Stens: The Parts Company

The Ariens Snowthrower Hero is Back in the Limelight!

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:10:00 +0000

Everyone could use a cheerful story now and then! Take a moment to read up on how the Ariens Snowthrower Hero spent his 4th of July. If you recall, Steve Liubakka helped distinguish a fire in his neighbor's house using his Ariens snowthrower. Shortly after, he received a brand new model via a visit from Dan Ariens, President of Ariens Company. Mr. Liubakka graced the Marquette County 4th of July Parade with his presence, and that of his new Ariens snowthrower. Click here to read the story on his day at the parade.

A Memoir on the Man Behind the Weed Eater

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Click on this link to read the story behind the invention of the Weed Eater and the life of the man behind the magic, George Ballas. Mr. Ballas passed away on Saturday, June 25. Who knew there was such a unique story that led to the string trimmer? In rememberance of such an industry contributor, let this remind us to keep our eyes open for the next great idea of a lifetime.

Lawn Mower Safety is a Must!

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:13:00 +0000

We've headed into the month of June and lawn mowing season is here in full swing. As everyone heads out week after week to keep their lawns neat and tidy, it is so important to keep lawn mower safety at the top of your priority list. Lawn mower accidents are unfortunately on the rise and prevention for yourself and others is up to you! Read the facts and gather prevention ideas here: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20110603/lawn-mower-injuries-are-on-the-rise. Be alert and aware out there!

Stens Improves its Online Fits Model Search

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:10:00 +0000

With Stens' new and improved fits model search, you will have access to a database of parts fitting over 320,000 equipment applications, 30,000 models and 190 brands! You can find replacement parts for particular equipment applications by simply entering a model number into our database. With each search, you will find the parts Stens carries for each equipment model. It's that easy!

To access our fits model search, visit http://www.stens.com/ and log-in using your DealerNet username and password. Once you are logged in, click on the "Search by Model" tab. You can then search using the equipment type, brand name and model number categories. For more information, you can call your Stens representative at (800) 457-7444.

Ariens Snow Thrower Used to Put Out Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:00:00 +0000

On the evening of February 7, Steve Liubakka enlisted the help of his son-in-law's Ariens snow thrower to help put out a fire in his neighbor's house. His quick, and uniquely unconventional, thinking has garnered the attention of the media as well as members of the outdoor power equipment industry. To reward Liubakka for his help and creativity, Dan Ariens, President & CEO of Ariens Company, presented him with a brand new Ariens Pro 32 Sno-Thro on February 15. The new Pro 32 Sno-Thro replaces Liubakka's current 36 year old Ariens snow thrower. However, he intends to use the older model as long as it will run before making the switch to the new machine.

"The story really seemed to resonate with customers. They were impressed with Mr. Liubakka's quick response and wanted to be sure we were aware of it," says Dan Ariens. He continues, "we felt he deserved some sort of recognition for his resourcefulness. Replacing his old snow thrower with a new Ariens Sno-Thro just seemed fitting."

To read more on the story, click here.

Countax Runningblade Mower Temporarily Holds Title for World's Fastest Lawn Mower

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:46:00 +0000

In May of 2010, Don Wales' Countax Runningblade mower held the record for World's Fastest Lawn Mower at 86.069 mph. The title has since been won back by Bobby Cleveland that following September, however, check out the Project Runningblade video here. Countax is an Ariens affiliate located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

EPA Ruling Excludes Small Engines for E15 Blend

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:28:00 +0000

On Wednesday, October 13, the Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of E15 blended fuels in 2007 and newer automotive models. The agency has not yet included older models or small engines in the ruling. The current ethanol/gas blend allowed in outdoor power equipment and other small engines is 10%. Many members of our industry are concerned that the E15 fuel will find its way into small engines over time.

What are your thoughts on how the OPE industry will be affected by this? Do you think the industry may someday be included in a future EPA approval of E15 fuel blends?

Stens Employee Appreciation Lunch

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:15:00 +0000

On Thursday, July 22, Stens' employees joined together to celebrate the closing of our 2009-10 fiscal year. They enjoyed an afternoon of grilling, volleyball, cornhole and card games. We want to thank our employees for their hard work and our customers for their loyalty in making this year a true success. To see our photo album, click here.

What You Need to Know About Ethanol Fuel

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:42:00 +0000

Be cautious of the problems that can be caused by using ethanol fuel in your gas-powered outdoor power equipment. As ethanol fuel becomes increasingly more prominent in our industry, it is important that the risks it creates be addressed and understood. Take a look at the attached Ethanol 101 informational piece to read about some of the most common issues.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with a Healthy Lawn

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:00:00 +0000

OPEI has made notable efforts in studying the effects of a healthy lawn on the environment and its ability to lower your overall carbon footprint. Grass possesses the ability to capture water run-off, dust and carbon. In fact, a properly maintained lawn can sequester a large amount of carbon, up to four times the amount produced by today’s lawn equipment. This has tremendous ability to reduce your carbon footprint and increase your positive effect on the environment as a whole. Equally important to properly cutting your lawn and leaving the clippings behind to increase carbon absorption, you must optimize your watering system by using the right plants for your location. Various turf grasses and ornamentals are better suited for different climate zones, so choose accordingly. This will allow you the most efficient water usage. To further increase turf’s ability to absorb carbon and battle other harmful elements, the following tips can be a good starting point.

• Mow your lawn at higher cutting heights.
• Keep your lawn mowers in good shape - perform routine tune-ups and maintenance.
• Use sharp lawn mower blades, otherwise there is risk of turf disease and damage.
• Water your lawn in the morning. This reduces the sun’s ability to absorb the moisture intended for the roots.

