $1,000 GIFT CARD. Would you be interested in receiving these benefits?
18. 416Direct/Direct Co-ops was able to negotiate a better than market business internet and phone deal for $55 a month, is this something that would benefit you moving forward?
Desired internet speed
19. 416Direct/Direct Co-ops was able to negotiate discounts with major national vendors through our buying power. Our members receive 75% off shipping with UPS and instantly save 5¢ on every litre of gas with an Esso Credit Card. Would you be interested in receiving a callback about those discounts? (if yes - you will receive a call from a 603 number)
Interested in: (UPS/Esso/Staples/Other)
What is the best date and time for our service specialists to contact you about these offers? * *
20. Do you know what a cooperative is?
21. Are you a member of
- BIA (Business Improvement Area)
- A co-operative
- Canada - CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses)
- Canada - ORHMA (Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association)
- USA - NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses)
- USA - ILSR (Institute for Local Self-Reliance)
(Ontario only) If the business is a restaurant / hotel:
a) What city regulations do you find the most frustrating to work through in operating your restaurant business?
b) What business expense do you pay that you feel is unfair or you would like to see lowered?
c) How did you feel after your last inspection? (Health inspector, Ministry of Labour inspector or other)
d) In what area of running your business do you feel you could have more knowledge or education in? (Food safety, Labour laws etc.)
22. Direct Co-ops has achieved success by demonstrating the power of working together. We have launched a buying & selling platform where small businesses cooperate in all aspects. It is the “UBEREATS” of everything. Members not only save money on products they purchase, they also have the ability to sell through the app, just like “UBEREATS”. Members also have access to necessary tools to perform better. To have access not just to the platform and its benefits, but also have your own business website, e-commerce, storefront in the app and inventory control, how much would you value that as?
Thank you for completing our survey. We truly appreciate your response. To compensate you for your time, we would like to invite you to enjoy all of our member savings including discounts on Esso gas and UPS shipping for just $20/month. If you can't afford it, we will be happy to sign you up for free.
If you have comments or questions, feel free to contact me.

Can afford $20/month membership?

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