Ecko Marine - Alberta Beach

[camarogreg]

I feel terrible about Ecko, they have been shafted. This company is not here to assist small business in Western Canada.

On a side note:

https://www.fraserinstitute.org/article/bombardier-and-canadas-corporate-welfare-trap

4.4 Billion in tax dollars to this company, with more sure to follow with our current regime in place.

Will this ever stop?

 

[Dawizman]

I feel terrible about Ecko, they have been shafted. This company is not here to assist small business in Western Canada.

On a side note:

https://www.fraserinstitute.org/article/bombardier-and-canadas-corporate-welfare-trap

4.4 Billion in tax dollars to this company, with more sure to follow with our current regime in place.

Will this ever stop?

I hate corporate welfare and BRP as much as the next guy, but I've gotta point out that Bombardier sold off BRP 17 years ago.

 

[Cyle]

Most likely another big dealer wanted the market share and told BRP they wanted Ecko gone. Sad that being a long standing dealer who had a good reputation means nothing. Hopefully BRP sales tank locally, and they pick up another brand and do really well.

SMS equipment did it for Takeuchi, took the line away from Scott equipment. Not that they were great, but it's a chitty things to do and SMS is a joke to deal with.

 

[ABMax24]

Most likely another big dealer wanted the market share and told BRP they wanted Ecko gone. Sad that being a long standing dealer who had a good reputation means nothing. Hopefully BRP sales tank locally, and they pick up another brand and do really well.

SMS equipment did it for Takeuchi, took the line away from Scott equipment. Not that they were great, but it's a chitty things to do and SMS is a joke to deal with.

That's probably it. BRP did it here in Grande Prairie. Stojan's in Sexsmith and Windsor Motorsports both had dealerships, Stojan's moved into town and BRP pulled the dealership from Windsor.

 

[Dawizman]

That's probably it. BRP did it here in Grande Prairie. Stojan's in Sexsmith and Windsor Motorsports both had dealerships, Stojan's moved into town and BRP pulled the dealership from Windsor.

Yeah, wouldn't be surprised to hear Martins had some push on the matter.

 

[Cdnfireman]

I’ve never dealt with Ecko, but I hate to see any well run small family run operation take a Hit, and from what those of you say, they are good to deal with. I have to wonder if BRP is looking how Honda deals with the Canadian market. They took most of the business away from multiple small operators and concentrated it with a few, banking on their reputation for quality, not caring about convenience or dealer loyalty. BRP in the last few years has had lots of innovative Ideas and are building a good product ( I’m talking atv stuff, I’m not a sledder) so maybe they’re thinking, like Honda, that they’ll get the business regardless and it’s easier for them logistically and more profitable for them and dealers to consolidate.

 

[Rotax_Kid]

Fixed it for you!

It's unfortunate, but the dealers are somewhat in a no win position. Looking at the ISMA's sales numbers last year, sales were flat, which is good they weren't part of a decreasing trend, but nonetheless, sales are significantly down from where they were 20 years ago.

From http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobile-sales-data-2019-2020.html

"A strong economy during the Autumn and Winter of 2019-2020, along with excellent snow conditions in many parts of North America, helped to support the snowmobile community, manufacturers, and dealers. Continued interest and enthusiasm in snowmobiling this winter helped sales to remain steady at 123,862 new sleds sold worldwide, a 7% decline from the previous year – which was a strong sales year supported by a long winter season. Sales in all three major markets, (United States, Canada, and Scandinavia) reported minor declines influenced by a shortened sales season and the onslaught of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Sales in the United States were 51,036 new snowmobiles sold, while sales in Canada were 43,535 new snowmobiles sold.

Sales showed a slight increase in Finland to slightly over 5,040 units sold compared to 4581 units last year, and Russia continues its strong sales activity with over 7,191 new sleds sold following last year’s sales of 6441 sleds. This is a sales increase of slightly over 10% in Russia which highlights the improved economic health in Russia, joined with excellent snow conditions and enthusiasm for the sport of snowmobiling.

The snowmobile community is optimistic and is already looking forward to a great 2020-2021 riding season since the end of this riding season in March-April 2020 featured tremendous snowfalls in much of North America.

The snowmobile industry reports that there are 1.1 million registered snowmobiles in the United States and over 543,000 in Canada. The registration numbers continue to be steady, showing that snowmobiling continues to be an active, healthy winter sport.

Recently conducted surveys show that 82% of the snowmobiling households own 2 snowmobiles that they register and ride. Increased registration in Northern Europe continues and there are well over 300,000 active snowmobilers in Scandinavia.

