Discussion:
dealer support

Do you get better support from dealers who represent 1 exclusive forklift brand than from dealers with multiple brands? Or is support a management challenge independent from the brands you offer?
  • Posted 23 Aug 2011 09:53
  • By FLA_Ann
  • joined 1 Sep'05 - 24 messages
  • Queensland, Australia
Forkliftaction.com Team
Showing items 1 - 1 of 1 results.
My experiences would indicate that when a dealer carries one primary line the customer support parts, service etc ism easier on the organization in learning the ins & outs of how to "keep 'em" up and running. When a secondary line that is taken on that directly competes with the primary line the support behind the secondary product will not be up to the same level as the primary. Some reasons being - dealers have a limit on the amount of financial resources they are willing to support a new line - parts, new equipment inventory, rental fleet, technical training on the new line slowly ramps up, the whole organization has to learn another library of resources materials; how to & whom they communicate with; new working relationships, policies & procedures. It is always easier to fall back on what you know best, especially when companies are working with leaner staffs. Sorta' like finding a new girl friend - you have to learn how to kiss the new one the right way or she's on the next Greyhound out of town - except lift trucks will never be that much fun. That assumes you are not married.
And I have run into a dealer or two that will take on a second line just to take a "low priced" machine out of the competitors hands & by a few units, now & then and put them in their rental fleet.
I realize there are exceptions to what I have said & I can point to a few myself. But as it was once said It is hard to serve two masters.
Now for my however comment. However, if the secondary line is unique (like a Bendi or Moffet type or large capacity lift like Hoist) product that compliments the primary line rather than directly competes with the primary line take the above comments and send them to the recycle bin.
  • Posted 23 Aug 2011 11:36
  • By johnr_j
  • joined 3 Jun'06 - 1,446 messages
  • Georgia, United States

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Crown RR5225-30TT321
Braeside, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hire
UN Forklift FD30-35T
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edition #1254 - 30 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News - As an industry, our focus is often on key economic indicators such as productivity and profitability, but we all know our sector simply wouldn’t exist without the skilled operators who bring the machinery to life... Continue reading
Global Industry News
edition #1254 - 30 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News - As an industry, our focus is often on key economic indicators such as productivity and profitability, but we all know our sector simply wouldn’t exist without the skilled operators who bring the machinery to life... Continue reading
Crown RR5225-30TT321
Braeside, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hire
UN Forklift FD30-35T
HANGZHOU, Zhejiang, China
New - Sale
Editorial calendar - planned features
CONSTRUCTION FORKLIFTS
HANDLING GOODS IN THE COLD
LOADING/UNLOADING FREIGHT
BROWNFIELD AUTOMATION
FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS
BATTERY AFFORDABILITY AND LIFETIME
FORKLIFT SAFETY
Upcoming industry events …
November 4-6, 2025 - Jaarbeurs, Netherlands
November 14, 2025 - Melbourne, Australia
December 10-11, 2025 - Louisville, United States
Global Industry News
edition #1254 - 30 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News - As an industry, our focus is often on key economic indicators such as productivity and profitability, but we all know our sector simply wouldn’t exist without the skilled operators who bring the machinery to life... Continue reading
Editorial calendar - planned features
CONSTRUCTION FORKLIFTS
HANDLING GOODS IN THE COLD
LOADING/UNLOADING FREIGHT
BROWNFIELD AUTOMATION
FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS
BATTERY AFFORDABILITY AND LIFETIME
FORKLIFT SAFETY