ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Equipment Dealers Assn. (EDA) has distributed the questionnaire for the 2019 Dealer-Manufacturer Relations Survey to equipment dealers throughout North America. The survey will remain open through March 8, 2019. This annual survey measures the relationships between dealers and the manufacturers whose products they sell.

EDA’s survey allows manufacturers to rate up to seven manufacturers they carry and collects data on their experience in 12 categories including product quality, availability and technical support; parts availability, quality and return policy; communication, warranty, marketing/advertising support and a separate rating for overall satisfaction.

The Dealer-Manufacturer Relations Survey is EDA’s most popular survey, receiving thousands of ratings from dealers each year. In 2018 there were almost 9,000 ratings from more than 2,000 individuals (roughly 4 manufacturers rated per survey). EDA expects even greater participation in 2019.

“Manufacturers and dealers alike need this data,” says Joe Dykes, VP of Industry Relations for EDA. “Each year we meet with manufacturers and this survey is always on the agenda. They really use this information to improve for their dealer networks. Dealers on the other hand can use this data when exploring new lines to carry or to compare their experiences with that of others. There’s something for everyone.”

Again this year, EDA welcomed the assistance of manufacturers who provided their dealer lists for the survey. Although manufacturers assist with distribution, the survey remains completely anonymous. Responses are collected by a third party research firm and are reported in aggregate with names and other potentially identifiable characteristics removed.

Any dealer who has not already received a survey questionnaire may email surveys@equipmentdealer.org to request one.