SITE FOR SORE EYES Your website can be the first glimpse into your business by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
With consumer spending down, dealers need to be doing all they can this Bank Holiday Weekend to get customers into their stores - including possibly revamping their websites.
Here we are again, coming up to another August Bank Holiday weekend - and the weather for the UK looks . . .OK. They seem to be forecasting a bit of a north/south split with some rain in the north and finer weather down south.
Hopefully this will encourage consumers on the domestic side to get out into their gardens - and into your dealerships!
We could do with some encouraging retail spending news. The latest report for July which came out last week showed that Britain’s consumers are taking a more cautious approach to shopping as higher inflation above the level of earnings eats into their spending power.
Only higher spending on food in supermarkets kept retail sales growing last month, with declines in all other main sectors, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics.
The Guardian reported that B&Q and Screwfix owner, Kingfisher, have said that second quarter sales had slumped, driven by a 10.7% decline in the sale of seasonal goods such as barbecues and garden furniture, following a strong first quarter which was boosted by better weather.
This is something our readers have confirmed to us many times in the past, that sales in our industry are dictated by the weather more so than any other economic or political factor.
But whilst of course this is an undeniable truism, dealers need to do all they can to communicate to their customers and potential customers what they can offer to make their lives easier.
One vitally important way to facilitate this communication is the humble website. It almost feels that websites have been overlooked somewhat in recent times what with the emphasis placed on modern social media tools. But two stories in today's Update from major manufacturers, (ECHO and Suzuki) relaunching their web presences, illustrates the significance which big players still place on them.
And there's no doubt dealers should too. Like it or not, websites are still often the first glimpse into your business which many potential customers will have. Which is why it's vital to keep this window into your business as fresh and up-to-date as possible.
A few key reasons why it's important to think about updating your website can include:
Visual Appeal
When people visit your site, they see it as a reflection of your dealership. If your site looks professional and is loaded with useful information readers will see you as an authority and expert. Likewise if the site looks poorly designed and structured and/or out-of-date they’ll make the same assumptions about your company.
Responsive & Mobile Friendly
The UK is now a smartphone society. Therefore is now considered common practice to make a website mobile friendly (responsive design). Responsive Web Design is a collection of techniques that allow a website to flex and adapt to the size of screen it’s being viewed on. If you haven’t updated your website in a while the chances are that you may be driving mobile users and potential customers away.
Content The first impression of your website would obviously be the overall layout, but a reader is visiting your website because they are looking for useful information. A site redesign can also give you the opportunity to re-address how you communicate with all your visitors and to write copy that is simple, on target and more effective. Fresh and unique website content is an very important factor in encouraging people to revisit your site more often.
Provide easy navigation When experts talk about user experience they are referring to the totality of visitors’ experience with your site—more than just how it looks. This includes how easy your site is to use, how fast it is, how easy it is to find information and how little friction there is when visitors try to complete whatever action it is they’re trying to complete.
These are just a few key considerations you may want to bear in mind if you are thinking that your website could benefit from a freshen up.
Keep a look out for a future Special Report to be included with Service Dealer magazine, which will take a detailed look at areas to think about, including websites, when you are communicating with customers.
If you have any great tips for ways you keep your dealership in touch with your customers, please let us know in the comments below.
Dealer welcomed hundreds of customers and special guests to a recent event to officially launch the branch - and have released a video of the day.
Lister Machinery’s new £1.6m Ashford ‘Super’ depot opened its doors recently, with the dealer welcoming hundreds of customers and special guests to an event to officially launch the branch and showcase Kubota’s new concept in dealer branding.
Kubota’s new dealer branding programme has been introduced at the facility, which the manufacturer says is intended to raise the bar in the machinery sector by pushing the boundaries of what a Kubota dealership should look like and enhancing the end-users’ experience of the brand as a whole.
The 20,000 sq ft Ashford depot is now a flagship dealer for Kubota’s complete range of machinery solutions, making it one of only a handful of dealers across the UK that offers the company's full line up of machines.
