CUSTOMERS KEEN TO CUT A DEAL IN EARLY SEASON OPEN DAYS

Martin Rickatson, Service Dealer's agricultural machinery editor writes  . . .

With prominent dealerships including Ripon Farm Services, Farmstar and Ernest Doe having all held open events and shows in recent weeks, the dealer trade has been able to get a good handle on the desire among potential customers for investing in new and used agricultural and groundscare equipment over the coming months. Based on the number of enquiries made, leads generated and machines sold, there appears to be come cautious optimism that anticipated downturn of 2024 may yet not be as severe as some anticipate.

Attendance on the first of the three days of the Doe Show in Essex appeared particularly strong, and both Ripon and Farmstar also reported strong numbers at their Yorkshire events. Sam Davies, Farmstar general manager, said the company’s open day had generated a number of good leads, while at Ernest Doe, used machinery manager Matt Hart was pleased to have ticked a number of significant farm equipment items off the firm’s secondhand stock list by the end of the first day when Service Dealer caught up with him. Managing director Angus Doe, meanwhile, said he was buoyed by the number of new machine enquiries reported to him and sales director Graham Parker.

With other dealer open days in the calendar, Service Dealer is keen to visit some new ones this year and highlight the way in which they stimulate sales activity. If you would be happy for us to visit your event and feature it in the magazine, please get in touch.