In case you haven't heard Josh Rogers of Scoot Magazine fame will be hosting a class on how to run a new Scooter Dealership. A brief overview of the scooter scene, what stores can do to promote scooter culture, and how to stay profitable.
Many new scooter shops are Chinese only or mostly Asian brands and they don't know how to market across the broad range of riders out there. Josh will be giving his presentation with some revolutionary ideas on how to market to all the buyers out there. This is someone who has visited hundreds of shops and knows the industry well, we suggest dealers visit his seminar at www.DealerExpo.com
You will also get copy of Scoot if you attend or better yet stop by the MRP booth at number 5711 to get a free copy as well.
Again if you have a dealership or are looking at opening one DEALER EXPO 2011 is free. So make sure to stop by the Martin Racing Performance booth 5711 in the new vehicle pavillion.
So the 2010 figures just came out and it's pretty clear that last year 440,000 motorcycles were sold in the USA. That means that there were 82,000 units less than in 2009 for MIC ( Motorcycle Industry Council ) members reported. This really is just the tip of the iceberg because companies like United Motors, Keeway, TNG scooters, CPI, Diamo and others never reported how many ATVs, Scooters, EV Electric scooters, or Motorcycles they sold. So of the 30 plus second and third tier brands none of those were ever factored in the good or bad years like 2007 to 2010 so you have a huge gap in what the numbers really mean. To me it means over 300 scooter dealers closed and with good reason because the market couldn't sustain them.
Now we enter a new phase where some counties and cities only have one scooter shop.
Will you meet the demand as gas prices go up? or will you help create your own competition because you don't rise to the market challenges of 2011 as gas prices go up? These are the questions the industry will face as 2011 has sales rise again for the first time in 2 years.
In 2009, the motorcycle industry in the USA saw a massive drop in sales as almost 360,000 less motorcycles were sold compared to 2008 this was due to consumer financing and the price of gas going down. Now gas prices are going up and consumer sentiment is back up. Most consumers can easily finance or pay for a scooter and credit is coming back to the market.
All that is needed now is for the dealer base to target them as the price of gas rises.
Gas prices alone won't make your store profitable. You have to create a better parts and service department while at the same time decide if you want to be a "me too" repair center or a destination for potential buyers.
A destination point is more than just a service center. It's the guy that solves all problems. Cares about finding that part no matter how hard it is to find. Puts customer satisfaction in all the things they do. Including finding parts for brands no longer on the market.
See if the Honda dealer only repairs Honda then he's leaving you the independent dealer over 45 brands to repair. Same applies to Vespa and others. Why have so many Vespa shops closed? One good reason is they were told by Piaggio to only repair Vespa scooters. Follow my advice and you can avoid these issues, because even with a better economy ever service and parts sale counts.
A couple of months ago I was talking to an employee of another company who asked me why we were working so hard to help consolidate the scooter industry. In his opinion it was best to let all the former United Motors, Diamo, Italjet and Daelim dealers/clients buy a new scooter. He didn't get the concept of how a dealer that sold a product a year or two ago were still liable for a product they sold. In some states those scooters are considered motor vehicles and had even more Lemon Laws affecting them. So you better believe someone who spent $6,000 on Hyosung 650cc branded UM is going to want parts, yes you can get some of these from Hyosung, but will they be in the same color with the UM logo on it? The answer is no.
Thousands of orphaned customers and dealers are out there right now and the Indiana Dealer Expo is a good place for the scooter industry to educate them. From where to find parts to why as a distributor we want dealers to repair every brand they can.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on-5ZA5GvHs
The other issue facing us is a whole new crop of investors and possible operators are looking at opening a scooter shop. Since 2008 there's been hundreds of towns left without a dealership. The thinning of the herd has now caused there to be a market gap for someone to come in and take the market share. Consumers are having to drive miles to find a dealer to install a 80cc kit or to get an exhaust from.
Having fewer stores out there you find yourself waiting days sometimes to get a scooter repaired. Shops work leaner with less inventory, fewer mechanics, so if you have customers waiting on a couch why not sell them some water? Having these clients just waiting around a showroom means you should have jackets, helmets, soda, coffee and more.
I know these are things that bigger dealers get, but scooter shops managers don't usually know that they need to stock them so the Dealer Expo is a good chance for them to learn what they need to do. What type of market they are in? How to self-qualify themselves.
