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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/44370
FEATURE STORY presence for your dealership that will set you apart from your com- petition and have your customers "raving" about what you do. As we move into Friday afternoon, I am going to change the focus over to the service department. From 2 to 3:30 p.m., I — along with guests from the sponsors of the Dealer Resource Pavil- ion — will share with you ideas that you can use to make your service department both profitable and efficient. This will be an interactive session where we will discuss service processes, com- pensation programs, labor rates, marketing, and how to build your own flat-rate pricing program. If you are looking for the latest ideas on how to make your service department the profit machine it should be, this is a workshop you won't want to miss. On Saturday morning, for those hearty souls that just haven't had enough, I will be doing a workshop from 10 to 11 on taking advantage of aftermarket selling opportunities. During the past 12 months, I have been working hard to get the dealers that I consult with to take advantage of the profit opportunities presented in af- termarket sales. From extended warranties to presold service pack- ages, 30 percent of the customers that buy wholegoods from you will spend more money if you just give them the ability to do it. This promises to be a fast-paced, profitable way to wrap up GIE+EXPO 2011. If you haven't attended GIE+EXPO for a few years, I want to encourage you to take the time and come. I hear dealers complain all the time about GIE+EXPO being the same old thing year after year, but it's just not true. If you invest your time in just the Dealer Resource Pavilion and nothing else, I promise you that you will walk away with new ideas on how you can enjoy your dealership more and take away more money. GIE+EXPO is an opportunity to connect with new people who are making things happen in the in- dustry, as well as reconnect with those old friends who have helped the industry get to where it is at today. The OPE industry is in for exciting times — there is less competition than ever and more peo- ple reinvesting in their properties because of the economy. I know that most of you sell chain saws, sharpen chain, and know the extra time and energy it takes to cut down a tree with a dull chain. Pros take the time to keep their chain sharp — it's safer and faster to use, as well as easier on the saw. Make this year's GIE+EXPO your chain-sharpening event and see how it pays off next season. See you in Louisville… [EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information about the Dealer Resource Pavilion and GIE+EXPO, visit www.gie-expo.com.] Bob Clements is the president of Bob Clements International, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in the development of high-performance dealerships. His organiza- tion works hands on with dealerships throughout North America, helping them attain the personal freedom and financial wealth all owners strive to achieve. For more information, contact Bob Clements at (800) 480-0737 or bob@bobclements.com or visit his website at www.bobclements.com. OPE 22 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com