If Dolmar is so good, then why so few dealers?

[belgian]

Huh ?

good to see you posting,,, have a cold one on me ehhh!!!! That is a nice SD though!!! My DAD HAD SOME LIKE THAT!!!!!

Huh ??? I've not been away much lately, and what is an SD ?

too much drinking can affect one's memory ...

 

[GASoline71]

Gary ... Which model will it be ??..

Either a 5100 or a 7900... I'm kinda waitin' to see which end of the spectrum I need a saw... smaller or larger...

While there is a Dolmar dealer near me (North City Mower and Saw), they've sold few saws....and if I need something, I call Bailey's.

All I care about in a saw line is how they run, work, and last. It doesn't bother me that Husky sells to box stores, or that Dolmar's dealer network is poor. Husky has awesome saws......to me the 335/338's are as good as 200T Stihl, the 346 is better than the 260, 357 and 361--- close call, 372 better than 044, lighter than 046. The 3120 is fine, but the 088 is prolly better. 066 is lighter than the 395...385/390 I have no interest in.....Durability issue is moot....they all work..and last. and occasionally break down....

Thanks Rog... great post too BTW...

Gary

 

[DOLMARatOs]

There were a few Sachs-Dolmars floating around here in the mid 80's, but they have been virtually unheard of since then. I got a 7900 off of ebay, and loved it so I talked the guy who has the firewood lot I sell to into becoming a dealer. I sent several people to him who bought saws, and I bought a couple. Now (and I wont pretend to know all the details) he, and Dolmar are having a falling out. Something about he isn't selling enough saws to get the prices they told him origionally.
If this is right, I think it is a mistake on Dolmar's part. This is an established Stihl, and Husky market, and they are trying to break into it with a saw that most people have never heard of, and the rest of us haven't seen in 20+ years. I feel that if these new dealers are going to stick their necks out to try to break into a market, then Dolmar should do all they can to help them out. My dealer no longer stocks any saw's. If you want one he will order it for you, but he's not pushing them hard anymore.

Andy

I see the biggest problem with DOLMAR is the Distributor being a PITA. My Distributor is awesome plain and simple. My sales & service rep. is a gifted technician and really knows both saws and OPE equipment. They are pretty much the largest distributor in the US so parts haven't been an issue, even for very old saws like finding parts for my 112, 114, 116. The distributor sets up how many pieces of equipment are needed to meet whichever price ranges, etc. We do stock more than just Dolmar saws. We have their leaf-blowers, trimmers, electric saws and demolition / concrete saws. All great products but I wouldn't be a Dolmar dealer in my distributor wasn't top notch.

Over the years I've tried and let go Poulan Pro, RedMax and Shindaiwa. Aways keeping the Dolmar line. I know that if I became a Stihl dealer....I'd sell a ton of saws and also work on a ton more saws. But at this point Dolmar is working with and for me....my experiences with Stihl are that they feel the dealer should be honored to have the priveledge of stocking their brand. So much so that they add a percentage to every dealer's order for advertising budget. We won't touch husky because they are available through Box-Stores and mail order. Not opening that pandora's box ever.

 

[Cam501]

It doesn't bother me that Husky sells to box stores, or that Dolmar's dealer network is poor.

If you can't service what you sell you have no business selling it. period. AS people are the exception, far from the average saw user:bang::bang:

 

[DOLMARatOs]

It doesn't bother me that Husky sells to box stores, or that Dolmar's dealer network is poor.

If you can't service what you sell you have no business selling it. period. AS people are the exception, far from the average saw user:bang::bang:

I agree totally. I'd like to see all the Dealer's who don't at least TRY to support their customers and equipment. Sure, there are bad Husky and Stihl dealers out their too. But, if you buy something from a bad husky or Stihl guy you can drive a couple miles and find another dealer. If you have a crasppy Dolmar dealer in your area....it might take a 2 day drive to find another dealer. When you are the only game in town.....be the best dealer....not just an ash-hole.