The partnership between dealer and manufacturer also means that Kubota’s range of agricultural solutions will now be available to farmers and contractors in this mixed farming region for the first time.
Charlie King, Commercial Director at Lister Machinery, said: “The partnership with Kubota and the investment we have made in our Ashford depot highlights our ongoing commitment to our customers. This is a state-of-art depot offering a diverse range of machinery solutions to a wide range of market sectors, all backed up by our first class service offering and the aftersales support that our customers expect.”
Visitors at the official opening had the opportunity to see a wide range of products on display plus a whole host of activities were also available throughout the day for guests to enjoy, from pedal tractor races for the children, to a bar and hog roast for all to enjoy.
Charlie King concluded: “We have been working with Kubota in the compact construction equipment and groundscare sectors in Kent since 2009. By making this a full line dealership and joining forces with Kubota Agriculture as well, it gives us a massive opportunity to target the professional farming market and develop our presence in this region even further.
"On behalf of everyone at Lister Machinery, I would like to thank Kubota and everyone that attended for joining us at this fantastic launch event and making it such a huge success.”
The Ventrac dealer network continues to grow in the UK with the appointment of two new dealers - Frank Nicol Farm & Garden Machinery Ltd and Cheshire Turf Machinery.
The Ventrac dealer network continues to grow in the UK with the appointment of two new dealers - Frank Nicol Farm & Garden Machinery Ltd and Cheshire Turf Machinery.
Rupert Price, Managing Director of Price Turfcare, the UK and Ireland distributor of the Ventrac 4500 compact tractor, has been busy building his dealer base since taking over the franchise in January 2017.
L-R:David Nicol, Sales & Service Director, Frank Nicol, Managing Director and Frank B Nicol, Director with a Ventrac 4500 compact tractor
“We’re seeing a lot of sales momentum now following six months of extremely hard work travelling the length and breadth of the UK demonstrating the machines and attachments,” he said. “I’ve also been busy signing reputable dealers who I know will be dedicated to selling the product and, more importantly, providing exceptional back-up and support. Frank Nicol and Cheshire Turf Machinery certainly fulfil those criteria.”
The family-run business, Frank Nicol Farm & Garden Machinery was founded in 1987 in Dingwall, Ross-Shire and has grown consistently over the past 30 years, becoming a significant distributor of groundscare equipment in the highlands of Scotland.
David Nicol, Sales & Service Director said, “My father always said that so many things are just built to be sold and not to last. His view is that if you cannot service it then you should not sell it. That’s why we have taken Ventrac. It’s a very well made piece of equipment, yet easy to work on. It’s also very versatile because of the numerous attachments that can be mounted on it. We’re looking forward to getting out there and showing potential customers just what it can do.”
Cheshire Turf Machinery Ltd was established in 1996 by Steve Halley, Mark Woodward and Peter McGreevy, to supply and service professional groundscare equipment. It grew quickly and as a result of continued sales growth in the golf sector. In 2013 Cheshire Turf Machinery became agents for the Toro Groundscare range of machinery (council and sports field mowers), which enabled the business to enter a market sector which they had not previously explored.
“We are extremely pleased to be joining the Ventrac dealer network and working with Rupert Price and his team to promote the product,” Steve Halley said. “It complements our Toro brand and is a niche machine that suits both the golf and municipal contractor sectors. I’ve been in this business for many years now and I’m really impressed with the all-round attributes of this machine; it’d certainly one of a kind and is very good for multiple applications.”
Company says strong results for the quarter driven by positive momentum in their professional segment.
The Toro Company reported this week net earnings of $68.4 million, or $0.61 per share, on net sales of $627.9 million, an increase of 4.5 percent, for its fiscal third quarter ended August 4, 2017.
In the comparable fiscal 2016 period, the company delivered net earnings of $55.8 million, or $0.50 per share, on net sales of $601.0 million.
For the first nine months, Toro reported net earnings of $233.9 million, or $2.10 per share, on a net sales increase of 4.8 percent to $2.017 billion. In the comparable fiscal 2016 period, the company posted net earnings of $200.8 million, or $1.79 per share on net sales of $1.924 billion.