For more information, OPEI’s study is available here.

TurfMutt Educates the Public on Turf's Ability to Reduce Carbon in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:13:00 +0000

Who better to front the yard-saving campaign than man’s best friend, a member of a species who is closest to the grass itself? TurfMutt is the mascot of OPEI’s quest to educate the public about the benefits of a healthy lawn on the environment. Lucky is on a mission to publicize the ability of turf to dramatically reduce carbon traces. From dust to water run-off, healthy lawns help treat the elements that ail the environment. Check out the TurfMutt blog here.

Creativity at Work!

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:14:00 +0000

Stoller Lawn & Garden, a Stens dealer located in Orrville, OH, built this giant snowman with the help of an Ariens snowthrow. What a fun way to get in the spirit of the season!

See Stens' Booth at the 2010 Golf Industry Show

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:28:00 +0000

Matt Werner, our National Sales Manager, discusses our specialty golf product offering at the 2010 Golf Industry Show in San Diego, California. Within our 40 years of helping business run better, we've expanded our product line to fit over 200,000 applications in the outdoor power equipment industry. Check out our video.

Day one of the Orgill Hardware Spring Market

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:38:00 +0000

How to Avoid a Slow Winter Season for Outdoor Equipment Dealerships

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:16:00 +0000

The outdoor power equipment industry is at the mercy of nature’s whim. Rather than succumbing to the highs and lows of customer traffic brought on by weather changes, proactively seek ways to make your dealership immune to the cycles of business.

Chances are your dealership has record sales in the spring and summer months, but experience a drop in customer transactions in the winter. Avoid this common rut and turn your dealership into a profitable business year round. By following a few steps, you’ll be that much closer to earning exceptional sales numbers and consistent customer traffic, regardless of what month it is.

1. Broaden your horizons. By expanding your product line and offering more services to your customers, you’ll be able to satisfy more needs of your customers. Also look for seasonal services or products to offer at various points throughout the year. Consider adding winter service specials, such as snow equipment service sales, or fall promotions on fall equipment preparation.
2. Peak and non-peak seasonal sales. By running a sale on the services or products needed by your customers at certain times of the year, you’re communicating your understanding of their needs and positioning your dealership as an expert who can meet those needs. They will appreciate your insight and that appreciation will reciprocate in the form of loyalty and increased spending. Further, if you promote your services during the slow months that pertain to off-season tasks, such as fall clean-up or winter equipment preparation, your customers will be more open to new service suggestions or clean-up products because of that loyalty and trust you built.
3. Employees are an asset. Although seasonal layoffs are often inevitable for outdoor power equipment dealerships, all businesses need a competent staff to deliver on promises to your customers. To keep your reputation as an expert in the green industry, you need staff members who are properly trained and adequately experienced to back up that reputation.
4. Diversify your market reach. Examine related markets to your dealership. When you identify a market whose needs are not being met, position your business as a source for the products or services they need. Look for various customer groups you may not be dealing with, such as golf courses, university groundskeepers, municipalities, equipment rental shops and so on. By meeting the needs of more niche markets, you are expanding your ability to earn more sales and recruit new customers.
5. Take care of your customers. If you do experience slow seasons, say during the winter, take this as an opportunity to build and maintain relationships with your customers. By learning their needs and why they need particular services or products, you are establishing the groundwork for a prosperous customer-dealership relationship.
Take some time to lay a ground-plan for building a business empire. By detailing a step-by-step action plan, outlining each season’s tasks and successfully implementing your plan, your outdoor power equipment dealership will be a year round profit building business.

Snow Season is here.

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:20:00 +0000

The snow season is off to a great start. How has it affected your business?

Upselling Pressure Washer Parts

noreply@blogger.com (Stens) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:29:00 +0000

Resourceful business owners are constantly searching for ways to increase their bottom line profitability. An often overlooked means to increase overall profitability and savings is replacement pressure washer parts and accessories. During tougher economic times, cost-effective parts are more important than ever. Often, the parts and accessories you receive from replacement parts suppliers meet or exceed OEM specifications and are a fraction of the cost. When precision quality and low cost are combined, customer satisfaction will be much more easily attained. Your customers will be astounded at the excellent service and quality you provide at modest costs. With happiness comes trust and loyalty. When customers develop trust for your dealership and employees, they will be much more open to your recommendations and expertise.

When customers bring their pressure washers to your establishment for service or repair, they have come for your expert opinion and analysis. During maintenance or service visits, there are multiple opportunities for upselling pressure washer accessories. For example, if you notice your customer's hose is cracked or weak in certain points, it may pay off in the long run to recommend a new hose. One of the most commonly replaced pressure washer parts is the nozzle. Because they are often misplaced due to their small size, corroded from detergents or broken due to their pliable plastic material, nozzles are a good staple to keep on hand. If kinked metal wands are a common sight in your dealership, you may want to consider these as an in-stock item to upsell to your customers. If you find that your employees commonly lose your customers' o-rings when the coupler ring is removed, you may also want to keep these on hand to remedy the issue. Don't forget to keep a steady stock of pump oil available for your customers. This can be an overlooked necessity for pressure washers and it's important to keep this in the sight of your customers at all times.

Once you determine which upsell items work for your dealership, your business and your customers will benefit greatly. Your customers will come to appreciate your expertise and you will soon find an increase in your bottom line profits. This is an opportunity not to be overlooked.