The organisers of the Garden Trader website, which puts specialist dealers in front of customers, are encouraging dealers to sign-up for 2018 before their free listings are removed.

The site's owner Duncan Murray-Clarke, who also owns Service Dealer, pointed out that the website which launched in February this year is the only independent national website that is targeting customers at the point which they are considering a purchase.

Duncan said, "The site's content ensures that customers know the advantages of using our skilled dealer network. The nice thing is that we already have all sizes of dealer committed to next year - from the smaller single branch businesses to some of the multi branch companies.

"We currently have over 100 dealers signed up for 2018 and there will no doubt be a late flurry of sign-ups as the deadline approaches. In fairness to all, any non paid-for listings will be taken down at the start of 2018."

Duncan continued, "Site visitor numbers have been strong in 2017 and we will continue to invest in site traffic next year. Garden Trader dealers are going to benefit from this visibility and it will give them an advantage over their competitors. Membership is just £95 plus VAT per year, which equates to £1.82 per week. To sign-up only takes two minutes by credit card."

Also keen for dealers not to miss out on what the site can offer them is Garden Trader dealer communications manager Ron Miller. He said recently, "I truly believe the vehicle to start portraying the dealer network to the public as an industry is the Garden Trader website. Yes, we want to use it to persuade customers through individual dealer doors, but surely the main thrust of the site is to name the dealer as the expert where service comes first?

"The site's purpose is to enable the public to recognise and respect dealers for what they really are, professional, customer oriented, educated, trained, trustworthy, available and easy to do business with.

"Given the right support from manufacturers and the dealer network, Garden Trader can become the true dealer 'Voice of the Industry' to the consumer."

Duncan Murray-Clarke also confirmed that STIHL GB and Briggs & Stratton have continued their commitment to Garden Trader into 2018 and said two more major site sponsors are expected to be announced soon.