Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/739479
16 NOVEMBER 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com COVER STORY YTD, but not like we thought we would be. Weather has been very good overall with only a 3-week dry spell when we normally have a 6- to 8-week dry spell. I think the election is playing in the buying process since mid-June more than I have seen since we have been in business (1988). What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? We will continue to build on our B2B business and partner with manufacturers that represent and support the dealer channels and not sell against us on the Internet. Our focus for the future is to grow our B2B business and the consumers that perceive value in service. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 8. We feel we are building a stronger B2B customer, which will allow us to continue to grow in 2017 and beyond. We are striving to enhance our customer service to provide Superior Customer Service at all times. We will eliminate some manufacturers in 2017 that don't have policies in place to fully support the servicing dealer. BO RODRIGUEZ, OWNER BRIDGE CITY POWER EQUIPMENT (BRIDGE CITY, LA.) (NEW ORLEANS AREA) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 8 All the rain we been having this season has really helped out with repairs. We've been having very wet weather this lawnmower season. What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? Nothing. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 5. The outdoor power equipment business is so weather related; it really depends on the weather. If we have a long, cold winter, we would have a late spring. This business is like a box of chocolates — you never know what is next. Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) recently asked dealers about how they've fared in 2016, how optimistic they are heading into 2017, and more. Specifi cally, we asked them the following questions: 1) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 2) What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? 3) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? OPE received the following written responses from approximately 30 dealers on Sept. 19-26, 2016: JEFF BRETON, OWNER PRECISION OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT (RALEIGH, N.C.) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 9 Only because we can't turn the work out fast enough. What valuable lessons did you learn during 2016, and what do you plan to do differently in 2017? Better scheduling. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how optimistic are you about your dealership heading into 2017, and why? 10. As I learn from 2016 mistakes, I'm sure we can make it better. ANONYMOUS DEALER On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how has your dealership fared in 2016, and why? 5 We started out strong, but July and August have been very soft, bringing us back down more than we hoped. We are up Dealers share 2016 results and lessons learned, as well as strategic plans and outlooks for 2017 IMAGE ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COMTHEMACX