“We are pleased to deliver strong results for the quarter driven by positive momentum in our professional segment,” said Richard M. Olson, Toro’s chief executive officer.
“Innovative new offerings across our professional portfolio fueled the growth. Products such as the Exmark Radius and the Toro TITAN HD zero-turn riding mowers have been well received by customers. In our golf and grounds business, the Groundsmaster and Greensmaster mower lines also contributed to the favorable results. Finally, the Perrot irrigation products have proven to be a good addition to our international business, where we achieved nice sales growth for the quarter.”
“With the fourth quarter underway, we are encouraged by the retail trends we are seeing, particularly across many of our professional businesses. BOSS is well positioned with several new product offerings to support the needs of our contractor customers as they prepare for the snow season. Similarly, sales of our residential snow throwers have also been favorable as the channel anticipates the upcoming snow season.”
The company now expects revenue growth for fiscal 2017 to be at least 4.5 percent and net earnings per share to be about $2.38.
Customers can benefit from a back-up combine, free of charge, if essential parts are not delivered within 24 hours during the small grain harvesting season.
Now available from participating John Deere dealers, the new Harvest Promise programme demonstrates the strength of commitment to combine customers during the harvest season.
A combination of dedicated John Deere parts logistics and world class dealer support means customers can benefit from a back-up combine, free of charge, if essential parts are not delivered within 24 hours during the small grain harvesting season.
John Deere say this level of commitment and support is provided to customers with all combine models built since 2010. Providing the machine has undergone an Expert Check inspection, preferably during the winter, and all subsequent repairs have been made with genuine parts, the combine qualifies for the programme.
The company say they have invested in dedicated parts logistics for the programme, and participating dealers have suitable back-up machines in place to ensure sufficient combine capacity is available if required.
“Our initial experience in 2016 across Poland and France encouraged us to extend the programme to Germany and the UK in 2017,” says John Deere’s European parts product manager David Driedger. “Feedback from both dealers and customers has been very positive.”
John Deere say the 24hr parts promise is based on their long history of experience with a highly advanced logistics network and an enhanced focus on the entire combine harvesting business.
Continuous investment at the company’s European Parts Distribution Centre in Bruchsal, Germany and in local dealership facilities means all John Deere customers benefit from extended dealership opening hours in season plus weekend service support.
Directed at higher education, awards will be made for a dissertation / thesis demonstrating innovation and practical application in the land-based industry.
The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), in partnership with CNH Industrial, has announced new, prestigious student awards, which are open to students in higher education.
The two awards are directed at undergraduates and post-graduates and will be made for a dissertation / thesis demonstrating innovation and practical application in the land-based industry.
“We are delighted to be partnering with CNH Industrial to launch this award. Over the past years, the Company has collaborated with us to sponsor the Johnson New Holland Trophy Award. We felt it was the right time to move forward and offer additional benefits. This is an opportunity to raise the profile of the awards and reward the innovation and hard work of students in higher education”, said Alastair Taylor, CEO of IAgrE.
“As a key player in the Agricultural Equipment sector, the future of our industry relies on nurturing the best possible engineers to design and build the products of the future. Our partnership with these awards strengthens this possibility”, said Rob Alker, Current Product Improvement Manager at CNH Industrial.
The prizes are £500 for post-graduates and £250 for undergraduates. Both winners will receive a trophy for their respective universities to hold for one year, a VIP visit to the CNH Industrial Basildon Tractor Plant and internship opportunities.
Company says a key feature is the new e-commerce functionality which provides customers with an additional channel to purchase products.
Ariens Company has launched a new website for ECHO Power Tools, which they say offers an improved user experience.
The company say the new website has a clear visual and responsive design and visitors, both domestic and professional, will be able to navigate their way around with ease.
ECHO's new website
A key feature they say, is the new e-commerce functionality which provides customers with an additional channel to purchase products.
