Sales Tip: Attend SEMA

Oct. 14, 2022
By visiting industry shows like SEMA you'll have the opportunity to see new products, find new brands, get new ideas for product demos, and more.

SEMA is a car junkie, truck junkie, off-road, and tool junkie’s dream. SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association. Almost any aftermarket product you can think of, and many you haven’t thought of to make a vehicle look great, run great, and sound great is on display at SEMA.

The major tool manufacturers are all there demonstrating what’s new and love to have mobile jobbers stop in to learn what’s new and the best tool demos. Remember not everything manufacturers produce is available through your flagship brand. You will certainly see some new products and brands you will want on your mobile store. Many of the manufacturers will have tradeshow specials or at least samples for you to take home. Remember, if you have the new stuff on your truck, you will not be “just like the other guys.”

If you tend to watch some of the car shows on TV, you will likely run into almost all the stars on the show floor, or at one booth or another. They are there for autograph sessions but also for attracting new sponsors for their shows, too. Remember, everybody is selling something.

Many of the television car show builders are there with their latest projects for you to ogle. This is the show they want to show their best work. You might consider picking up a $200,000 restomod.

For additional show fun, in the SEMA Las Vegas Convention Center front parking lot, you will see additional cool exhibits that are too big for inside and stunt driven cars skidding and screeching everywhere. The monster trucks outside are unbelievable.

For more information on SEMA, go to www.semashow.com .

About the Author

Alan Sipe | President, Toolbox Sales and Consulting

Alan W. Sipe has spent the last 42 years in the basic hand tool industry including positions as President of KNIPEX Tools North America, Sr. VP Sales and Marketing at Klein Tools, Manager Special Markets at Stanley Tools and sales management at toolbox manufacturer Waterloo Industries. Currently Sipe is the owner of Toolbox Sales and Consulting specializing in sales strategy, structure, development and training. Sipe can be reached at [email protected] or 847-910-1063. Connect with Sipe on LinkedIn.

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