DEALER + PRODUCT TRENDS

We interview the who behind the what

To explain this new Dealer + data product and how we ’ ll use it , we interviewed Dave Johnson from Ideal and Eric Voyer of TraQline . Below is an edited version of that interview . You can hear the complete interview in our new “ OPE People ” podcast . ( Find a link to that on the OPE + website .) OPE +: You introduced Dealer + last fall and called it “ the industry ’ s most comprehensive view of the independent power dealer market .” What does that mean ? Eric Voyer : For more than 20 years we ’ ve been tracking the outdoor power equipment market with our TraQline survey , and we ’ ve been doing that at the total market level . What ’ s been missing is the level of detail that Dealer + can provide . But partnering with the folks at Ideal , we ’ ve married two very unique yet complementary companies . Ideal brings a wealth of data from a massive amount of independent dealers across the U . S . These dealers represent the largest compilation of independent power dealers anywhere . The product depth and accuracy adds an incredible level of detail and value for our customers .

Dealer + is a combination of these two powerhouses in OPE . It ’ s like peanut butter and jelly with the bread thrown in for free .

OPE +: It seems like everything is about data today . And Dealer + is more data . Why should we pay attention to this new data product ? What makes it different ?

Dave Johnson : You ’ re right ; the world is increasingly data-driven , and Dealer + stands out in this landscape for several reasons . Dealer + addresses a critical need for OEMs , that is understanding dealer strength and profitability within their networks . By offering insights into optimal pricing and product placement , Dealer + empowers dealers to stock the right products at the right time , aligning with market demand .

OPE +: Who is Dealer + made for ? Who will benefit from this information ? Eric Voyer : We created Dealer + to help grow the entire OPE business . We will , with the help of OPE +, report on trends such as gas versus electric splits , brand shifts , models that are growing or shrinking in sales , plus much more .

The largest channel for OPE is the big box store , such as Lowe ’ s and Home Depot .

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14 OPE + March 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com