The Powersports Dealer Update sessions held in conjunction with the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-2, provided dealers with key strategies to survive and thrive as the powersports industry enters a period of recovery.
During a Tuesday morning state-of-the-industry panel discussion, the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Scott Begovich told dealers that the MIC does not predict a double-dip.  According to the MIC, tire sales are up, miles ridden are up and average rider age is down. “The worst is over,” said Begovich. “It’s time to prepare for an upswing. “
The sessions presented by Gart Sutton and Associates and sponsored by Motorcycle Product News, Powersports Network, Auction 123 and ESAB provided dealers with the tools they will need to adapt moving forward.
Sessions covered all departments of the dealership giving dealers implementable solutions for sales; service; finance and insurance; parts and accessories; management; marketing and facility.
Gart Sutton asked his top managers to share key strategies new in 2010 and Mike Brunken suggested dealers pursue non-traditional customers including government agencies and industry for ATV sales and Tony Gonzalez advised dealers to take advantage of non-traditional advertising avenues including social media.
A key message Gart Sutton delivered to the assembled dealers was that the days of working on your business instead of in your business are over. You need to do both, and the GSA team of trainers and assembled industry experts provided dealers with the tools necessary to make the changes they need to increase profitability and thrive in an economy where we are still seeing dealers shutter their doors each month.
Learn more about Gart Sutton and Associates at www.gartsutton.com.