Travel fewer kilometers to save money: this is revealed by the latest survey conducted by CMA France, the organization that brings together the Chambers of Trades and Crafts.
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Browse less kilometers to save money : vsThis is what many craftsmen do and this is revealed by the latest survey conducted by CMA France, the organization that brings together the Chambers of Trades and Crafts. Soaring prices at the pump add to rising energy costs and supply difficulties. Just over 40% of craft businesses say that the current context is likely to compromise their business. The latter was off to a good start with the gradual exit from the pandemic, but the war in Ukraine and inflation dampened hopes.
The increase in fuel prices is particularly sensitive for this type of company. By definition, craftsmen are not as strong as SMEs, ETIs or large companies and the slightest variations have quickly visible consequences. The more a small entrepreneur slows down spending, the less he loses at the end of the month, but this is reflected in profit margins.
According to this survey by the Chambers of Trades and Crafts, nearly three quarters of French craftsmen today limit their travel, not to reduce the bill but not to increase it. Less travel for artisans means less activity. The small entrepreneur organizes himself. For example, it anticipates and optimizes the transport item by avoiding round trips between worksites and its warehouses. It plans the pooling between the different sites as well as possible. But in any case, this results in a drop in activity. 14% of the craftsmen questioned by CMA France declare having recorded in the last three months a drop in their turnover of more than a quarter compared to the same period of last year which was already marked by confinement.
On the positive side, more than half of entrepreneurs believe that, despite this trough, the survival of their activity is not at stake. However, many fear for the start of the school year in September, hence an appeal to the government. The craftsmen are asking in particular to increase the discount on fuel from 18 to 35 cents, which fishermen now benefit from on a liter of diesel.