Dealer Statistics!

[jryan]

I once attended a business conference in Nashville in which a representative of the local Better Business Bureau came to speak. They stated that 90% of new businesses don't make it past 2 years. I would assume this statistic is rather flawed, however I don't believe it is too off. My question is this. What percentage of Segway Dealers/tours make it past two years? I was just curious! Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks and have a great day!



Jeremy Ryan

[sholloway]

I was told I was the 12th in the nation, 1st in Georgia, I've been open for 4 years and my tour just started year 2. I did have a tour in Austin, TX that only lasted 1 year.

[jryan]

I was told I was the 12th in the nation, 1st in Georgia, I've been open for 4 years and my tour just started year 2. I did have a tour in Austin, TX that only lasted 1 year.

Well congrats! It's probably mainly, because you're such a great guy! From the stories I hear your dealership has great customer service. Hey, if you ever consider a tour operation in Madison, I'm your guy to help make it a reality!



Jeremy Ryan

[quade]

I was told I was the 12th in the nation, 1st in Georgia, I've been open for 4 years and my tour just started year 2. I did have a tour in Austin, TX that only lasted 1 year.

Would you say that location made all the difference?

[BillK]

Would you say that location made all the difference?

Some places do not tolerate TWO sites easily. Austin had one already I think?
Bill

[sholloway]

Austin had none when we decided to do it. Austin had one exactly 14 days before we opened. I think soon after that there were 3. We were certainly splitting the same customers but in the summer the temp would get up to 116. Felix couldn't find people to take a tour in the afternoons at all.

In Asheville there are 3 tours (possibly 4) but 2 of them are on their own property. We are the one downtown and the temps are fantastic for about 8 months. This April is at least double last April. We are very happy about the strong start.

[MzSegwayofHawaii]

We at Segway of Hawaii are pushing 2 1/2 years. so we've made it...but we wouldn't have survived on JUST the tours. fortunately we do the mobile marketing and sales as well. Mobile Marketing is what really pays the bills...the tours just bring in the gravy. But I'll tell you that there were months when ends didn't meet and as a result of that I had to cut my entire staff and it became an 'on-call gig'. Things have been steadilly rising since I've been Manager here, I've been with Alan now over a year. I was here before the mobile marketing came to be...when we'd sell 1 unit every other month...but the times come and they go...
and things are getting better!!!

Yay for us!

[wwhopper]

profit margins are low and making money is not easy unless you have an active tour operation, as that is where the cash flow really is.

Most of the dealers have taken to doing tours, it is always interesting to meet a dealer that has no tour operation, and soley sells Segways, there are only a few of those.

Segway of Annapolis was one of the first 10 dealers to open up in 2004, and it opened up from doing a tour business. The tour operation and the dealership split off in 2005. SofA does tours as well as offers parts accessories and service. We have been talking about opening up a certified pre-owned Segway operation for sometime now. The key is getting enough used inventory to keep it going. As soon as used ones come in they seem to go out just as fast.

[segwaythedoor]

I started out as a Segway Dealer then dropped that after the second year. I have had tours in Door County, WI for three summers. I am looking forward to the 4th summer. Each year I have gotten more and more tours.

[serrow]

I'd have to say that Segway of Corvallis must be doing ok. When I did shopping, he was an amazing resource and one of my only regrets of buying used. Had I the money, I'd have gone through him. With his perks, it looks like it would have cost about $1000 less than buying in my current location to boot. My wife went on maternity otherwise I'd be sending him some dough for accessories I've wanted for a while.

[wwhopper]

I'd have to say that Segway of Corvallis must be doing ok. When I did shopping, he was an amazing resource and one of my only regrets of buying used. Had I the money, I'd have gone through him. With his perks, it looks like it would have cost about $1000 less than buying in my current location to boot. My wife went on maternity otherwise I'd be sending him some dough for accessories I've wanted for a while.

If you like a dealer, make sure you give them a review in the threads about dealers.

http://forums.segwaychat.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32