Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?
All NPES full members have the opportunity to participate in the Market Data Program. Participation is strictly voluntary and not a requirement of your NPES membership.

What is reported?
The NPES Market Data Program provides participating members with dollar and unit shipments data for 80 different product categories in the following major markets: Imaging and Prepress Equipment, Systems and Software, Pressroom Equipment, Bindery and Finishing Equipment, and Graphic Arts Supplies.

What percentage of the market reports?
Data generated by the program are compiled from NPES members who represent more than 80% of the total market for printing and publishing equipment and an estimated 95% of the total market for graphic arts supplies.

How does NPES compensate for non-participants?
Annually, NPES conducts the Industry Estimate Survey, which identifies the size of the market that the Market Data Program is capturing at line item levels. Participating members use these factors to compute full market coverage.

Who administers the program?
Association Research Inc. (ARI), an independent consulting firm, serves as a confidential agent in the collection, tabulation, and dissemination of program data and reports to participating members.

What about confidentiality?
While understanding the growing need for detailed and accurate data, NPES remains firmly committed to maintaining the confidentiality of participants in the NPES Market Data Program. To accomplish this, NPES and its legal counsel have incorporated strict disclosure guidelines to safeguard individual company data. All data are compiled aggregately by ARI and disseminated to participating members only. At no time does NPES staff or its members have access to individual company data or market share information. Furthermore, strict adherence to government antitrust guidelines make it possible for competitors to work together in a legal forum. Confidentiality remains our highest priority.

How does NPES ensure the accuracy of reported data?
To ensure participating members continue to receive the most accurate and reliable information, NPES has incorporated various validation procedures into the Market Data Program. ARI uses these electronic checks to identify and correct data inaccuracies before releasing final reports to members.

What must participants report?
Participants must report all products marketed by their company including equipment, systems and software, accessories, peripherals, and supply products. Additionally, participants must update their reporting profiles as necessary to maintain the accuracy of reports.

Can new reporting categories be added?
The flexibility of the Market Data Program allows participants to recommend additional categories as new markets emerge, ensuring NPES continues to provide participants with market data on the latest industry trends.

How much does it cost?
There is never a fee to participate in the program. NPES provides this service as a part of your membership.

How much time does it require?
Reporting is quick, often requiring just minutes each month for most participants. Participating members submit data only for those products marketed by their company. In return, participants receive a complete copy of the quarterly reports detailing all of the product categories.