What’s next?
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
Ok, the long wait is over. Or is it better to say it’s the beginning. In countless budget meetings addressing what 2009 will bring, the question always asked has been, “Is the industry and the economy as a whole waiting for the uncertainty of the election to be over?”
I have spoken with RV dealers recently who expressed that the national consumer media outlets hurt us with slanted, negative coverage regarding purchasing large ticket items. And that no matter who you think would do a better job as president, the indecision of the election has made our consumers, to say the least, cautious. We also keep hearing that we are the first industry to suffer the pangs of a recession, but conversely, we are the first to rebound.
Looking to the future:
*We have a large buying event in less than one month.
* A new year approaching with continued challenges, and with that, opportunity.
* A chance to gain new buyers and marketshare.
My question is, what will our industry do now to take advantage of this time of optimism and opportunity? Do you have plans to add new lines to your rolling stock? Add new and profitable accessories to augment your existing lines. Will you be lobbying to get new credit opportunities? Will you demand improved, greener and more economical products?
I don’t want to make this a commercial for RV Trade Digest and rvtradedigest.com, but we are gearing up for the future with new ideas to help the industry improve and stay better informed. But what I really would like to know, and have readers comment on, is what do you think we as an industry can do now to get back on track to success?