Are they a price point dealer? a repair only shop? or are they trying to build a destination?
What is their branding score? Are they selling first tier brands ( Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Vespa ) Secondary Price Points ( Kymco / SYM / PGO - Genuine / TAIWAN / KOREA ) or lower price points ( Mainland China)
How do they stack up against other dealers?
Do they stock clothing ( Armadillo ) Helmets, gloves, racing parts?
All these questions are extremely important. The other aspect is service.
You can't survive without repairing as many bikes as you can and that means knowing all the brands that are out there and where to buy the parts. That's where MRP comes to help the dealer take advantage of all these brands no longer on the market and to give you one easy place where you can get the parts.
MRP distributes OEM parts for TNG (CMSI) select models of CF Moto Daelim Motors Korea ( parts should appear on website by mid July) Malaguti of Italy (www.Malaguti.com) Keeway Southeast (Keeway Vento QJ Andretti Yamati models) CPI Taiwan Powersports Factory Brands PSF Diamo Cubik (matches OEM Vento part numbers) as well as QJ and ZNEN (who manufacture bikes for a variety of scooter importers) such as FlyScooters Lance BMS Qlink models that were ZNEN corresponding to matching TNG parts. Every scooter is someone's first ride we help the dealers and consumers find those hard to find parts. Doesn't matter what brand it is we've been doing the Chinese scooter parts thing since 2004 so we can help you find the right part. Since January 2009 MRP has expanded by acquiring the QJ -- Keeway Southeast distribution parts warehouse the Diamo USA / LS Motorsports / Italjet USA parts warehouse CPI -- TAIWAN Distribution and TNG Scooters. The company has OEM parts for Malaguti scooters of Italy Benelli (acquired by QJ in 2006) the Italian brand now made in China and sold in the USA under the Andretti name MH Motorhispania of Spain RX Loncin Lifan Linhai Zongshen Wangye MS UTVs and CPI Taiwan.
MRP is the only source for UMGLOBAL United Motors of America scooter parts now that United Motors (www.UMGlobal.com) has closed in the USA. We also offer Hyosung parts as well Franco Morini kits for scooters.
In addition the company distributes performance parts from Athena Malossi Turbo Kit Innova Vee Rubber Duro Bando Gates Powerlink Posh Maxxis Namura Scooter Ninja Slipstreamer and MRP. Products carried by MRP can be obtain exclusively at select Motorcycle Dealerships and Repair Shops in the USA. MRP is the one stop wholesale ONLY scooter buggy and ATV parts distributor.
* air filters * axles * batteries * battery chargers * bearings * belts * body parts * brakes * cables * carburetors * CDIs * chains * controllers (electric) * electronics * Engine Parts * engines & motors * frame parts * gas caps and gas tanks * handles, grips, controls * lights * mufflers * sprockets * tires and tubes * wheels We have parts for: GY6 QMI152/157 QMJ152/157 4-stroke engines. 250cc 4-stroke CN250 water-cooled 172mm engines. 50cc 4-stroke QMB139 engines. 50cc Franco Morini, Piaggio, Malaguti and more! http://www.mrp-speed.com
So a smart marketing savy dealer can make a name for himself in his local marketplace. They can send postcards, tweets, and flyers to all the clients the orphaned consumers out there from the local DMV registrations. They can contact the TNG, Diamo, CPI, United Motors, Tank riders and say "HEY WE HAVE PARTS" come in let us help you.
When accessing the potential of 2011 when you factor in rising gas prices, less competition, and more interest in alternative transportation this could be a great year. So there's never been a better time than now to hang in there and start promoting the joys of scootering in America.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUIbN3Jo8pQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HRUokVfsDk
So there he had it. It might be snowing, but he could sell boots, jackets, and maybe do a fashion show for his riders much like the Ducati shops. Selling hot chocolate or tea in Atlanta might not seem like a bright idea, but it works for many dealers. When they add up at the end of the year how much they sold in coffee and sodas it adds up.
When its cold outside people might gather up and watch a movie in your shop if you made it more than just a repair location. There is no money purely in the parts, the real money comes in building a destination point. A place for rallies, gatherings, and clients who are willing to pay more because they have a good relationship with the owner.
If your store is boring, how can you keep the interest of someone raised on Game Boys or a Nintendo DS?
