BLOW YOUR OWN TRUMPET!
Get the recognition your dealership deserves
by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
Having attended various industry events and visited several manufactuers headquarters so far already this year, there is a recurring theme which I keep hearing.
That is that the UK independent dealer network is an incredibly vibrant and vital resource of which the industry should be proud. Companies keep telling me how integral to their business, and what an amazing job, their dealers do for them.
There does however, still seem to be somewhat of an issue of letting the wider, mainstream public know that such things as independent machinery dealers actually exist. Some people still need telling that there is a specalist alternative available to the chain retailers and internet-only selling sites.
So maybe it's time for a spot of trumpet blowing?!
We are running our Dealer of the Year Awards again this year, with the presentation ceremony taking place on the evening of November 17th at the Oxford Belfry Hotel, following on from our Customer Is King Conference.
And perhaps gaining that recognition for your dealership could be that extra little spot of kudos which could push your name into the wider consciousness?
Winning one of the Dealer Of The Year titles would give you ample opportunity to PR your local press and to promote yourselves to new and existing customers. National industry recognition is really is something to shout about.
The entry process for the core categories is now open for dealers to enter themselves for a chance of taking one of the titles - or you could also be nominated by one your suppliers. The core categories comprise:
- Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year - Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton
- Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year
- Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year - Sponsored by Kramp
- Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year - Sponsored by Stihl
- ATV/Quad Dealer of the Year
This year we will be slightly tweaking the judging format of these awards to fit in with our Customer Is King theme by inviting your customers to have their say. Once you are in the running we will want your customers to get involved by sending us their comments, telling us about what great service they received in your store. We will send a customer feedback form/link once you've entered. We also have a couple of additional categories this year, the nominations for which will open once the season is well underway. These are for:
The Star Of The Dealership is a new prize for which we are looking for dealers to nominate a member of their staff from the sales, parts, service or support team who have demonstrated exceptional skills, commitment to customer service or who has gone above and beyond this season. Who in your team is deserving of industry recognition? Nominations for this category, as well as for the Apprentice of the Year prize, will open at the end of June.
Judging for all awards will take place during the first week of October.
All the details you need and the entry forms can be found on our website.
I would encourage you all to enter. You know how hard you work. You know the effort you put in to supporting both your customers and the franchises you hold. So why not get a bit of public recognition for it?!
You're worth it!
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