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The Myth of Absorption Rate: Johnson Tractor's Not Buying It

March 13, 2013 | Posted in Operations & Finance
The priority placed on absorption rates originated as a defense against downturns, explains Eric Johnson, partner, Johnson Tractor, Janesville, Wis., but it has evolved since to be one of the primary metrics to measure the health of a dealership. He and his brother, Leo, say it's used unfairly to decide winners and losers. The Johnsons have a contrarian view on absorption's "holy grail"? and dismiss the argument that parts and service can support a business during a downturn.
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Dealers Shed Light on Mystery of Marketing

By Mike Lessiter posted on March 13, 2013 | Posted in Best Practices, Operations & Finance
When the Farm Equipment staff spoke with dealers about topics they wanted for the first-ever Dealership Minds Summit, marketing topped nearly everyone's list. Because dealers know well that a better mousetrap and the world beating a path to your door is patently false. More important than ever, dealers must promote themselves with the same fervor that their OEM promotes its color, while employing new technology and customer intelligence tools.
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Marketing's Role in Enterprise Culture

March 13, 2013 | Posted in Operations & Finance
Laird Munro brought an outsider's view to the meeting. The director of marketing communications for Calgary-based Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) is a city boy who joined the dealership after 10 years working at Canada's WestJet airline. There, he witnessed first-hand the success that a culture-focus in a commodity-based industry no less could have on success.
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Business of Selling

The Myth of Market Share

By Dr. Jim Weber posted on March 13, 2013 | Posted in Operations & Finance
Record farm income and never before seen low interest rates over the last several years have enabled many dealers to make more money than they have ever made. Barring unforeseen economic and/or political events, all indicators point to continued prosperity for those dealers committed to managing their business successfully.
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A&I Products

Since 1980, A&I Products has become a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of aftermarket replacement parts for the agricultural, turf, and industrial equipment markets. A&I Products' experience and expertise has greatly contributed to the company's reputation as a top supplier of quality, reasonably priced parts. Founded with roots as a small machine shop and repair facility, the company made the transition by manufacturing new parts to replace those that were identified as commonly needing repair. Throughout the 1980s, the company quickly garnered a reputation for offering quality parts at a reasonable price.

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Yetter Farm Equipment

Built on 90 years of expertise, Yetter Farm Equipment leads the agriculture industry in designing effective and innovative equipment for residue management, seedbed preparation, precision fertilizer placement, harvest attachments, strip-tillage, and more.
Machinery Scope

Machinery Scope

At Machinery Scope, we believe you deserve the best risk management solutions for your investments in heavy equipment. Since 2013, we have been proud to offer extended warranty, appraisals, and inspections. Machinery Scope is a family-owned business built on our experience in farming and equipment dealerships. We understand your business and provide a personalized and professional level of customer service. Machinery Scope has built a strong warranty product with our customers in mind, offering the same professional level of service from the time you get a quote, through the processing of a claim.
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