Tried and True Merchandising
Top products and experienced salespeople are half the battle in retail sales.
The automotive industry landscape is very rocky right now. A rapid sales rebound is not on the horizon, and many companies are going through radical restructuring. A research report commissioned by SEMA and conducted by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) sees opportunity for SEMA members in this environment.
Ford was the Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show for the 2009 SEMA Show, but its support for specialty-equipment companies goes well beyond that. The Ford Licensed Accessories Program offers qualified SEMA members the chance to boost sales of their products through Ford dealerships.
“It is a great concept and we’ve had a lot of growth with the program,” says Ernie Bunnell, vice president of sales and marketing at 3dCarbon of Newport Beach, California.
Car and truck buyers seek the vehicles that best suit their needs, including the need to be individual. While the automakers deliver an amazing variety of products to fit dozens of market niches, they cannot possibly create a unique vehicle for every unique customer. Accessories and performance products fill that void, allowing unlimited and complete personalization of any car or truck.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association(SEMA) was established in 1963. It serves the industry with market research, as a legislative watchdog, as an educational outlet and as an advocate for the opening of international markets. Its membership has grown to include more than 7,300 companies, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors (WDs), jobbers and retailers serving every automotive niche.
For John Hotchkis, the “aha” moment came when he did an Internet search for a BMW exhaust. He found two videos on YouTube of BMWs with exhausts from the brand he was considering. They were posted by satisfied customers, not the manufacturer.
Top products and experienced salespeople are half the battle in retail sales.
The 2009-2010 SEMA Board of Directors is an esteemed group of industry professionals, including four newly elect members: Joel Ayres of Truck Accessories Group, Jeff Bates of Bob Cook Sales, Laurel Dasher of Superchips Inc. and Zan Martin of Martin & Co. Advertising. The SEMA Board of Directors will guide the association in addressing the most pressing industry issues for the next two years.
Every year, buyers flock to the SEMA Show for what is a virtual playground of the best and latest in new products and technology.
SEMA used a digital tracking method for the 2008 SEMA Show New Products Showcase, allowing buyers to scan product barcodes with a key fob and receive product details via printout or e-mail.