DEALER SUPPORT

Parts and service take center stage as 2025 lessons shape 2026

By Brian Ethridge

After several years of supply chain disruption and shifting buying behavior, parts, inventory and service operations moved from a supporting role to a strategic one for the B2B outdoor power equipment industry in 2025. Manufacturers and suppliers say the year reinforced a clear message: uptime, speed and reliability now drive purchasing decisions as much as equipment features. That mindset is shaping how companies plan for 2026, with renewed focus on parts availability, digital tools and customer support that extends well beyond the initial sale.

Service expectations rise

For Ignite Attachments, 2025 underscored how much post-sale support influences long-term relationships.

“ In 2025, one of the most notable developments in parts and service has been how strongly customers continue to value responsiveness and reliability after the sale,” said Trisha Pearson, business director for Ignite Attachments.“ Even as equipment becomes more advanced, expectations around support have increased.”

Pearson said the standard for customer service has risen across the market.“ Consistent, high-quality customer service is no longer a differentiator. It is a baseline expectation,” she said.

Pearson said maintenance delays can quickly ripple through daily operations when crews are stretched thin.“ With tight schedules and lean crews, downtime can have an outsized impact on productivity and profitability,” she said.“ Ensuring common wear parts are readily available and easy to source helps keep equipment in service and jobs moving forward.”

www. OPE-Plus. com March 2026 OPE + 21