PARTNER UP WITH
GATES explains how they help increase sales and revenue streams
through their TechPartner Programme with VITAL NEWS.
Gates has a strong reputation for providing comprehensive technical
solutions to help increase garage loyalty to the motor factors. Initiatives
like the Gates TechPartner Programme help create a market pull for
Gates products and services while improving installation best practices.
GATES TECHPARTNER-SHIP
Garages that partake in the Gates TechPartner Programme enjoy
in-depth technical training in the field of drive systems maintenance
and repair, conducted by technical experts from Gates. They are also
given easy access to specialist tools for professional installers and
technical newsletters that provide the latest industry and technological
updates. Furthermore, they enjoy peace of mind with an exclusive,
extended warranty. For example, while Gates timing belt kits carry a
standard 2-year warranty, Gates TechPartners enjoy an extra 2 years on
top of the standard warranty.
Special TechPartner training workshops will be provided free of charge
in order to help sign up the garage customers to the programme.
Additional promotional material will also be readily available. The Gates
TechPartner Programme allows motor factors and installers to benefit
from a genuine partnership with the leading manufacturer and supplier
of OE quality Synchronous Belt Drive Systems (SBDS) and Auxiliary
Belt Drive Systems (ABDS).
COMPREHENSIVE KITS
Gates has a comprehensive range of both SBDS and ABDS kits. On top
of being a revenue stream for motor factors, these kits also help reduce
the number of warranty claims as a result of improper installation.
With more than 1,000 references and further range extensions in the
pipeline, each Gates PowerGrip® or Micro-V® kit can be easily sourced
with OE-matched parts to ensure that all components work together,
perfectly.
TechPartners also raise the profile of their businesses with the
association and support of a reputable OE supplier and drive systems
specialist.
For garages to qualify as a Gates TechPartner, they must adhere to
guidelines set by Gates. TechPartners are required to complete the
necessary technical training and are obliged to use all application
appropriate tools, where specified. They must also be able to conduct
installations in accordance to manufacturers’ specifications.
FACTORING IN
The Gates TechPartner Programme is most successful when Gates, the
motor factor and the garage, work cohesively together. This is when
the benefits of the programme filters through every level of the supply
chain.
Membership requirements for TechPartners help motor factors
maintain a constant stream of sales and improve customer satisfaction.
It also helps decrease warranty claims by providing installers with
enhanced technical support and proper tools to do the job with
precision, according to best practices.
To further support motor factors in this programme, all necessary tool
packs are readily available through FPS. This enables the factor to offer
the installer a complete tooling solution for either purchase or hire,
should they not have themselves already available.
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 44
BRIDGING THE GAP
As a manufacturer of OE parts for the majority of vehicle manufacturers
around the world, Gates has an extensive product range and offers
complete aftermarket solutions. This includes providing technical
support to garages with tips, product and tool information, as well as
installation guidelines via their technical website – GatesTechZone.
com. This free resource is compatible with any handheld device,
making it an easy point of reference for garages.
Furthermore, all Gates products available from FPS are catalogued on
the F:Drive and MAM Autocat. For more information, please speak with
your local Gates or FPS representative.
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