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Severe temperature fluctuations, such as the scorching heat of summer and the frigid cold of winter, can affect the functionality, durability, and appearance of equipment stored outdoors. Additionally, weather events, such as rain, hail, and wind, can lead to equipment wear and mechanical issues.
If you operate an equipment dealership that stores its assets outdoors, it is essential to be prepared for various weather conditions. By taking proactive steps to protect your equipment, you can minimize the risk of damage and ensure it remains in excellent condition, which can help you and your team move more inventory. This Balboa Capital blog article explains how equipment dealers can prepare for extreme weather.
Organize and clean your equipment lot.
One of the first steps in preparing for adverse weather is to organize your equipment lot. This process involves storing equipment, vehicles, and machinery in a well-organized manner that enhances the shopping experience for business owners and allows you and your team to easily move the assets to a safer location in anticipation of severe weather.
Next, check to ensure that no trees, shrubs, or debris are in close proximity to your assets or showroom. Storms and strong winds can snap overhead branches, uproot shrubs and plants, and present dangers to your sales managers and customers, as well as jeopardize your outdoor inventory. If necessary, hire a landscaping professional to trim trees, shrubs, and excess vegetation and haul away any debris
Invest in physical safeguards.
The heat from the sun, torrential downpours from storms, and hailstorms can cause wear and tear on equipment stored outdoors on a lot. These weather conditions underscore the importance of safeguarding equipment from the elements. You can achieve this by investing in overhead shade structures or canopies that can withstand rain and hail while also offering shade and UV protection from the sun. Another option is to use high-quality, breathable covers to protect your equipment. There are commercial-grade covers that act as a physical barrier against the elements.
If buying shade structures, canopies, or covers outright isn’t feasible due to budgetary constraints, consider equipment financing. This option does not require a significant one-time payment. Instead, you can secure funding to buy the items you need and repay the amount borrowed, plus interest, over a specified period.
Move equipment to a covered area.
If your dealer establishment has a warehouse or an area with an overhead structure, consider moving your equipment to one of these safer locations if a weather warning is issued. Doing so can help prevent damage from excess heat, falling debris, heavy rain, hailstorms, or flooding.
Ensuring the safety of you and your employees is paramount, which is why it’s essential to move equipment without delay. Do not wait for the weather event to reach your area, as conditions can change rapidly, increasing risks.
Perform necessary maintenance on equipment.
If your dealer business sells vehicles, machinery, or heavy equipment, fluctuating weather conditions can affect many of its parts and functionalities. High temperatures can increase tire pressure, damage components, and cause fluids (e.g., oil, brake fluid) to evaporate. Cold temperatures can decrease tire pressure, cause fluids to thicken, and make it challenging to start engines.
If you or your sales managers are working a deal with a customer, it’s important that the equipment functions properly. Any malfunction or issue could jeopardize the sale. So, periodically check the tire pressure, fluid levels, and other components in your equipment to ensure everything is in good working order.
Ensure your dealer facility can withstand weather events.
While it is vital that you take the steps necessary to protect your equipment from weather events, it is equally important to consider the condition and safety of your dealer facility, specifically the showroom and offices. Inspect your establishment for potential issues, such as inadequate drainage systems, clogged gutters, structural damage, and leaky roofs, doors, or windows. If needed, hire professionals to make the necessary improvements.
Next, verify that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is functioning properly to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature for your employees and customers. In addition to testing your HVAC thermostats, examine the air filters and replace them when needed. Also, hire an HVAC professional to inspect your showroom’s vents and ducts for blockages and dust. A short-term working capital loan can be used to cover these and other business expenses.
Always be prepared for adverse weather.
Weather events can disrupt an equipment dealer’s operations and lead to financial losses, diminished customer trust, and delays in equipment delivery. However, there are preparedness strategies that can help reduce these and other effects of nature’s unpredictability. First, maintain digital records of your inventory, including photographs. Use inventory management software or a secure cloud-based system to store these records safely.
Next, present an emergency action plan to your sales managers and operations staff members. To ensure that all team members are aligned and fully understand their roles, this presentation should take place during a company-wide meeting. Be sure to outline responsibilities clearly, including identifying which equipment needs to be moved and assigning the task to the relevant personnel. Open communication and a commitment to workplace safety help create a good company culture.
If a weather event is severe enough to require the temporary closure of your dealership, make sure to announce this information on your website, through social media, and via your company’s phone answering service.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.