Most Business Owners Use or Plan to Use LED Bulbs; Half Delay Implementing Due to Upfront Costs: Leapfrog Lighting Poll

Ottawa, Canada (PRWEB) July 23, 2014

The upfront installation cost of retrofitting workplaces with LED bulbs is the main stumbling block holding back business owners from implementing the change. Although 81.9 per cent of those surveyed* currently use or plan to use LED bulbs, high price is the main reason 50.9 per cent of business owners delay implementation.

The new Leapfrog Lighting poll asked a randomized sample of 200 business owners and managers, "What is the main reason you delayed implementation of LED light bulbs in your workplace?"

"Upfront costs" emerged as a significant obstacle to implementation. Only 5.5 per cent doubted manufacturers claims of long life, and another 6.1 per cent doubted energy savings claims. Another 19.6 per cent doubted the overall value proposition, while 18 per cent were fully convinced.

"Upfront costs tend to be the main issue we run across with clients," said Stephen Naor, CEO of Leapfrog Lighting, who commissioned the poll of random business owners and managers. "That's not a surprise. It's good to see that 81.9 per cent currently use or plan to use LED. As an industry, though, we should try to educate users on the overall value proposition. We've done a good job on educating users on the energy and long life benefits."

Since 81.9 per cent of those surveyed currently use or plan to use LED in their workplaces, the survey results suggest that upfront cost remains a temporary objection rather than a permanent obstacle. The 19.6 per cent who indicated they were "not convinced of value" may eventually be convinced with case studies or other value demonstrations. It appears that the majority of business owners are convinced of the claims of long bulb life and energy savings, a combined total of 11.6 per cent.

Interestingly, older cohorts were more likely to be convinced of the benefits of LED lighting; 38.9 per cent of respondents 65 years or older stated they were "convinced", none (0 per cent) did not believe in the "energy savings claims" or "claims of long life" and only 27.4 per cent found upfront costs too high. Those aged 5564 years also trended higher than average for "convinced," and lower than average on "upfront costs" as an obstacle, at 45 per cent.

The age groups 3544 and 1824 years were most likely to pick "upfront costs too high" at 62.9 per cent. Both age groups were also less likely to choose "convinced."

However, higher income cohorts in the study were more likely to choose "upfront costs too high" while lower income cohorts were the least likely. Among $150,000-and-up income earners, 73.3 per cent found "upfront costs too high," compared with only 44.5 per cent of $25,000$49,999 income earners.

There was some deviation by lifestyle as well, with rural businesses less concerned with upfront costs, urban businesses just under average, but suburban respondents coming it at 58.1 per cent.

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Most Business Owners Use or Plan to Use LED Bulbs; Half Delay Implementing Due to Upfront Costs: Leapfrog Lighting Poll