When disasters strike, do you have established vendor relationships to help your company stay operational?
In one of my early editions, I discussed the hidden costs of variability in the supply chain. This is always a relevant topic worth discussing; in that edition, it focuses on shipping delays, raw material shortages, and uncertainty about when your products will arrive. At the time, you were used to your suppliers providing next-day shipping or local same-day pickup. Weekly stock orders arrive on the same day each week, like...
Is your dealership prepared to take on the electrification market shift?
As we enter the second quarter of 2025, the material handling industry continues to see the trend toward electrification and sustainability initiatives. While regulatory pressures have fluctuated, more end-users want to transition their forklift fleets to electric models over internal combustion engine (ICE) units. This shift is not confined to one region—it is reshaping fleet policies and dealership strategies nationwide as companies...
Is your parts department the backbone of your dealership? It better be
The parts department is often referred to as the backbone of a dealership. It provides essential support to the service team, ensures customers receive the necessary components and contributes significantly to the dealership’s bottom line. Despite its critical role, the parts department frequently encounters challenges in maintaining operational efficiency, keeping up with customer expectations, and competing with online resellers....
Raising your labor service rate creates opportunities
I was talking to a General Manager of an OEM lift truck dealership the other day in a major metropolitan market. He told me they had just increased their service labor rates. I couldn’t believe it when he told me they were up over $200 per hour. That starkly contrasts the days when breaching the $100 per hour rate seemed like a daring move. Additionally, he told me they charge a flat 1.5 hours for travel, with a minimum of...
New Year actionable and proactive strategies that drive growth
Another January is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to reflect on the year behind us and set our sights on what’s ahead. Cheers to the New Year! I hope that as you read this, your business and personal successes in 2024 have set a strong foundation for an even better 2025. Each January, we find ourselves looking at the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, and this year is no different. At the heart of it all,...
Backorder management is more than just keeping parts flowing
I recently attended MHEDA’s Parts and Service Management Conference, and as is often the case with these industry events, I came away inspired with content for this month’s edition. One of the presenters was an industry colleague who gave an insightful presentation on backorder management and building processes for unforeseen delays. As she noted, a phrase that is all too common for parts and service managers is, “We’re just waiting...
Dealers Embrace Sustainability: Managing Resources & Environmental concerns
In the past few years, the material handling industry has seen a significant shift toward sustainability, driven by the need to better manage resources and address environmental concerns. The concept of the circular economy is driving this shift for dealerships. This mindset emphasizes maximizing the use of equipment and its parts, reducing waste, and establishing processes that ensure equipment and components stay in service for as...
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