Think outside the box, do so and you will sell all the clothing, coffee, sodas, and treats you can imagine. For more articles visit our site http://www.mrp-speed.com
So I'm trying to read between the lines of what I am seeing in the news this year. If I was someone with a lot of money like someone that worked at a gasoline company I would probably be buying stock in Exxon, Shell, BP, and everyone else like Iran that produces the sweet black gold.
Most analysts are concerned that with gas prices above the $3 level in the winter, not typically a high-price season, they will spike come spring time, when demand historically has been higher. This summer prepare yourself for a scooter shortage, a gas shortage, and hopefully the end of gas guzzling cars!
ALSO SOMETHING WE WILL TALK ABOUT AT DEALER EXPO BOOTH 5711
Don't miss all the new NG Disks on display at this years Dealer Expo! Booth 5711 NG DISKS (ROTORS) featuring some of the best disk brakes in the world. Including Scooters, ATV, Motorcycle ( Dirt, MX, Harley, Ducati, Sportbikes, Enduros, and more!)
NG Racing Chrome Styled disks have all of the benefits of our Standard Wavvy rotors but chromed! NG high quality rotors are laser cut for precision and to eliminate the stress most other discs occur during stamped manufacturing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xELJFjagzK4
MRP is a leader in aftermarket race parts for buggies, sand karts, gokarts, and scooters. The booth will be in the NEW VEHICLES Powersports Products section number 5711. The MRP booth will feature the latest in Go Kart / Buggy exhausts from Turbo Kit ( www.TurboKit.net ) a global leader in aftermarket exhaust systems for Buggies and will feature their new 500cc CF-MOTO buggy exhaust system as well as several Dirt, MX, and off-road exhaust systems. Turbo Kit has been in business over 40 years and will presenting its new US 2011 lineup at the show.
MRP will also have on display Armadillo Scooter Wear jackets and clothing ( www.ArmadilloScooterWear.com ) interested retailers please stop by to see the latest offerings from the British brand featuring Cordura, D30 shock absorption technology, and 3M protection.
For more information contact www.mrp-speed.com MRP is the official distributor of NG Disks www.ngbrakedisc.com
We have brakes for the following brands: AJP, ALFER, BARBERAN, BETA, BRUNE, CCM, CH RACING, CLIPIC, DERBI, FACTORY BIKE, FAMEL, GAS GAS, HM MOTORCYCLES, HONDA, MONTESA, MOTO MORINI, MOTOS BORDOY, MV AUGUSTA, MOTORRAD TECHNIC, PEUGEOT, POLINI, RIEJU, SHERCO, SIDE BIKE, SUZUKI, YAMAHA MRP YOUR SOURCE FOR PARTSFORSCOOTERS! PARTSFORATVS! PARTSFORCHINESE! UPGRADES RACING PERFORMANCE PARTS FOR RACING SCOOTERS!
This year on one of the panels, I've been asked to talk about Dealer Rights and exclusive territories.
Seems like the bad economy has forced many vehicle distributors ( Mainly Taiwanese and Chinese scooter importers ) to put new dealers within the territories of existing motor vehicle dealers without canceling existing franchises. This is the opposite of what has been happening in the big bike market where Honda, Yamaha, and Harley have been allowing dealers to close or just downright not helping them stay open.
Depending on the state some of these dealers have either been hurt or made out like bandits when going before a commission since it comes down to the distributor and what they have done.
We still face a huge glut of scooters in warehouses, not as many as in 2009 or 2010, but there are Chinese brands with 2,000 or more units and more GE repos. Having a local dealer buy SYM HD200cc units for $500 a piece at the local auction that were meant for Canada can severely affect the local SYM dealer, so we'll also talk about how these bikes affect dealer territories and rights. Depressed markets like Puerto Rico also have a backlog of out of business distributors with logistics companies holding on to over 5,000 units released from customs and EPA which are continuously finding new homes. Some American dealers have resorted to buying units from the auctions in Puerto Rico or selling defunct brands like FLYScooters which were liquidated. How does this affect you in terms of Lemon Laws? Warranties? when the unit is brand new and you the dealer sell it without a warranty? ( hint MRP is here to help you with those parts by the way www.mrp-speed.com) Plus more on SEARS / PEPBOYS and other big box retailers selling vehicles and how this can either benefit or harm your small dealership. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU-EePXBX8Q
So we'll cover this at one of the sessions from the scooter industry perspective. So please make sure to come out to Dealer Expo.
