STIHL ANSWER DEALERS' QUESTIONS

Service Dealer received several questions from our dealer readers regarding STIHL's newly announced partnership with Screwfix - which we put to the manufacturer's GB management team this week.

We print in full below:

Q: Is Screwfix click and collect only?

A: Click & Collect is the popular way that customers buy from Screwfix. They can also buy products in store or for home delivery.

Q: Will they be assembling and PDI-ing machines and offering a full personal handover? If not, are they still claiming the handover fee?

A: The majority of Screwfix’s sales will be online. As in all cases, where handover isn’t done, then no handover fee is paid.

Q: Are Screwfix going to invest time and money in training all their counter staff on all the STIHL battery technology?

A: Training has already commenced. STIHL and Screwfix are working together on training for store staff and contact centre staff.

Q: Are they going to build designated service counters or workshops for testing and repair?

A: Screwfix has already established a STIHL service area within a designated service centre which is relevant to battery and electric tools.

Q: Are they going to hire designated technicians or train their existing staff?

A: Technicians have been trained and the service centre is equipped with necessary tools and other equipment.

Q: Are Screwfix having the admin burden of registering product sales?

A: Screwfix has their own product registration system and will use their own robust system in the event of a recall.

Q: Will they have a sign outside?

A: Signage is offered to STIHL Approved Dealers’ to help increase their visibility by leveraging our brand. The Screwfix model is different, whereby their shop window is their app and website, both of which will have a STIHL branded page.

Q: Will they watch the product expert videos?

A: Screwfix in conjunction with STIHL has a thorough training programme for all colleagues.

Q: Will it soon be in B&Q?

A: STIHL GB has no current plans to offer STIHL to other retailers.

Q: How much stock have Screwfix already got and does that explain STIHL’s current stock shortages or cordless equipment?

A: At the time of starting to work with Screwfix, there were no significant backorders. Any items that were on backorder at the time, were not offered to Screwfix. Stock is offered to all dealers and Screwfix on a first-come, first-serve basis.