Let the big box stores sell the small end stuff. It's not competition. It's a stepping stone

That's what Mike McCrate, owner of Tulsa New Holland of Tulsa, Okla., says on his website. His dealership is celebrating 31 years in business. Today, he faces competition from Home Depot, Lowe's and Tractor Supply - but he's not worried about it. He believes his service philosophy helps him beat big box prices and he uses that service philosophy to compete head on with lower up-front prices.

Mistakes in business are unavoidable. At times, your dealership may under deliver, overpromise, recommend the wrong kind of equipment or, for whatever reason, be less professional than you would like. Combine that with situations out of your control, such as delayed parts delivery or manufacturer errors, and there is the constant potential to make mistakes. Then what?