Happy New Year !
To offer additional value to our dealership readers , NATDA Magazine is replacing its President ’ s Letter segment with “ Insights from NATDA ’ s Dealership Advisory Board .” In each issue , this segment will feature members of the NATDA Dealer Advisory Board weighing in on current matters that impact dealership owners and management . The intent of this segment is to offer readers opinions and insight from experienced trailer dealership owners who are dedicated to supporting the industry .
In this issue , we ask :
What ’ s the one thing dealerships should do in 2023 as the industry attempts to recover from the current supply chain disruption ?
“ Order lean in Quarters One and Two to lower your older higher priced inventory to prepare for a minimum of at least 25 % decreases on current surcharges by Quarters Three and Four . With the slowing of the economy , you will be able to order and receive inventory in 3 to 4 weeks again so don ’ t order out a huge pipeline as in previous years . Spend extra time watching cash flow to be able to retain current staff . Be prepared with staff , facilities and parts for more customer repairs in your shops . With the downturn in the economy , customers will be repairing more than making new purchases to update older units , you will be able to utilize repair income to offset the decline on sales income .”
Nick Mirsberger
Nick Mirsberger Owner , Misberger Sales & Service , Inc
“ The industry is once again facing a parts shortage and market consolidation is creating greater competition . As dealers , we are going to need to watch all expenses for the upcoming year . At our business , we have been doing double orders on our fast-moving parts .”
Keith Wright Owner & President , K ’ s Trailer Parts & Service
Keith Wright
“ Be cautious with inventory control , as our industry will soon to be taking a 180 degree turn with the substantial rise in material cost and overall inflation . Prices and surcharges have already started to drop within our industry , and I know they still need to drastically change before we can even start to recover . So , if you ’ re not cautious about what you ’ re bringing in for stock , you may end up having overpriced trailers that you won ’ t be able to sell , and your competition will be able to outsell you with newer models for much less money .”
Shane Thompson
Shane Thompson President , Action Trailers
Have a question for the NATDA Dealership Advisory Board ? Contact NATDA at board @ natda . org , please use the subject line Advisory Board .
The opinions here represent the diversity of opinion within the light to medium-duty trailer industry . The views and opinions expressed are those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the North American Trailer Dealers Association who shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies presented .
10 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org