SALES PER EMPLOYEE - Average SPE in the industry is currently $123,501 according to this study. The SPE reported in the 2009 Study was $121,210. If you find yourself in the red or orange areas as depicted above there should be some cause for concern. To properly calculate SPE, divide total annual sales (all sales) by the total number of FT and FT equivalent employees, including all partners and/spouse.
SALES PER DTP EMPLOYEE - Average Sales per DTP (graphics department) for 2010 was $78,910. The larger the company in terms of sales, the higher the Sales Per DTP employee tended to be. The majority of respondents included (1) ripping to color and B&W copiers, and (2) Computer to Plate Processing (CTP) in their DTP sales.
SALES PER PRESS OPERATOR - Average Sales Per Press Operator (SPPO) in 2010 was $237,219. This compares favorable with the $232,041 reported in 2008. What can be reasonably expected from a good to above average press operator (assuming work is available and paper is on hand)? We believe $300,000 is quite attainable, assuming proper pricing and efficient equipment to run the jobs.
PDF SUBMISSIONS - PDF submissions, as a percent of total files received, has continued its rapid growth in the industry. Note that the comparison between Native Applications vs. PDF files in 2005 versus was is being reported in 2011 - the relationships have undergone a dramatic switch.
SPE HISTORICAL TREND - Unfortunately, average SPE for the industry appears to be barely holding its own, with an annual increase of slightly under 1% per year. Note that many well managed firms, including those selling primarily offset as well as those reporting a majority of their sales coming from Digital Printing, achieve SPE's of $150,000 and more. Higher numbers are achievable, especially so if owners candidly compare their operating ratios against the leaders in the industry and then do something about it!