Snowmobile related tourism continues to increase in North America and beyond. This can be seen in recent economic studies conducted by major colleges/universities. Miles ridden by snowmobilers, which is always predictive of economic impact, showed that riding and related tourism continued on a steady pace compared to previous years.

The average age of a snowmobiler this past season was 45 years of age. Approximately 84% of snowmobilers are males and 16% female. Survey also showed that snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy snowmobiling with family and friends. 70% of first-time snowmobile buyers have purchased a used snowmobile and most plan to purchase a new snowmobile on their next purchase. Many of the first-time buyers are young adults and they move on to purchase the new snowmobile later in life."

To me, it looks like the bulk of the sales are replacement machines to people who are already in the sport since registration numbers have remained steady. Average age is up there - I look at this and I'm a reasonable amount younger than that average age. Most anyone I know who I rode with in years past are not longer riding - too expensive, too many competing interests, poor winters, etc. - all solid reasons. I still do it, whether buddies want to or not, because I've done it since I was 3 and enjoy it that much.

Dealers are getting the short end. Manufacturers need sales to grow, Consumer demand is flat, dealers are forced to be the front for the manufacturers to grow in a market that is flat and is seasonally and disposable income dependent. Tough spot to come ahead in.

 

[TylerG]

Sad to hear. Marvin was a straight shooter and well liked in the dealer network as well as the snowmobiling community. His type of dedication to promoting this sport and BRP product will be sadly missed.

I deal with Marvin and Marlene all winter long, they are both dedicated to snowmobiling, leaders in our snowmobile club, and truly wonderful people.

 

[snopro]

I feel terrible about Ecko, they have been shafted. This company is not here to assist small business in Western Canada.

On a side note:

https://www.fraserinstitute.org/article/bombardier-and-canadas-corporate-welfare-trap

4.4 Billion in tax dollars to this company, with more sure to follow with our current regime in place.

Will this ever stop?

 

[maxwell]

Most likely another big dealer wanted the market share and told BRP they wanted Ecko gone. Sad that being a long standing dealer who had a good reputation means nothing. Hopefully BRP sales tank locally, and they pick up another brand and do really well.

SMS equipment did it for Takeuchi, took the line away from Scott equipment. Not that they were great, but it's a chitty things to do and SMS is a joke to deal with.

yea...dont think they wre going to tank. there is 2 dealers an hour to the east and 1 dealer an hour to the west.

 

[snochuk]

How true!!

But as far as the perception people have on business ethics and customer care of the two separate companies.............they both suck badly

This is just another nail in the coffin bit of proof.

 

[snopro]

I have and they were great. BRP killed Trackside in Olds (my old first choice) and now Ecko. Bad idea BRP.....jus sayin.....

Years ago Chopper (Dave at A&E) , myself, Marv and Byron (Bowridge) were having a couple beers in a pub at the dealer meeting and Marv said he could see the day when BRP would work it so there was a dealer In Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton only. We are seeing this happen before our eyes now. Ole Marv was a damn psychic !!

 

[Luke The Drifter]

So what happens to the guys who snowchecked with Ecko? I'd imagine their sled gets allocated to another dealer by BRP or do they get to choose where they go? Unfortunate to see. Seems to be a trend in various industries. Heavy equipment is no different. While most of my dealings with Finning are positive, they definitely have the attitude of giant corporation and think they own everyone that has a piece of Cat gear since there is no other competitors out here. Kramer was a solid company and despite the owners of Kramer "selling off the business", I've been told that Finning forced Cat to take that upon them, go figure.

Not gonna be much of a sled industry left soon if this keeps up. Cat isn't allowed to sell their sleds in Canada and they've been cutting lots of little but successful dealers as well. Polaris seems to keep their smaller dealers supported and Yamaha doesn't sell enough sleds out west to to make a dent in the market. Couple that with online shopping and its a damn tough go for any smaller dealer to stay afloat.

 

[maxwell]

So what happens to the guys who snowchecked with Ecko? I'd imagine their sled gets allocated to another dealer by BRP or do they get to choose where they go? Unfortunate to see. Seems to be a trend in various industries. Heavy equipment is no different. While most of my dealings with Finning are positive, they definitely have the attitude of giant corporation and think they own everyone that has a piece of Cat gear since there is no other competitors out here. Kramer was a solid company and despite the owners of Kramer "selling off the business", I've been told that Finning forced Cat to take that upon them, go figure.

