Success or failure – or “not everything can be a triumph”

Sometimes things go well, and sometimes they go less well. This is particularly true of the product range and the investments that have been made over the years. We are, and have always been, curious about trying out new things, but have usually gone back to what we are best at: spare parts and equipment. In our opinion, the failures have been in those areas where we do not feel equally at home.

Here you can see the top 5 successes and failures.

Successes

1. We were one of the first to introduce LED work lights from China. Good stuff!
2. We were also among the first to offer filter kits. We now have a wide selection for both tractors and construction machinery.
3. Volvo contract parts – a success from the start!
4. All Volvo BM tractor parts, whose new manufacture we have commissioned despite the fact that the brand hasn’t been produced for 40 years, have been and are a success in the true sense of the word.
5. The investment in reversing cameras proved to be a real hit.

Failures

1. Parts for ploughs, harrows and threshers were seasonal goods which proved not to be a good fit in our range at all. These were discontinued in 1999. The phrase “Unfortunately, we stopped doing those in 1999” was something sales staff had to say to customers for many years. Maybe they still are?
2. Model tractors and toys – something that toy shops are better at.
3. Hand tools – price sensitive. We were constantly compared with specialist dealers in this area.
4. Spare parts for Bigab hooklift trailers were something hardly anybody bought, strangely enough. We’re still surprised.
5. Marine interior fittings were a real flop. When the market collapsed in around 2010, it was sad to have a stock of toilets and sinks.