You may remember last week we reported from the Garden Press Event in London, which this year saw a surprising number of machinery exhibitors, most of whom were focusing on the promotion of battery powered machinery.

There was naturally a confidence and excitement around these products from the exhibiting manufacturers, with a clear belief that these machines are more important to their portfolio than ever. But how do you feel?

It seems appropriate to follow up today, by asking you, our dealer readers, what your thoughts are on the current state of the cordless market. How are the machines performing for your dealership at the moment?

We have a short survey today, similar to ones we've run at this time of year before, which we'd really appreciate you taking a few minutes to fill in - along with leaving any opinions you'd wish to share on the subject.

We received a comment from a dealer last Friday who said, "We have noticed a definite up-rising in cordless tools and machinery sales in the last two years. Not just with female and elderly customers, but also an increase in spending and continuing interest by some trade customers too."

Is this a trend which your dealership has experienced as well? Do you believe the appeal of the products is widening and therefore having a positive impact on your sales?

It wasn't long ago when we'd mention cordless products in this Update or the magazine and we'd receive comments like the 'death knell for the specialist dealer' or 'the end of the industry as we know it'. I think this level of hostility and suspicion to the sector has subsided somewhat in recent times - but let me know.

The main concerns which these products have traditionally faced from some specialist dealers has of course been the lack of service work which comes off the back of their sale and the ease with which they could potentially be sold in a box over the internet.

Are these still legitimate worries for you? Or has a corner really been turned?

Last year when we asked for your thoughts on battery powered products we heard that in the most part customers were only demanding these products 'occasionally' (43%) and additional purchases after a cordless sale were only happening 'some of the time' (60%).

Dealers did tell us they were stocking more cordless products brands than they had been a year before though. Is this a trend which has continued? Or are you now concentrating on just one or two cordless makes?

Crucially, we'd be interested to know if you have you seen increased cordless sales over this past year. And is that initial sale leading to more purchases from the family of products?

If you could spend a few minutes to fill out the survey and leave your opinions on the subject, we'd be most grateful.

As ever we'll publish the results in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine along with a selection of your comments.

Thanks in advance for your help.