You may remember last week we were discussing the notion of winter stocking requirements being placed on dealers. This conversation was framed in the context of what, for many, has been a tough season.

All seasons present their own challenges, of course. However this year we have been hearing anecdotally that many of our dealer readers still have plenty of stock sat unsold in their businesses. Perhaps the word 'plenty' isn't even adequate here. Too much, some might say.

So we were, and indeed still are, interested to hear our readers' thoughts on the subject. Our mystery columnist in Service Dealer magazine, The Sprocket, addresses the area in his upcoming missive. You'll be able to read his opinions in full when the mag is with you in a few weeks' time, but I will tease you with a short quote. 

The Sprocket talks about how the amount of stock that dealers are sitting on due to the dry weather, is a big concern for many. How they are going to deal with the demands from suppliers for pre-season orders is also at the forefront their minds.

Reflecting on recent conversations with dealers, The Sprocket says, "Some were hoping or expecting the suppliers to be understanding and allow orders that reflected the stock the dealer was sitting on. Others were expecting a hard time with a possible threat of a lost franchise. A couple just said if they got pushed too hard, they would walk away."

You can read the rest of The Sprocket's thoughts on the subject when the magazine arrives with you at the start of November.

Following my call for readers' opinions last week, Dan Bowden from Spaldings Groundcare & Central Spares got in touch and left some some interesting thoughts under my blog about how manufacturers and suppliers could better support their dealers this winter. He said they should be listening closely to feedback from the ground - via their area reps and sales managers - especially when dealers are struggling with reduced showroom traffic or slower sales because of unpredictable weather or other factors.

Dan suggested a more flexible approach to stock management. If a dealer is left holding on to unsold or slow-moving machines, suppliers should consider taking those back and swapping them for alternative models that might sell better locally - even in smaller quantities. He believes this kind of cooperation would ultimately help both sides shift more stock overall.

He also questioned whether it’s fair for suppliers who sell directly to end users online to still demand high winter stocking levels from their dealers, when that direct competition is eating into dealer sales.

Finally, in his post Dan says he would like to see more collaboration between dealers selling the same brands in nearby areas. If one dealer has machines or parts that aren’t selling, and another 30 miles away can’t get enough, why not swap? He says this “pay it forward” system could make life easier for everyone, helping customers find what they need and building stronger relationships between local dealers rather than rivalry.

I'd like to thank Dan for his well-considered contribution - and indeed throw it out to our dealer readers once again for your thoughts. Do you agree that manufacturers should show more flexibility when it comes to returning or exchanging unsold stock? Is this something you’ve ever successfully negotiated?

Also do you think more cooperation between neighbouring dealers, such as swapping unsold machines or parts, would actually work in practice? Or would competition and logistics make it too complicated?

Please let us know your thoughts on these areas - or any takes on 2025's winter stocking demands - in the comments below or by dropping me a line in confidence.

As ever, your feedback is much appreciated.