When it comes to technology, there's a group of consumers referred to as "early adopters." This group is tuned into what's happening with their favorite technology and they are willing to test it and invest in it before it hits the mainstream.
The past 2 years have meant new product introductions, awards and a new retail marketing strategy for Excel Industries. Rural Lifestyle Dealer was on hand when Excel introduced its Raptor lineup in September 2012 and again when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback recently recognized the company as exporter of the year.
Recent news from Wells Fargo could mean a funding opportunity for your dealership. The company has set a goal of at least $100 billion in new loans to small businesses by 2018.
The spring selling season brings excitement back into the dealership. The optimism your customers feel about working on their properties rejuvenates your sales team and those quotas seem much more obtainable. However, your sales team, no matter how good they are, can't carry a dealership.
As the saying goes, "you can't manage what you can't measure." That's why I found USDA's recently released data on rural population and migration so interesting. The most recent survey indicates our rural lifestyle segment is showing a declining population. Here are a few highlights from the report.
Farmers and ranchers were recently asked to rank how 15 different kinds of ag marketing influences their purchase decisions. Guess what ranked #1 in terms of helping them make the final decision to purchase? Dealers.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently described small to mid-sized farmers, including those selling direct to consumers, as the fastest growing segment of agriculture. That’s good news for rural lifestyle dealers. What’s even better news is that USDA has announced millions of dollars in new or enhanced programs to help these farmers grow.
Rural lifestyle equipment manufacturers selling in big box stores is not a new marketing strategy. However, that doesn't lessen the blow when it's one of your manufacturers entering the large retailer arena for the first time -- as Hustler has done recently with its Raptor zero-turn mower.
One of the best parts of covering the equipment industry is talking with dealers. With every issue, I become more impressed with the work ethic of the dealers I talk with and their honesty about their manufacturers, new equipment, their customers as well as the job we’re doing.
Small ag equipment doesn't necessarily mean small prices for rural lifestylers who are buying a tractor for the first time. So, financing is as much a part of the sale as horsepower or features. In fact, in our 2014 Dealer Business Trends & Outlook survey, 60% of dealers say customers seek financing options from them more than half of the time.
Lessiter Media editors visited RhinoAG in Gibson City, IL to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the production processes and attention to detail that have contributed to their longevity as they celebrate their 90th anniversary in 2024.
Yanmar America is the North American headquarters of Yanmar Holdings. Ranked #1 in Product
Quality for five years in a row by the Equipment Dealers Association, Yanmar provides innovative
solutions for Rural Lifestyle and Industrial Equipment customers.
Yanmar was the world’s first manufacturer to develop a practical small diesel engine in 1933 and
has continued to push the boundaries of innovation and technology ever since. As a manufacturer of
diesel engines, compact tractors and utility task vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial
equipment, Yanmar's products are sold in over 130 countries.
At Yanmar America, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products
and services, backed by a strong team of professionals who share our dedication to excellence. We
look forward to the opportunity to work with you in achieving your goals.
Virginia Beach-based STIHL Inc., produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chainsaws worldwide. STIHL Inc. manufactures over 260 model variations of handheld outdoor power equipment for sale in the U.S. and around the world.