the big-box stores with no service. Our goal is treat the customer the way we want to be treated. Stand behind our service work, and get it done in a reasonable time frame. The way we've built our business is with a friendly smile, proud workmanship, and an appreciation for our customers' business. — Dan Staples, president Bayside Equipment East Dennis, Mass.
1. What were your expectations for your dealership heading into 2012? Slight increase. 2. How has your dealership fared in meeting those expectations in the first half of 2012? We are down about 2 percent. This is due to poor snow
thrower sales in January and February. If we take snow out of the picture, we would have had a nice increase. Should mention total sales were up 36 percent from 2010 to 2011. 3. What are your expectations for your dealership in the second half of 2012? Hopefully, lawn and garden sales will continue. We only carry
two lines: Stihl and Toro. Stihl sales are strong. More concerned about Toro sales. — Paul Begick, president Begick Nursery & Garden Center, Bay City, Mich.
Increased personal customer contact and service offerings. I am in the process of developing a fully equipped service truck to provide onsite service for my customers and a flexible service schedule rather than a store location. It has been well received by my customers, reduced overhead, increased profitability, and allows flexibility. People like the fact that I can take the shop to them and save them time and money and hassle. I expect this venture to increase volume as I expand this
venture, and I am not limited as to where I can go to perform repairs. Should be a great year. Keep the faith! — Mike Burke, president Burke Power Engine Repair Inc./Mike's Mobile Small Engines Gold Bar, Wash.
Two things. Number 1: We in southern Illinois are experiencing
the DRYEST year to date since 1907. There is nothing to mow, and nobody's buying. Number 2: Power equipment margins stink! With our wood stoves, fireplaces, gas logs, etc., we average a 37-percent margin. On the power side, you are lucky to get 17 percent, and that's only if your paperwork time has no value! Are we all saps?
— Dean Davis Dogwood Fireplace & Lawn, Carbondale, Ill. OPE
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