The challenges facing aftermarket professionals abound: Counterfeit parts, shortage of technicians, availability of technical data and inventory management practices and technologies, to name a few. In a recent survey we sent to our readers, these business issues ranked among the most pressing and were ones for which there was the greatest need for information.
It was the first such reader survey for Truck Parts & Service in quite a while, and given the rapidly changing dynamics in the aftermarket, it was long overdue. The results help validate our editorial direction as we tackle these and other issues to bring solutions to independent parts distributors and repair garages.
But despite the challenges, the survey also showed an overall healthy business environment for you and your peers. Consider:
- More than 55 percent report annual sales and service revenue of $2.5 million or greater.
- Better than half operate multiple locations with 20 percent operating more than 10 facilities.
- The vast majority provide customers with parts, maintenance and repairs.
- Most serve markets spanning 50 or more miles from their facilities, about one-third operate multi-state and at least nine percent are international, serving Canada and/or Mexico.
- Nearly half who offer drive-in service operate more than 10 bays. More than half employ 10-plus technicians.
- And, indicating that the type of information Truck Parts & Service provides is essential throughout your businesses, most of you share your copy with at least one other person, and almost 20 percent say it’s passed around among more than five people.
By any standard, this paints a portrait of Truck Parts & Service readers as savvy businesspeople-entrepreneurial and growth-driven in nature-who know the importance of staying informed on technical data and industry issues, and of keeping colleagues equally educated.
The survey brings us a wealth of data that will help shape future editorial content as we continue to make Truck Parts & Service your must-read business publication. But research can only tell us so much, and where that data ends I hope your involvement begins. This is your magazine and I encourage you to interact with it as you see fit. My e-mail address is at the end of this column and you can find a directory to our entire staff on page 55. For Truck Parts & Service to continue to be the voice of the independent parts and service provider, it is essential that we hear your voice.
One such opportunity is helping select the finalists for the 2007 Truck Parts & Service Distributor of the Year award. For the first time since its inception, we are complementing our traditional nomination process with your nominations. Peer recognition is a powerful endorsement of the business practices and innovations that are setting new standards in the aftermarket. And if you think your business is among those leading the way, we invite you to cast a ballot for yourself.
To make your nominations, visit this site. To reach me, e-mail [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
