Aftermarket Moto Design 302 September 2024 AMD 302 September 2024 | Page 32

Brian Klock emphasized the importance of location , noting that his company had two key spots : " We have two locations , one at J & P Cycles , one at Black Hills Harley-Davidson . And people just want to connect , right ?"
profit from selling food on the street this year , primarily because of the high cost of the vending locations in Sturgis .
Product Mix : Meeting the Needs of Every Rider
Another critical factor in the success of aftermarket manufacturers at Sturgis was offering a well-curated product mix that resonated with the needs of the rally-goers . From quick-install parts to more technical innovations ,
companies brought their best-selling and most popular products to the rally , ensuring that they could meet the immediate needs of riders . Parham of Comoto feels that suppliers with a technical or complicated product do well in building their brand at the rally . " It ' s so much more impactful to explain your product directly to your customer , rather than hoping they find the right YouTube videos ." Cory Ness of Arlen Ness Enterprise fame , and son of the late , great Arlen Ness , emphasized the importance of bringing products that offer instant
gratification . " We bring stuff that doesn ' t take too long to install ," Ness explained , adding that this approach has always worked well for them at Sturgis . Products like air cleaners , controls and grips that can be quickly installed on-site were top sellers , giving riders a chance to enhance their bikes without a long wait . Rekluse , known for its traditional and its auto clutch products for V-twin and off-roaders , also found success by focusing on education and demonstration . " Our product is very technical , and a lot of customers don ' t really understand how a clutch truly
works ," said Mike Campbell , Sales Supervisor for Rekluse . The company leveraged live demos to simplify the technical aspects , allowing customers to experience the product firsthand . This hands-on approach was crucial in converting curious onlookers into buyers .
Riding to Sturgis : A Statement of Brand Authenticity
Beyond location and product mix ,
Paul Devine , LeMans : " Black Hills Harley-Davidson , where we ' re at right now , is one of our biggest customers and many of our largest suppliers are right here in their lot ."
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