Franchised boost for independents
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Too many franchised dealers arc failing to put sufficient effort into selling used trucks, claims independent dealer Lee Smith. director of Hanbury Riverside of West Thurrock, Essex.And it's independents such as him who are reaping the benefits.
"A number of customers have told us how they've repeatedly telephoned certain franchised dealers about trucks they've seen advertised,left messages, but have never received a reply," he says.
"If we get an enquiry, however, we jump on it and chase it up.We know we've got to make that sale because, unlike a franchised dealership, we don't have a parts department or a workshop earning revenue. We don't sell new trucks either."
Franchised outlets should also rethink the atmosphere they create at their premises, he suggests, cornmenting:-Some hauliers looking to buy a used truck find it a bit daunting.That's why they prefer to deal with an independent."