Not gonna be much of a sled industry left soon if this keeps up. Cat isn't allowed to sell their sleds in Canada and they've been cutting lots of little but successful dealers as well. Polaris seems to keep their smaller dealers supported and Yamaha doesn't sell enough sleds out west to to make a dent in the market. Couple that with online shopping and its a damn tough go for any smaller dealer to stay afloat.

You would take delivery of your new sled at Ecko still just no 2021 stock

 

[snopro]

A lot of people don't know this I would assume, but BRP dealers are signed on contractally for a 1 yr term yearly. So basically you go to the Dealer Meeting in Feb and are renewed if they choose and you choose to. This brings up the obvious question that if they tell you they want you to spend $100,000 on your showroom to meet their standards or make you buy $20,000 of new lighted outdoor signs every 5 years or even tell you that they want you to build a new building or move to a new location that suits them better then you better, or you could be terminated. Every year we would take our dealer agreement to our lawyer to read through it as it has a lot of legal gobblygook and he would look at us and ask us why we would ever sign a document like this? Passion for the product and passion for the sport. He would shake his head and witness our signatures and put his stamp on it. Building a new building or doing 6 figure renovations with no guarantee of a contract is a stupid business model. Thats one of the reasons we stepped away after 25 yrs. We could see it all coming down the pipe.

 

[plio7]

I just don't get the logic of decisions like this, how is having more dealers a bad thing? I get the idea of ordering things online, but when you get a trouble code or need diagnostic advise you need the local dealer not the amazon delivery guy. I don't need a big glass showroom with racks of stuff everywhere, I need a parts guy, service writer and mechanic that give a sh!t and know how to fix it.

Case in point is our local Ford dealer, Ford wanted them to build a new building to replace the 70's era one. Windsor Ford built the biggest Ford dealership in Canada. I went in there the other day after work at 5:45 to get parts. "Parts department closes at 5:30" the receptionist says "but sales is open until 6:00". To which I reply "why would I want to talk to sales when I can't get service on the truck I already bought from you?" she didn't respond and I walked out. Hansen Ford parts were open when I got there at 1 minute to close, they had the parts and the parts guy wasn't concerned about working a little late to get me the stuff I needed, I think I'll start to buy parts there.

Service is key to any successful business, and it's something the corporate offices for many businesses just don't understand. It's sad to see another long standing business get the boot from corporate over-sight.

Hansen has a helluva nice new building opening soon......doubt you’ll see a change in service though. From all of my dealings him and his people are pretty top notch

 

[Cyle]

yea...dont think they wre going to tank. there is 2 dealers an hour to the east and 1 dealer an hour to the west.

Depends how many people are loyal to Ecko and switch to a different brand. If they pull the same crap too many times they will be hurting.

 

[Cyle]

So what happens to the guys who snowchecked with Ecko? I'd imagine their sled gets allocated to another dealer by BRP or do they get to choose where they go? Unfortunate to see. Seems to be a trend in various industries. Heavy equipment is no different. While most of my dealings with Finning are positive, they definitely have the attitude of giant corporation and think they own everyone that has a piece of Cat gear since there is no other competitors out here. Kramer was a solid company and despite the owners of Kramer "selling off the business", I've been told that Finning forced Cat to take that upon them, go figure.

Not gonna be much of a sled industry left soon if this keeps up. Cat isn't allowed to sell their sleds in Canada and they've been cutting lots of little but successful dealers as well. Polaris seems to keep their smaller dealers supported and Yamaha doesn't sell enough sleds out west to to make a dent in the market. Couple that with online shopping and its a damn tough go for any smaller dealer to stay afloat.

Eventually it will turn on them. Cat equipment is nothing special anyway and there is much better dealer support with other brands at a better cost. It did on Brandt, they had that attitude for years that unless you bought millions in iron every year you weren't worth bothering with, but last summer they were driving around and came to my yard saying it was a mistake and they are catering to the little guys now.

Of course I told them too little too late. I will not buy more Deere equipment because I refuse to deal with them.

 

[Rhodesie]

brp could lose all dealers clean across western canada. no matter. they have the Maxwell cheerleader on board so its all good.

 

[ABMax24]

Hansen has a helluva nice new building opening soon......doubt you’ll see a change in service though. From all of my dealings him and his people are pretty top notch

They weren't always that way though, when Jim Hansen still ran the place it was great, but when his son first took over the transition wasn't as smooth as it should have been. Being the reason I bought my current truck at Windsor. But lately I definitely have had better luck with them.