RVBusiness, September/October 2019
years said one retailer Another said the pace of retail is slower than previous record years but its still a good market A third stated that retail is on fire although it started later than usual Results were decidedly mixed as well when dealers were asked what current industry challenges were having an impact on their dealership although Trumps tariffs and too much inventory were mentioned several times One dealer said warranty and parts support was the primary factor noting that too often we have to disable a new piece of inventory to take care of a customer in season because of failures in their new unit and manufacturers and suppliers that cant get us parts quickly When asked their opinions on the current state of industry trade shows dealer responses again varied greatly although the majority of comments leaned toward a less is more approach Open House has obviously pushed the RVIA show out of relevance in many ways stated one respondent RVX wasnt a success and now RVIA is trying to determine what to do moving forward added another We will always support and attend any and all shows that the industry and manufacturers have I feel the national trade shows are very important yet another declared It gives dealers a chance to see whats new and innovative in the industry It is good for networking with other dealers from around the country Other Survey Results Offer Varying Insight Of the more than 100 respondents 717 said they would have at least one person from their dealership attend the upcoming Open House And curiously 604 said theyd be visiting several OEM displays as they plan on shopping around When asked if they were satisfied with their current inventory more than half 531 said they were generally satisfied Nearly three in 10 296 said they felt they are carrying too much inventory at the present time while 173 said they dont have enough inventory When dealers were asked what Please quantify those new unit inventories compared to last year 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 At least 25 less How best can you describe 2019 s retail sales Whats your outlook for the foreseeable future type of product they are most focused on stocking this year travel trailers were an overwhelming choice with 72 Class C coaches were a distant second at 15 followed by Class A motorhomes 7 and fifth wheels and Class B vans 3 tied for fourth 30 RVBusiness S E P T E M B E R O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9 At least 25 more 15 25 less 5 15 less 5 15 more 15 25 more About the same Much better than I anticipated 8 Disappointing to say the least 19 Somewhat better than last year 26 Off somewhat 27 Mediocre 20 Very optimistic Flat 25 22 Underperforming 14 Guardedly upbeat 37 Unacceptably low 2 Are you considering offering rentals to augment revenue Im planning to offer them sometime this year 11 I already offer them 20 I dont plan to offer them 69
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