The new website has a clean, uncluttered and responsive design for mobile devices. There is a new ‘Click and reserve’ ecommerce functionality which allows customers to order and reserve their chosen products online. The products are then dispatched to their preferred dealership where they can collect the purchased item.
Jef O’Riley, Marketing Manager says, "We are excited about the launch of our new website for ECHO and the improved user experience it brings. Visitors to the website will have seamless mobile or desktop access to explore each of our products. The website also contains a wealth of content, showcasing our products and their features in the environments they are designed to be used in.
“The new ‘click and reserve’ ecommerce functionality will provide our customers with an additional ordering channel, which will also support our network of dealers.”
The new website also features rich content such as videos and product info sheets, helping visitors make a more informed decision on which ECHO product best meets their needs.
Suzuki GB’s ATV Division has recently launched a brand new website which they say has been designed to provide more value to their customers.
Suzuki GB’s ATV Division has recently launched a brand new website which they say has been designed to provide more value to their customers.
The site boasts new photographic and video content and has been designed to bring the product and its real-world benefits to life, as well as making it easier for customers to find out the key information about Suzuki’s full range of ATVs.
Head of Suzuki's ATV Division, George Cheeseman, said, “We’re extremely pleased with the new site and have received some great feedback from our Dealers and customers alike. We believe it portrays our passion for the product and demonstrates its versatility, whether that be for farming, equestrian use, shooting or land management.”
In addition to key product specifications,visitors can also find details of Suzuki’s extras including:
Hyundai Power Equipment scheme converts dealer’s stock purchases into points that can be redeemed against a range of Hyundai cars.
Hyundai Power Equipment are rewarding dealers with new Hyundai cars for 12 months, via their dealer incentive scheme.
The scheme converts dealer’s stock purchases into Hyundai points that can be redeemed against a range of Hyundai cars.
David Courtney (left) Sitebox Ltd & Tommy D’Ortez (right) Hyundai Power Equipment
For every £1 spent on Hyundai Power Equipment, authorised Hyundai dealers will receive 1 point. The more points the dealer earns, the better the Hyundai car a dealer can drive away at the end of the financial year.
Approved Hyundai Power Equipment dealers also have the option to purchase new Hyundai cars at discount prices.
Genpower Ltd are the importers and distributors for Hyundai Power Products in the UK and Ireland. One of their dealers, Sitebox Ltd, was recently rewarded with a new Hyundai i20 by selling Hyundai Power Equipment throughout the UK.
David Courtney from Sitebox Ltd said, "After building a strong relationship with Hyundai over a period of only a few years, we were able to pursue and work with them on several exciting projects including government contracts, housing developments, civil works, supporting supercar manufacture and domestic back-up power. This, alongside working closely with our pro-active and supportive account manager, enabled us to increase our commitment, proving fruitful for both parties.
"We are very pleased to be rewarded as the first re-seller to pick up a brand new Hyundai vehicle for achieving targets."
Roland Llewellin MD Genpower Ltd said, "The car scheme rewards our top performing machinery dealers for really pushing the Hyundai brand. I believe it is a good incentive for growth and helps with onboarding new dealers”.
Colin Dawson Ltd are now supplying parts and slurry equipment as are James Gordon Ltd through their six branches.
Machinery and dairy equipment dealers in Cumbria and south-west Scotland have been appointed to provide local service and parts support to farmers and contractors using Bauer slurry pumps, separators and related equipment.
Electrical and dairy engineers Colin Dawson Ltd are now supplying Bauer parts and slurry equipment from their Langwathby base near Penrith, as are James Gordon Ltd through their six branches covering Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway.
Kathleen and Andrew Dawson in the stores at Colin Dawson Ltd.
Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager, says, “Accessible service and parts support for slurry storage and handling equipment is essential for dairy and other livestock farms, and especially for those located within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.
“The appointment of Gordons and Colin Dawson means that equipment already in use will continue to be supported, and farmers and contractors can invest in new Bauer and FAN slurry equipment knowing local parts and service support is available.”
Manufacturer is inviting customers and fans to illustrate their part in the brand’s heritage story.
