Snowmobile shortage… the nightmare and reality of your snowmobile dealers

Unless you’re living in a cave and cut off from the rest of humanity, you’ve probably heard that the current Covid-19 pandemic has brought its own set of problems and that the words “out of stock and on time” are now part of the daily vocabulary of retailers in ALL CATEGORIES of products.

 Recreational vehicle dealers are no exception. The economic recovery and the “vacation at home” trend have created a craze for powersports. Dealers are happy to see different faces in their stores and to know that new users are choosing to experience what we are so passionate about!

 But on the other hand, high demand, a lack of electronic components, fragile and overstretched international transportation, and staffing challenges are causing a headache for manufacturers.

What if your snowmobile doesn’t arrive?

Take a deep breath!

Know that retailers understand your hurry better than anyone else and are going through the same thing you are, even with their own personal snowmobiles. Their goal is not to deprive you of your purchase.

 Believe me, it is much better for them to deliver the snowmobiles to you than to hide them in the back of their garage.

 Remember that your sales representatives are doing everything they can to finalize and deliver the pre-sold units. Unfortunately, they don’t have magical powers that allow them to make more snowmobiles available…

Putting things in perspective, thou shalt do!

When you think about it, this is a recreational vehicle, useful for a recreational purpose.  With a few exceptions, it’s not needed for your job or to support your home.

 Your health does not depend on it either, your basic needs are still met.

It’s true that when you’re an enthusiast, it hurts your heart to lose precious weeks of snowmobiling.

 However, if you stay positive, maybe this is an opportunity for you to experience new activities!

Thou shalt inform thyself of cancellation policies!

Your dealer informs you of an unacceptable delay?

 No self-respecting manufacturer leaves its customers without alternatives.

 Talk to your dealer so that he can inform you of what is available to you in the current situation.

Yelling at your technician and insulting him thou shalt not do!

Regardless of the manufacturer, the type of vehicle, the type of product, all dealers face issues. Yelling, insulting, threatening (yes, some do that!) does not speed up the process.

 Don’t shoot the messenger!

 You’ve probably had to deal with situations in your job that were out of your control… well, that’s what happens to all snowmobile dealers!

 Sales teams are made up of passionate people who do not deserve your contempt and insults. Please be civil. Remember, when this crisis is over, you will have to go back and talk to these teams at some point.

 Would you like them to greet you in this manner?

Calling your dealer every day, you will not do!

We promise you this on our families’ heads: when a snowmobile is ready to be delivered, your dealer will jump on the phone to contact the customer and make the delivery.

Going to the dealership every day or contacting the sales team at any time doesn’t speed anything up. It only makes the advisors feel worse and disappoints you once again.

In short, it’s a reality. Sports retailers are short of equipment and even clothing stores have empty racks.

We are all living the same reality. It has changed since March 2020 and, like you, snowmobile dealers are trying to adapt and find solutions.

It’s a challenge for everyone. Even manufacturers ( Ski-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha and Arctic Cat) now have to juggle a ton of external factors every day!

Remember this: every employee of every retailer wants to see you ” rocking ” the trails and mountains as soon as possible!

And, when you finally get your snowmobile, ENJOY IT! 

Namasté.

Cover photo by Hello I’m Nik on Unsplash