We Want Fewer ‘I Didn’t Know’ Responses from Members

It happens to all of us in every line of business. We think we’re speaking clearly, maybe even being redundant, but inevitably, we hear from our customers or clients or members that they simply were not aware of what we offered.

In this issue of Shortliner, we’re going to hit a few highlights from the “I didn’t know” file. This is not a comprehensive list of benefits but rather a look at those less frequently mentioned.

Database of State Laws Relevant to the Industry – Do you need to know the warranty law in Washington, the lemon law in New Jersey, the buyback law in Louisiana? Our database of state laws that affect your business is available on a password-protected area of our web site. If you’ve lost track of your member ID and password, we can fix that. Give us a call at (314) 878-2304 or send an email to Rachel@FarmEquip.org.

Search Engine to Connect you to Distribution Partners – Let’s say, for example, you’re looking for a wholesaler who does business in the Midwest. Perhaps you need a German-speaking independent sales representative who can connect you to a distant market. The Association offers a password-protected page that gives you a map and the menu options to help you find a distribution partner among our associate marketing members.

Digital Directory – If you’re looking for information on a member company, it is as close as your keyboard. Tucked into the password-protected section of the Association web site is a search tool that allows you to find a company by its name, by an executive’s name, or by the product the company produces.

If you’d like to communicate with all your colleagues at once, ask us for a spreadsheet that includes every regular members’ electronic contact information.

60-Minute Attorney Consultations – We feel like we mention this one often, but we continue to be surprised by how many members are surprised to learn of it. If you have a legal question related to personnel or dealer law, we can connect you to attorneys who specialize in those questions. They are among the most respected attorneys in the U.S. in their fields, and for you, they are free.

Association members receive no-cost, confidential, 60-minute consultations with the attorneys. These are phone calls we hope you never have to make, but when they become necessary, you may see a total return on your membership dues investment in one conversation.

Meeting Incentives – If you are a new member, the Association waives the registration fee for one executive for the company’s first Supply Summit or Marketing & Distribution Convention. If you are a manufacturing member and want to bring a purchasing agent to the Supply Summit, that second registration is only $99. Most of you know this benefit, but the earlier you register, the less you pay. For the Marketing & Distribution Convention in Houston (page 8), you will save $200 if you register by August 15.

Savings – Members receive discounts on freight through YRC, an endorsed service provider. Regular members also receive a free copy of the ASABE standards every other year, which is a $549 value.

Next month, we will use this space to focus on our programs with Sentry Insurance and how the company’s dividends program and services add to your bottom line. In the meantime, let us know if you have ideas on how the Association can support your work. We’d be thrilled to lengthen this list of offerings.