 

[NBailey]

It doesn't bother me that Husky sells to box stores, or that Dolmar's dealer network is poor.

If you can't service what you sell you have no business selling it. period. AS people are the exception, far from the average saw user:bang::bang:

I respectfully disagree. We have been selling saws through the mail for quite some time. For us, there is a general trend to those who want to work on their own saws and bypass the dealer network all together. This is even happening in areas where good dealers reign. Many people enjoy working on their saws and most saw repairs are minor, as long as you mix your fuel properly. More and more folks simply like to call or shop online today. It is very quick and efficient, and often more cost effective.

 

[cuttinscott]

Nothing serious, Rick.....I've rarely needed parts. A coupla times, though, it took Bailey's quite some time to obtain the parts. No problem for me, as I have enough saws to run two or more crews..but only have one, 99% of the time.

The piped 5100 aloft is just for shi t and giggles, and bragging rights.

I respectfully disagree. We have been selling saws through the mail for quite some time. For us, there is a general trend to those who want to work on their own saws and bypass the dealer network all together. This is even happening in areas where good dealers reign. Many people enjoy working on their saws and most saw repairs are minor, as long as you mix your fuel properly. More and more folks simply like to call or shop online today. It is very quick and efficient, and often more cost effective.

Roger what kind of parts did you have to wait such a long tome from Baileys for?? This does not really make sense to me I do not attempt to know how baileys sets their stock for Dolmar but I very rarely have issues getting parts for current production saws from Dolmar.

Scott

 

[Woodie]

Ich möchte Sie zur Seite begrüßen. Ich bin froh, jemanden zu sehen, der Sachs Dolmar als nicht betrachtet, gemacht ausländisch seiend.

Yeah, and your momma's one too!

 

[WACutter]

Dolmar Dealer in WA

Rog, where do you find dealer support here in the PNW... I have yet to even see a Dolmar/Makita saw, little alone a dealer.

I would try a Dolmar before a Husqvarna anyday.

Gary

Hi Gary,

I've had good luck with Backyard Power Equipment in Auburn. This is a one man shop, but he is really responsive and can get what he doesn't have fast. Since the PNW distributor is in Portland, most everything Dolmar can be had in a day or two. He also gave me a great price on a 5100 and 7900.

FYI...

Ron

 

[Lakeside53]

I
..my experiences with Stihl are that they feel the dealer should be honored to have the priveledge of stocking their brand. So much so that they add a percentage to every dealer's order for advertising budget. .

We sure don't get that message from Stihl - we sell and they pretty much leave us alone.

1% advertising fee is added to the wholesale cost of each invoice - well worth it as it's for nation wide brand advertising.... Like the Wall Street Journal spreads and the TV - "why Stihl doesn't sell in HD..". Dolmar (and Husky) needs something, similar but don't have the sales quanity to make it a "small fee".


As for the rest of the adverstising - we have to spend $2000 a year locally, and they match that $ for $.

In comparison to giving Visa nearly 3%, the Stihl advertising fee is a steal...

 

[Lakeside53]

- It doesn't bother me that Husky sells to box stores, or that Dolmar's dealer network is poor

I respectfully disagree. We have been selling saws through the mail for quite some time. For us, there is a general trend to those who want to work on their own saws and bypass the dealer network all together. This is even happening in areas where good dealers reign. Many people enjoy working on their saws and most saw repairs are minor, as long as you mix your fuel properly. More and more folks simply like to call or shop online today. It is very quick and efficient, and often more cost effective.

I agree that AS members are the exception... The consumer market is growing; the "pro-market" flat or decreasing. Consumers (and most pros) have little time to work on their OPE let alone figure out what is wrong.

I see quite the opposite trend... not in your point about "on-line sales" which are the product of technology, availability and time - but less and less knowledge out there for almost ANY item (not just OPE), and more and more throw away items and/or frustrated customers. When I grew up everyone wrenched their own cars - now - few do or can. I'm sure your business is growing as you are a big single point of contract in a huge market, but it's a distortion to say the trend is away from shop servicing.

