U.S. Department of Commerce

Business Help Site

You are here: BHS MainService Annual Survey (SAS)FAQs › General
Annual Services Report
Service Annual Survey (SAS)
Skip top of page navigation

Sample Selection


18.  How was I selected for the survey?

Your firm was chosen from a scientifically selected sample of businesses. Taking a sample is less costly than contacting every business in the country. Smaller firms selected for the sample represent other similar businesses.

back to category


19.  How long will I be in the survey?

The sample is revised periodically, usually every five to seven years, in order to relieve most firms from the burden of continually reporting. While the largest firms continue to be canvassed, most of the small and medium sized firms are not re-selected.

back to category


20.  I'm a very small business. Why do you want information from me?

Taken together, small businesses have a real impact on the economy. Your firm was chosen from a scientifically selected sample of businesses and represents many other small businesses like yours.

back to category



Source: U.S. Census Bureau | BHS Team |   Last Revised: February 08, 2013 17:06:01