NAEDA introduces dealer accreditation program

The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) unveiled its Power Pro Program Oct. 24 at GIE+EXPO.

Developed by the association’s OPE Dealer Council, the program offers accreditation to dealers who operate their businesses under a universal set of standards that measure sales and service performance.

“To be clear, Power Pro is not the brand of equipment… Power Pro is the brand of an exceptional dealer,” said Joe Dykes, associate director of OPE programs for NAEDA.

Power Pro has been in development for several years, noted George Fackler, chairman of the NAEDA OPE Dealer Council. He said NAEDA and its affiliated associations held focus groups with dealers throughout North America to help design a program for dealers who operate their businesses at the highest professional level. “The accreditation program calls for dealers to candidly assess their strengths and opportunities to improve the operation of their dealerships,” added Fackler, owner of Fackler Country Gardens, a multi-store operation in Granville, Ohio.

“Equipment is an investment,” added Dykes. “We believe consumers will get a greater return on their investments when they conduct business with dealers who support the brands they carry with product knowledge, parts and service — and commit resources to upgrade their facilities and hire and train staff and technicians. Power Pro will be used to identify and promote these types of dealers.”

To apply for Power Pro accreditation, dealers must meet the following criteria:

1.    Be an independent outdoor power equipment retailer,

2.    Have parts and service departments,

3.    Maintain a current retail certificate and/or vendor’s license, and

4.    Have business insurance or the financial responsibility for the liabilities of the dealership

For more information, visit Power Pro on the main menu at www.naeda.com.