Jaime Elftman, Assistant Editor

Staying steadily busy during the off-season with billable work is a universal challenge for dealers. One way to manage it is through winter service programs, in which customers are encouraged to bring in their farm equipment for off-season maintenance and inspections. This gives dealers work through the winter and helps customers get ready for spring.

We reached out to dealers of all colors from across North America who shared successful strategies and best practices for promoting their service programs and bringing in customers during the “off season.” Marketing representatives from several dealerships share their winter service promotions and why they work in their own words.

Click the button below for suggestions from major manufacturers John Deere and Case IH on promoting winter service programs.

Web exclusive: 6 Tips from Manufacturers on Promoting Winter Service Programs

Dealer Takeaways

• Use winter service promotions to tell customers the key features and levels of your service program and encourage them to schedule their inspections early.
• Sell winter service by reminding customers that being proactive can help save them time and money during the planting and harvesting seasons.
• Consider tying your winter service program with a winter storage program for extra value for the customer.