By the way the Martin Racing Performance booth is 5711 if you haven't put it in your planner now is the time. Stop by and check out all the great new products we will have for scooters, atvs, and motorbikes.
All this and more at the 2011 Dealer Expo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e6EMQ_z36Y
The Armadillo Hoodie with d3o protection integrated into the hoddie, was tested and reviewed in Austin Texas. The hoodie was worn by a dummy which was dropped from a slow moving car. The dummy was dropped on its front and also on its back. From the review you can see that an individual would be protected by the Armadillo Hoodie, and that their skin would not be damaged. The d3o protective scooter garment was described as “stylish and comfortable” on the website. “Thanks to d3o technology…scooter jackets and other protective clothing can withstand impacts and protect the rider.” “If the rider is wearing the right clothing injury can be lessened or prevented completely”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdE2MMcbLVw&feature=player_embedded
Material Development
D3O has developed and patented a technology comprising of a polymer composite, containing a chemically engineered dilatant to function as an energy absorber. This basic material has been chemically enhanced to allow the material to be adapted to meet specific performance applications. Chemical engineering allows the material to be tuned to meet strategic operational and environmental conditions, the rate of impact resistance it needs to withstand and the overall weight of the end component or material. D3O lab develops materials, design and geometry in tandem with its customers to deliver the highest possible performance.
D3O can be used as both a foam and un-foamed material in a variety of formulations, from elastomers, robust and resilient microcellular foams and soft and tactile polymers. This unique ability allows a selection of the most appropriate materials to be used to focus the energy dispersion in critical areas for maximum shock absorption or protection. The intrinsic energy dissipation characteristics can be enhanced by combining D3O with other functional materials to provide a composite or organic solutions. The synergy between D3O and other materials can be optimized by dual-casting or via the modification of their surface energy, this provides a unique matrix of possibilities and composite solutions to deliver enhanced shock absorption or protective qualities.
The T5 Pro flo1 limb components are thicker than the T5 flo1 range and offer greater protection, whilst still being comfortable and lightweight. The components are CE certified and ideal for the motorcycle and sports markets.
I've ridden scooters for years, and if there’s one thing I've discovered now that I've been promoting clothing it's that not all the shops out there understand why clothing is important to the riders. We have to get past the financial decision of all this and the fact that some managers don't understand clothing, but trust me statistics don't lie according to Dealer News last year jackets and apparel sales actually went up when everything else including vehicles sales were down. Look at profit tables, jackets and helmets make money. So why is it that scooter dealers are the biggest slackers when it comes to this? Is it a lack of vision? Probably not, its just that there is no manual for how to run a scooter shop and people tend to go with what they believe. So if a manager doesn't like apparel he doesn't tend to stock it.
First off not all jackets are created equal, but what pains me is that 90% of stores don't even offer their clients a choice. It's the same as scooter rental shops that I visit that allow tourists to wear flip flops when they rent a scooter. I have a friend who keeps a scrapbook of pictures and I would do the same with riders who fail to wear the most basic of accessories. I hear every excuse from store owners from types of clients, to the economy, but all over Europe and Australia dealers know to sell scooter jackets.
I know looking good and getting the right protection isn't always available, but Armadillo is a line that can actually deliver both.
We need protective clothing that keeps us dry, warm and gives us impact protection too. Armadillo Scooter Wear is a combination of style and protection without compromising either. In Armadillo, you get all the benefits of technical outdoor performance fabrics and the knowledge that our d3o armour will protect you if you and tarmac come together. Best of all, you’ll look good. Classic styles from the 60’s parka to the iconic funnel-hood - you’ll look like a scooter rider, not a courier.
Now most scooter riders might already have a jacket, but do they have a hoodie? Or a Parka for the winter months? If you ever ride in Seattle or San Francisco in March you know it can still be cold and rainy so why not stay warm?
If you have not already purchased a scooter jacket, then you should strongly consider it. Scratch that, buy one because your life could depend on it. You don't need an entire wardrobe of them, but choosing a high quality, durable scooter jacket is important for safety when you are riding your new Vespa. The case for Armadillo: ARMADILLO SCOOTER WEAR offers protection NO OTHER scooter jacket in the US has thanks to the D30 T5 shoulder and elbow protectors inside the jackets.
