The past couple of weeks saw lots of snow in New Jersey, between the near record-breaking blizzard from the last weekend in January to the snowfall from the past week that totaled up to 6 inches depending on where you live.
Even though the effects of these snowstorms were seen for days on end, businesses like car dealerships & auto repair shops were still open. And being open for business is especially important since we’re still living through unprecedented times.
That’s why it’s so important to know what to have extra supplies of prior to a blizzard occurring. With that being said, here are some of the top items you can get from WASCO that you should have an overstock of to ensure your car dealership & service center is minimally affected by a snowstorm.
1. Snow Salt
There’s usually a shortage of snow salt (rock or a different alternative) when the weather report comes out and we hear about snow in the forecast. That’s because it prevents the ground from freezing and can even help melt ice that comes after the fact. Salt will make driving around to find a parking space and walking into your showroom & service center a lot more convenient.
2. Snow Removal Tools
You also want to make sure to have numerous tools to remove the snow off of vehicles in the dealership parking lot. Your business will definitely be in need to get everything cleaned off and ready for customers with winter supplies such as:
- Scrapers
- Brooms
- Brushes
- Shovels
3. COVID Safety Products
We’re not sure when or if COVID safety protocols will go away, so it’s always a good idea to keep an extra supply of these products to ensure peace of mind for your customers and also to not break the law. These include (but are not limited to):
- Face masks
- Gloves
- Hand sanitizer & soap
- All-purpose cleaners & disinfectants
- Plastic seat covers
4. Food & Refreshments
Because of the aftermath of a snowstorm, customers will want to stay in your waiting room when getting their vehicle serviced and it may also take longer to get the car they want to test drive to the front of the lot. That’s especially why you don’t want to run low on beverages like coffee, water, soda & tea or food put in the vending machine & out for customers to enjoy for free.
5. Anything You’re Very Low On
Last but not least comes down to a decision you have to make based on the stock you have. Depending on the severity of the snowfall, deliveries can be delayed for unknown periods of time. Supplies of that one thing your dealership and/or service center crucially needs could run out before a snowstorm occurs.