Our store has MAYBE 10 out of many hundreds of customers that have a clue... but we do sell a ton of spark plugs (for some reason everyone still thinks that's a possible solution).

With the impeding EPA changes, it's going to get a lot more complex... simple 2-strokes are gone.. and...

 

[belgian]

I agree that AS members are the exception... The consumer market is growing' the "pro-market" flat or decreasing. Consumers (and most pros) have little time to work on their OPE let alone figure out what is wrong.

I see quite the opposite trend... not in your point about "on-line sales" which are the product of technology, availability and time - but less and less knowledge out there for almost ANY item (not just OPE), and more and more throw away items and/or frustrated customers. When I grew up everyone wrenched their own cars - now - few do or can. I'm sure your business is growing as you are a big single point of contract in a huge market, but it's a distortion to say the trend is away from shop servicing.

Our store has MAYBE 10 out of many hundreds of customers that have a clue... but we do sell a ton of spark plugs (for some reason everyone still thinks that's a possible solution).

With the impeding EPA changes, it's going to get a lot more complex... simple 2-strokes are gone.. and...

Hate to say it, but Lake absolutely hit the nail again.. . Folks understanding the functioning of their car or tools is becoming a rare breed. And manufacterers are pushing this trend, by making it more difficult to work on it too. I bet servicing will become more lucrative than it has ever been in the past.

 

[Woodie]

Folks understanding the functioning of their car or tools is becoming a rare breed. And manufacterers are pushing this trend, by making it more difficult to work on it too.

Yeah...this is on purpose...

(not)

 

[bcorradi]

Excellent posts Andy.

 

[NBailey]

I agree that AS members are the exception... The consumer market is growing' the "pro-market" flat or decreasing. Consumers (and most pros) have little time to work on their OPE let alone figure out what is wrong...

Our business model is exactly the opposite. Our lower margin consumer saw sales are declining, while our professional line is increasing rather dramatically over the last two years. Perhaps this is a result of our marketing efforts, but we have seen most of our growth in small landowners and homeowners who are interested in running quality products. That coupled with the fact that many professional users cannot get descent service at many of their local sawshops. This is especially the case for the eastern seaboard where there is an oversaturation of dealerships and box stores.

 

[ebbemichel]

A test huh, its a 122 super, what do I win?????

Hi, you lose it is a 152 SORRY

The test was my posting, sorry

 

[ebbemichel]

Cool saw, wish I could still speak German! I lost it as I got older!
My parents have been in Canada since 1949, and I am the baby in the family.Welcome and hope to here other opinions from across the pond

Hi
I like Canada, i have been there i think 6 or 7 times
5 times in Ontario Thunder Bay
2 times BC close to alaska for salmon fishing

I have ca.15 saws most of them Dolmar

sorry for my bad english

 

[Steve128]

English

Welcome and show some pics of your saw collection. opcorn:

Your English is fine.

 

[spike60]

Our business model is exactly the opposite. Our lower margin consumer saw sales are declining, while our professional line is increasing rather dramatically over the last two years. Perhaps this is a result of our marketing efforts, but we have seen most of our growth in small landowners and homeowners who are interested in running quality products. That coupled with the fact that many professional users cannot get descent service at many of their local sawshops. This is especially the case for the eastern seaboard where there is an oversaturation of dealerships and box stores.

Absolutely on target!!

The pro business is where to be anyway. Repeat sales on saws and 10 times the accessory business. But we also see more people who have grown weary of having to shop for another piece of throw away equipment every couple of years. Many of them have done some homework, and they have questions that aren't likely to be answered at the box store.

The oversaturation of dealerships here in the East is true. (you must have a pretty good set of binoculars) So we have quantity, not quality, and I'd say that only one in four dealers have a level of parts and service that can satisfy professional users. Maybe not even that many.

 

[Marco]

It could be that established dealers have enough on their plate with what they have and don't care to deal with another line and it's parts inventory.
Dolmar does need to get their advertising on something other then the back of an OPE trade magazine, kinda like telling a sailor water is wet.