How to Open Your Own Snowmobile Business
Snowmobiles are popular recreational vehicles in many snowbelt states. According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), over 1,650,000 snowmobiles were registered in the United States in 2009. These snowmobiles were concentrated in 25 northern and western states. Snowmobiles are also used as a means of transportation in remote areas. The vehicles have been adopted by law enforcement and rescue personnel, as well as by wildlife scientists and public utility employees. Finally, snowmobiles are used by race officials on dog sled and cross country ski courses.
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Things You'll Need
- Local zoning regulations
- Business license
- Lease
- List of regional snowmobile clubs and associations
- List of snowmobile competitors
- List of dealerships for each manufacturer
- Snowmobile product order
- Service technician certifications
- Prizes for benefit rally
- Introductory price information
- Matching staff shirts
Instructions
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Handle your business logistics. Work with a Certified Public Accountant familiar with sports related businesses. Consult with a commercial insurance agent with similar expertise, and with a strong liability insurance background. Visit your local zoning office to obtain zoning regulations. Obtain a business license at your city or county clerk's office. Finally, contact your state's Department of Revenue for a sales tax license.
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Choose a convenient location. Select a location within reasonable driving distance of popular snowmobile destinations. Find a building that has, or can be modified to have, glass front windows to display your newest models. Ensure that the building has sufficient space for a top-notch snowmobile service facility. Finally, create indoor or covered storage space for your snowmobile inventory.
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Examine the regional snowmobile market. Snowmobile clubs are a dominant force within snowmobile markets. Clubs build, maintain, and map trails in cooperation with local governments. The Snowmobile Links website lists snowmobile clubs and associations, along with their primary activities and coverage areas. Click through to each club's website to learn more about the group.
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Look at your competition. Obtain a state or regional map, and pinpoint the existing snowmobile dealerships with color coded push pins. Give each manufacturer a pin color, and compare the number of dealers for each manufacturer. This exercise may tell you several things: one manufacturer has many area dealers, while another brand's snowmobiles are hard to find; some dealers carry more than one brand; or a dealership may carry a minimum inventory with no real customer choices. Look for unfilled niches that you can exploit.
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Purchase your snowmobile stock. Decide on the manufacturer(s) whose products you want to carry. Contact their sales departments, and execute sales agreements that allow you to sell those snowmobiles. Prepare a snowmobile order that includes vehicles for different market segments. Include choices for budget conscious buyers, along with sleds for snowmobilers who want maximum power at their fingertips.
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Staff your sales and service departments. For your sales department, hire avid snowmobilers who enjoy communicating their passion to customers. The technical points of the equipment can be learned, but true enthusiasm will help to sell snowmobiles. Recruit service technicians from one of two groups: current snowmobile engine mechanics; or competent small engine mechanics who can learn to service the engines you sell. Obtain service certification for all mechanics through snowmobile manufacturers.
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Open with a benefit snowmobile rally. Sponsor a charity benefit rally in conjunction with local snowmobile clubs. Offer to hold the wrap-up party at your facility. Create a party atmosphere complete with refreshments and live music. Provide prizes for members who gather the most donations. Ensure that your showroom is full of shiny new snowmobiles, and offer introductory discounts. Outfit your staff in professional matching attire, and open your service facility for inspection. Advertise the event on club websites and at local snowmobile hangouts.
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Tips & Warnings
Encourage safe snowmobile operation by including a list of safety tips with each snowmobile purchase.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit snowmobile trail -4 image by Rog999 from Fotolia.com
