Local business telephone interview script

SCRIPTS FOR PHONE INTERVIEWS
B.1

Script of Phone Interview with Local Businesses

[IF NOT MANAGER OR OWNER – Ask to speak with the manager or owner]
Hello, my name is ________________ and I am calling from the University of Alaska,
Fairbanks. I am trying to reach [name on address].
[IF NOT AVAILABLE] Æ Thank you, I will call back later. When would be a good
time to reach [name on address]?
[IF QUALIFIED RESPONDENT IS ON THE PHONE]
QA

I am conducting a telephone interview with businesses in your community to collect
information on sales of goods and services to fishing vessels. This is being done as part
of a project being conducted in cooperation with NOAA Fisheries (also known as
National Marine Fisheries Service). The information you provide will help us identify
the important role that your business activity plays in the regional economy, be used to
enhance the fishery management practices of NOAA fisheries, and, thereby, increase the
long-run economic benefits to local businesses like yours. I have only a few questions
about your sales to fishing vessels. Your answers will be kept confidential and your
name will not be revealed to anyone. To answer these questions, you need to have a
record of sales to fishing vessels for 2005. Would you be able to spend 15 minutes
answering these questions?
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QB

It is very important for our analysis that we obtain information on your sales of goods and
services to fishing vessels, which will help us understand how your business and
businesses like yours have contributed to your community’s economy. You are one of a
small group of business owners we are asking to provide this information, so your
response is very important. I want to assure you that your answers will be kept
confidential and your name will not be revealed to anyone. If this is not a good time for
you to participate in this phone interview, would you like us to schedule a later date and
time?
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2

QC

YES [SKIP TO Q1]
NO [SKIP TO QB]

YES [SKIP TO QC]
NO [THANK AND TERMINATE]

What date and time would be the best for you to participate in the phone interview?
Date: ____________________ Time: __________________________

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Thanks. We will contact you at the scheduled time.

Q1

To answer this question, you may need to get the record of sales to fishing vessels for
2005 in front of you. Please let me know when you have it and you are ready to
answer. [WAIT UNTIL RESPONDENT IS READY] What was the total amount of
sales (in dollar value) you made to fishing vessels in 2005?
$__________________
[If the dollar amount is not zero, SKIP TO Q2]
[If the dollar amount is zero, THANK AND TERMINATE.]

Q2

There are 3 vessel classes commonly used to describe vessels in the fishing fleet:
Small vessels include all vessels 32 ft and smaller. Medium vessels include all vessels
that are larger than 32 ft but equal to or smaller than 90 ft. Large vessels include all
vessels larger than 90 ft. How much did you sell to each of these three vessel classes
in 2005?
Vessel size

Q3

Total sales

Small (32 feet or smaller)

$

Medium (between 32 and 90 feet)

$

Large (greater than 90 feet)

$

On purchase invoices that you send to customers, in what city is your billing address
located?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Same as store location
Other Alaska location
Out-of-state location
N/A

CONCLUDE
That’s all the questions I have for you. Thank you for your time. We really appreciate your
participation in this survey. Have a good evening.

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QUESTIONS/COMMENTS AND ANSWERS
[If concerned about purpose of the call] This is not a marketing or sales call. We are collecting
information on your sales to fishing vessels. I want to assure you that your answers will be kept
confidential and your name will not be revealed to anyone.
[If asking about the study sponsor] This survey is being conducted in cooperation with NOAA
Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, a U.S. government agency
charged with understanding the effects of federal management actions and policies affecting the
nation’s saltwater fisheries.
PAPER REDUCTION ACT (PRA) STATEMENT
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for
reducing this burden to Chang Seung, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (Address: 7600 Sand
Point Way NE Seattle WA 98115-6349, Phone: 206-526-4250)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall
any person be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

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