DEALER OPEN DAYS DRAW THE CROWDS

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

Agricultural and groundscare machinery dealers who have hosted some of the first open days and shows of 2025, including Ernest Doe, Ripon Farm Services, Farmstar and Manns, are reporting some cautious optimism among customers and sales staff, despite the uncertainty that continues to dog the agricultural equipment trade in particular.

At Ernest Doe’s annual three-day show held last week, first-day attendance was particularly strong from early morning until late afternoon on the traditionally-strong first day, with good numbers attending on the following two days, reports Hayley Hill, marketing manager.

“There’s no doubt we were cautious at the beginning of this year about how things would be, particularly ahead of our first LAMMA show where we were exhibiting the specialist vegetable machinery we now sell following our expansion into south Lincolnshire with the acquisition of two further branches.

“Last year we had enjoyed our second-best ever event for sales and attendance, so given current circumstances we weren’t expecting to exceed that, but we have been pleasantly surprised. The proof will come at the end of today, our final post-show day for our sales teams to put in their orders.

“The addition of the vegetable machinery, the fact we put on coaches to bring down customers from our new south Lincs territory, and the addition of new franchises such as Amazone groundcare products, all helped to bolster the visitor numbers and potential sales leads.

“Many new visitors told us they hadn’t realised it was more than a dealer open day, with the demonstrations, the sales items and other features. Their feedback has given us new views and perspectives on the show, which is always useful for our planning for future events.”

Elsewhere, Yorks dealer Farmstar also reported a strong open day back in late January. Sam Davies, this firm’s general manager, says attendance exceeded expectations, with over 800 visitors, while deals were agreed on some 25 items of used machinery during the day.

“We also held a raffle, raising £1,055.41 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance Team South, and had a good take-up on discounted parts offers.”
In Suffolk, Manns’ annual Green Thursday open day - plus a Preview Wednesday - at its Saxham Used Machinery Centre were also well-attended, reports Will Riddleston, used machinery manager for the business.

“We had a lot of people through the doors over the two days, with the Claas GPS and telehandler demos on our adjacent demo area also bringing in a lot of interest. While offers on used machinery are an important part of the days, they are also a good opportunity to show customers what else we can offer them and how we can add value.”