Dealer to Dealer
Is It Business ‘Value’ Or Is It Just ‘Stuff’?
I’m a fan of George Carlin’s work, and one of his routines was on “Stuff.” Basically, he talked about when you are born you have no “stuff,” but as you grow older you are either given or purchase “stuff” to the point of needing extra space for all your “stuff.” Finally, you die and now you no longer need your “stuff.” So what happens to all this valuable “stuff”? It is either given or re-sold so someone else can add your “stuff” to their “stuff.” It’s a seemingly endless cycle, but what does this have to do with “value”?
When we collect this “stuff” we have a conceived value as to what it is worth in either money or to us personally. So let’s take a look at what this has to do with our daily business lives. What value does your “stuff” have with your business operation? Does your business have intrinsic “value” or does it have a “value” only to you and your operation?
Feature
Service, Parts Sales Offer Opportunity by John Walker
Before starting this article, allow me to thank all the readers who took time out of their busy schedule to thank us for last month’s article. Their comments told me that many of the things we are writing about are happening and fortunately the result is both increased productivity and profitability. We even had one reader who commented: “We hope our competition doesn’t read your articles and learn what you have taught us to do!”
On the other hand, a few manufacturers didn’t like our comments concerning market share. Believe me: I am not against a market share measurement because if dealers don’t have market share, then they do not have enough equipment in the field to provide service after the sale. We have been on both sides of the fence with market share. Our major concern about market share is the fact that too many equipment dealers, in their attempt to achieve market share, cut their prices to the bone, and offer low-margin “deals” just to achieve market share.
PETcetera
Deep Thoughts—and a Laugh
When starting a marketing or PR plan for your small business, first consider these five fundamental rules of the road:
1. Don’t bite off more than you can chew—particularly if you can’t afford to hire an internal marketing resource, consultant, or agency.
2. Don’t invest your time, or a dime—if you cannot commit the time to advise and collaborate with your marketing person or team to make it work.
Power Lines
Information You Need by Dan Shell
This annual issue, Power Equipment Trade’s PowerGuide 2010, delivers the most comprehensive industry information resource available, including manufacturers and distributors and other suppliers, plus key dealer and other trade associations and even old and obsolete parts sources—a valuable information source dealers can use year-round.
This year’s edition of PowerGuide features more than 650 listings of industry’s top suppliers and dealer-friendly organizations.
Power Suppliers
Supplier Sales, Distribution and Program News
Jason Emmons, a professional chain saw carver from Branchville, Ind., walked away with first place in the 5th Annual Echo Chain Saw Carving Championship held October 2-4 during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. After 22 hours of stiff competition between four carvers, Emmons was awarded $5,000 plus the prestigious Echo Cup and a new Echo CS 400 chain saw for his piece, “Spirit of Southwest.”
The difficult decision was made by five judges who studied the intricate details of the statues up close before naming the winner. Sculpture entries capturing the theme “The Great American Southwest” featured realistic-looking slices of everyday life in the region, complete with feathers and fur, all made from wooden logs by chain saws in the hands of the skilled artists.
Show Room
The Latest In New Products, New Technology
Ariens Co. introduces of a new line of value-priced 2-stage snow throwers. The Sno-Tek machines are available in 3 clearing widths and feature LCT Storm Force engines. Compared to other models in its class, Sno-Tek is powered by a larger 208cc. It also has a polymer chute with steel cap, steel dash panels, and gusseted and reinforced fully-welded frames. The steel framed Sno-Tek series has a durable aluminum gear case and a 3-blade, 12" steel impeller. The 200° chute turning radius, 2.5 times Quick-turn chute rotation and manual deflector control are added features of the Ariens line.
Features of the Sno-Tek 22 include: 22" clearing width; one forward speed; 20" housing height; weight of 125 lbs. Features of the Sno-Tek 24 include: 24" clearing width; 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds; 20" housing height; weight of 160 lbs. Features of the Sno-Tek 26 include: 26" clearing width; 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds; 20" housing height; weight of 170 lbs.