New Holland has launched a photo competition to support its year-long celebration of 100 years of blue tractor production, and to give fans and customers a chance to be a part of the brand’s history.
Entries open on 1st September and close 31st October 2017.
The competition invites people to enter photos of their working, British-built, blue tractors for a chance to win £500 worth of New Holland vouchers to spend on parts or merchandise. The best 100 images entered will be turned into a giant graphic on New Holland’s stand at LAMMA 2018 to complete the year of celebrations.
The overall winning image will be one that best represents the New Holland brand and its blue tractor heritage. Two runners up will be selected from the UK and Irish entries who will each win £250 worth of New Holland vouchers.
Competition entry is via New Holland’s social media channels. Entrants must first like or follow New Holland’s UK and Ireland accounts on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and then either post their image on New Holland’s UK and Ireland Facebook page, or share via Twitter or Instagram. In all cases photo entries should be accompanied by the two celebration hashtags: #builtinBritain and #100blue. Terms and conditions are available on the New Holland website.
The photo competition is the latest in a series of activities supporting the 100-year anniversary of blue tractor production. Earlier this year tractor enthusiast club Blue Force took on a coastline challenge. Club chairman Phil Gibson and treasurer Peter Plehov drove 5000 miles around the coast of Britain and parts of Ireland in two new British-built T6 tractors, towing two custom-built shepherds huts.
Somerset and Wiltshire New Holland dealer T H WHITE and farmer Jim Butler also organised an event for 2,000 blue tractor enthusiasts, with almost 150 blue tractors from all eras coming together to raise money for charity.
The role will provide parts and technical aftersales service support in the broadest sense to Engine distributors, dealers and OEM’s. Lead the Parts and Aftersales Team to continually improve service levels and to manage after-sales support across the EMEA trading area.
Kawasaki Engine Division design and build top-of-the-line commercial and residential lawn mower engines - from walk behinds to out-front riders and other garden and general industrial equipment. Our international network of Kawasaki Authorised Dealers provides expert information, engine service, and sales of Kawasaki powered equipment and genuine parts. These are the engines chosen by lawn care professionals.
Position; Head of Parts and Aftersales
Provide parts and technical aftersales service support in the broadest sense to Engine distributors, dealers and OEM’s. Lead the Parts and Aftersales Team to continually improve service levels and to manage after-sales support across the EMEA trading area.
Main Tasks:
Assess and monitor end user requirements and provide a leading standard of parts & technical aftersales service across our trading area.
Ensure appropriate service and parts outlet coverage across the trading area.
Set and monitor appropriate dealer and private distributor standards to consistently achieve required service levels.
Manage all aftersales technical issues within trading area, liaising with OEMs and Kawasaki global technical operations.
Manage and grow Spare Parts business across the trading area.
To provide Private Distributor and OEM technical training.
Develop the Team’s knowledge and capability to continuously improve end user and service network satisfaction and brand image in all Parts, After Sales and Technical matters
Manage department budgets.
Experience required;
Knowledge and experience of 2-stroke and 4-stroke petrol engine technology in Turfcare applications.
Technical college (MTS) or Advanced Technical College (HTS) with a number of years experience or trained mechanic with a number of year’s experience in both workshop and office based workplaces.
Experience and knowledge of Turfcare OEM standards and working practices
Accurate & structured organization skills
Good communication skills
MS Office experience and/or comparable.
Other information;
This position reports directly to the Senior Product Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day management activities surrounding the Parts & Technical support of the Engine Department technical activities. Within the daily operation this position has the freedom to plan and organise the activities as seen fit to perform the duties involved in the job, keeping Senior Product Manager informed of any significant developments.
Candidates should live within commuting distance from the Bourne End (Bucks) office.
Applications;
Interested applicants should send their CV and a covering letter to;
Grizzly's latest petrol lawn mower, the BRM 56-163 BSA InStart 360° is unrivalled in design thanks to the swivel-wheel concept that means the neatest ever turning circle.
