Weak commodity prices continue to translate into a slump in farm equipment sales in the U.S. and Canada, and that has ag equipment dealers struggling to find ways to boost revenues and move a backlog of new and used equipment from their lots. Meanwhile, some equipment manufacturers are leaning on their dealer networks to “stock up” and place more orders — purchases the dealers worry cannot be sold profitably.
A few weeks ago, I drove out to see Leo Johnson, Johnson Tractor (2012 Farm Equipment Dealership of the Year), to hear how his 4-stores were responding to the used equipment pileup. Meeting in his newly renovated dealership in Janesville, Wis., (and later in his truck), we covered a lot of ground that afternoon.
As 2015 draws to a close, there’s a lot of pessimism, maybe resignation, in the air that we’re in for another tough year in 2016. During the last several times I was out and about visiting dealers or at industry events, if I was asked once, I was asked a dozen times, “You got any good news for us Dave?”
It's been the softest spot in the used farm equipment market for the past couple years. I'm referencing late-model, large used planters — specifically 24-, 36- and 48-row models.
John Deere’s pending acquisition of Precision Planting, to include access to the Climate Corp.’s FieldView data management tool, has independent precision dealers wondering if they will remain a part of the company’s retail network in the future.
The days of sitting back and waiting for customers to come in are gone. More than ever sales personnel need to be educated on the products, the customers and the customers’ needs. And they need to be proactive.
High used equipment inventories is a problem plaguing North American farm equipment dealers. According to the Ag Equipment Intelligence's October Dealer Sentiments & Business Conditions survey, a net 33% of dealers say they used equipment inventory was too high in September.
Two weeks ago in this space we posed the question, “Are equipment leases trending?” Along with that blog, we conducted an informal poll of farm equipment dealers asking whether or not their sale of machinery leases increased during the past 12 months.
Service technicians are too skilled to be tasked with answering phones. To make better use of their time, consider placing a form on your website that enables customers to submit a service request.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at AGCO’s plans for its precision business and its 2029 targets. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman talks with Eis Implement’s precision team. Also in this episode, the interest savings dealers could see with the latest rate cut by the Fed and a look at the used 100+ horsepower tractor market.
Built on 90 years of expertise, Yetter Farm Equipment leads the agriculture industry in designing effective and innovative equipment for residue management, seedbed preparation, precision fertilizer placement, harvest attachments, strip-tillage, and more.
At Machinery Scope, we believe you deserve the best risk management solutions for your investments in heavy equipment. Since 2013, we have been proud to offer extended warranty, appraisals, and inspections. Machinery Scope is a family-owned business built on our experience in farming and equipment dealerships. We understand your business and provide a personalized and professional level of customer service. Machinery Scope has built a strong warranty product with our customers in mind, offering the same professional level of service from the time you get a quote, through the processing of a claim.
Finance Scope is able to provide the best financing opportunities for equipment dealers and customers through a diverse mix of lending companies under one single platform. Our large group of lenders, allows for competitive rates regardless of credit scores. Additionally, dealers and customers have access to the industry’s best expertise surrounding finance and lease structures, for all purposes, within the agricultural and construction industries. We provide all of this into one online platform to provide our customers with the best available tailored finance solution for their equipment.