Check this out: The T5 flo2 limb components range offers good protection, whilst being extremely comfortable and lightweight and performing well in extreme temperatures. The components are CE certified and ideal for sports, particularly snowsports and the motorcycle markets. Armadillo also offers protection that will prevent burns and scratches. The materials they use will help protect you from having to get an expensive skin surgery. Armadillo jackets can offer the rider protection from both the elements and from injury in the event of a crash. All Armadillo jackets come standard with padding in the highest impact areas, such as the shoulder and the elbows. In the event of a potential crash, this padding and protection will help to prevent burns and abrasions that are commonly experienced by riders who are not wearing this protective clothing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-etQNklxoA
The coolest thing about Armadillo is their sense of European Style. The jackets are offered in both male and female version with a variety of materials, styles and colors, riders can truly customize their appearance when riding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdE2MMcbLVw
So there you have it. Fashion, protection, a sense that you're part of a community. Not all riders want a Harley or Joe Rocket jacket they want something unique and Armadillo offers the Scooter Rider who sees himself in a classic Parka much like in a 60s movie. Plus it has something unique you can show off to potential buyers like the D30. So you have classic style and the latest in tech that any potential buyer in your store will find interesting.
What is D30? d3o™ is rate-sensitive meaning that when moved slowly, the molecules flow freely making it soft and flexible. At high speeds howeverlike in an impactthe molecules lock together making the material an excellent shock absorber. The whole process is repeatable, occurs instantly and returns to its original state as soon as the impact is over.
What is it? is it toxic? when you buy the jacket is it liquid? We get a lot of questions on our blog and by email so I'm answering them as best I can here. The stuff is pretty cool, its being sold to the US army now and its inside all the Armadillo jackets we now distribute that you can find at http://www.mrp-speed.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5_n6bOuXkY D3O has developed and patented a technology comprising of a polymer composite, containing a chemically engineered dilatant to function as an energy absorber. This basic material has been chemically enhanced to allow the material to be adapted to meet specific performance applications. Chemical engineering allows the material to be tuned to meet strategic operational and environmental conditions, the rate of impact resistance it needs to withstand and the overall weight of the end component or material. D3O lab develops materials, design and geometry in tandem with its customers to deliver the highest possible performance.
D3O can be used as both a foam and un-foamed material in a variety of formulations, from elastomers, robust and resilient microcellular foams and soft and tactile polymers. This unique ability allows a selection of the most appropriate materials to be used to focus the energy dispersion in critical areas for maximum shock absorption or protection. The intrinsic energy dissipation characteristics can be enhanced by combining D3O with other functional materials to provide a composite or organic solutions. The synergy between D3O and other materials can be optimized by dual-casting or via the modification of their surface energy, this provides a unique matrix of possibilities and composite solutions to deliver enhanced shock absorption or protective qualities.
Like that banner? If you want one for your store make sure to call Tim at Portland and tell him the Scooter Maven sent you. I think everyone in the country should hang one up right now in the front of your store. Scooters are about to become smoking hot! CALL TIM 503-872-8565 if you don't hang one up today, you will miss out on what is going to be on everyone's mind the next 10 months. The rising cost of gasoline.
So like everything else in life this is either good news or bad news. If you happen to be in the Powersports Industry like I am it's excellent news.
The U.S. Energy Information Agency predicted Thursday that retail gasoline prices would remain above $3 per gallon through summer driving season, and warned that the price might go even higher. That means that scooters will be a hot commodity! When I mean hot I mean like smoking hot!
The EIA said it expects unleaded gasoline to sell at retail for an average of $3.22 per gallon during the peak driving season of April through September.
That means that in a town like Miami most people will be paying above $3.50 and in a town like Gainesville even more since Alachua has that .10cent tax on gas. So what does this mean for the industry? More sales and dealers who will need to find a source of parts for all the repairs that will show up. Regular gasoline has climbed 24.8 cents a gallon since the end of November, according to the Energy Department. The price has risen for seven straight weeks, the longest streak since June 2009. This week’s average was $3.104 a gallon, a 27-month high. If you've been reading my blog then you know this is a necessary evil for the Powersports Industry to make a comeback from the disaster of 2009 and 2010.
