Author: efgmarketing

The Value of Loyalty

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date October 14, 2024

I had big plans last weekend to take our side-by-side out for a little excursion to our neighborhood pumpkin patch with the family. To my annoyance, all we got was a disappointing ‘click….click….click…’ That’s right – the battery was dead. My loyal, never-fail, always ready for road or mud ride was not up for anything!

We expect our vehicles to work when we want, but not when they are improperly maintained. I pondered this inevitable truth as I trailered the side-by-side, drove to the dealership, and spent valuable time and cash to get her up to speed. Needless to say, the trip to the pumpkin patch was postponed to another day.

I’m not alone in my dead battery frustration. A dead battery is one of the most common issues facing powersports vehicle owners, followed by engine, transmission, and other powertrain tickets. Fortunately, the team at my local dealership knows me well and is dedicated to keeping all of my ‘toys’ up and running. This relationship serves us both well. I am a frequent customer, and they are invested in supporting me. There is value in this kind of loyalty — for both of us.

Tags battery protection, battery warranty, customer loyalty, loyalty program, million mile, powersports battery, powersports engine

Compliance

Got Compliance Headaches?

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date September 25, 2024

I don’t know about you but Fall in my household means allergy season which means sneezing and headaches. While we love the cooler weather, sports and other activities, outdoor adventures come with some challenges. Fortunately, a little prevention and some good habits help us manage the effects.

For our powersports dealers, you might feel the same way about compliance! The paperwork, the details, the disparate federal, state and local regulations might cause widespread headaches for your team. But just as I deal with my allergies, some good habits can really minimize the impacts for your team.

If you think you’re immune from compliance regulations because the Federal Trade Commission announced that powersports dealers were exempt from the Combating Auto Retail Scams Rule (CARS) – think again! There are several other federal regulations as well as state and local compliance rules which apply to powersports dealerships.

Tags Audit, CANSPAM, Compliance, Red Flag Rules, Safeguards Rule

Business Growth

Big Ticket Recreation for the Win

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date July 30, 2024

As we move into the dog days of summer, my thoughts drift to a sandy beach or a mountain trail complete with a jet ski or 4×4 utility vehicle. However, I don’t think this is going to be the year of the big getaway. Our powersports and marine industry have a lot of challenges on their hands this summer. Ongoing price concerns and lingering inflation coupled with a heightened political climate have created challenges that cause a negative overhang for both consumers and dealerships.

According to composite data from 1,700 dealers who use the Lightspeed DMS, the average dealer was down 8.4 percent in combined revenue in May 2024 as compared to 2023. This decline is especially concerning, considering we are well into the typically busy recreation season. Data from the Conference Board reflected consumer confidence continues to weaken with persistent concerns about inflation, prompting buyers to hold off on purchasing homes and autos.

But there are some bright spots on the horizon. The Committee for Economic Development, which oversees the Conference Board, shared their predictions for 2024, indicating that consumer sentiment has changed since the pandemic. Buyers are increasingly upset by uncertainty, prompting them to seek out experiences and spend on things they really enjoy. This is especially true for younger generations.

Tags predictions