The sun is shining, the weather is sweet - and your grass is out of control, growing at an alarming rate! Intermittent downpours and glorious sunshine are perfect grass-growing conditions leaving both domestic and professional gardeners with a task tougher than any other time of the year. With increasingly unruly areas to keep trim and landscapes to manicure, Grizzly Tools have the answer to all lawn based troubles.
Grizzly's latest petrol lawn mower, the BRM 56-163 BSA InStart 360° is unrivalled in design thanks to the swivel-wheel concept that means the neatest ever turning circle. There are no multiple-point turns necessary to manoeuvre this impressive and artfully engineered Briggs & Stratton four-stroke engine. The quad design offers smooth ease of use regardless of terrain and lockable front wheels enable the straightest of cutting lines. Spinning on its own axis, this model requires no tipping to turn despite its incredibly robust and solid frame, for ultimate convenience and driving comfort.
Offering a vast range of functions, the 360° has InStart engine technology that fires up at the touch of button, 6 step height adjustment across each of the four wheels and a 75L collection bag with hardtop and fill-level indicator. Rear wheel drive, blade brake safety function and Height adjustable fold-away handle bar make this mower top of the petrol class. Fitted with top quality steel metal housing, it cuts a fine figure with rear and lateral discharge, foliage collection function, mulching and near-edge mowing.
Sample this and other products from Grizzly’s brilliant range for yourself, enjoy their exceptional quality and effective marketing by becoming a Grizzly dealer today: get Grizzly and see the difference!
Grizzly Tools manufacture quality power tools for every gardener; sold across Europe for over 15 years, the brand is well established and trusted by tradesmen and humble home gardeners alike. If you’d like to speak to Grizzly Tools about their range of products, please give Shnayde a call on 0845 683 2670.
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
Evopos UK Ltd are the producer of the Dealer management software which service dealers are taking a serious look at. This all-in-one solution with friendly and effective telephone support may be worth checking out, if you are a new service dealer or are currently unsatisfied with your current system.
The latest version includes quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire contract module, accounting package and state of the art automated SMS and email marketing, all of these features are available in specifically designed dealer packages.
"What makes Evopos streets ahead of its competitors?" asks Denis Bullen (MD). "Evopos is perfect for the Service Industry; everything about the customer is tracked, sales of parts, whole goods and all vital contact information."
Denis Bullen, Evopos md
Denis continues, "The workshop module is of particular interest to most service dealers. Evopos will fulfil the main three requirements that make any busy workshop successful.
1. Easy to use; this minimises mistakes making sure correct time is billed for and all the information is correct.
2. Maximises sales and repeat custom using the excellent time management and service reminder tools built into Evopos.
3. Helps to provide the very best customer service; by providing engineers and salesman with all the necessary information to make the job or the sale as easy for the customer as it as easy for you.
"As far as I can see the workshop process is fairly straight forward
Step one: Book the job in, providing the customer with details regarding the job.
Step two: Book parts and labour to the job.(Evopos will automatically remind the customer to drop the machine off and when the job is finished, let the customer know when to pick it up via an SMS text or email alert.)
Set three: Produce a professional looking invoice for when the customer picks up their machine.
"A comprehensive history is retained within the Evopos system. For example for each machine you can see who has previously owned it and what work it has had done to it.
"Evopos offers a very competitive pricing structure, where costs are kept to a minimum. A standard dealer package can cost as little as £75.00 per month, there are no hidden extras. If you are concerned about losing your old customer database, this shouldn't be a problem. The helpful support team can convert most databases into workable Evopos data at no extra charge.
"Evopos is a low cost way to help make your business more controllable and profitable. It's a total business management solution."
Whether you are a new start-up or run an existing business, why not contact Evopos and arrange a no obligation free demo and see what Evopos can do for your business.
Contact them direct on telephone: 01202 795900 or register online at Evopos.com and they will call you.
The following companies are kindly sponsoring the 2017 Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel on Thursday November 16th
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR: Kramp PLANTINUM SPONSOR: STIHL GB
The following organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 2017 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. We’d like to welcome them on board and thank them for their support and input.
