By Nick St. Denis
The Spring 2020 issue of PPFMag, featured the Top Dealers in paint protection film. And they were the top ones for a reason— they had the highest PPF-specific revenues of all the submissions we received and/or were aware of as of press time. However, diversification is critical in the world of automotive aftermarket accessories and specialty products. Our top dealers know this better than anyone.
The 13 PPF dealers that made the “big list” combine for over $14 million in annual PPF-specific sales last year. That’s plenty of work to keep them busy. But that was just the beginning.
After crunching the numbers, we learned PPF made up close to two-thirds of the top dealers’ overall combined annual sales. Across the board, PPF made up anywhere from about a quarter to nearly all of each company’s business (they’re all unique), yet the overall average came out to about 66%.
So what about the other one-third?
Jacks of All Trades
Installers of PPF are highly skilled, and those skills can certainly translate into other areas. Our top PPF dealers are very savvy in this regard.
In addition to submitting their PPF-leaning company highlights for our big list, the top dealers were also asked to provide insight into the other products and services that they offer (if any). It ended up being much more than one or two things… each dealer named anywhere from three to eight different services they offered.
According to this information, window film (or “tinting”), ceramic coatings and vinyl wraps are the top services these dealers provide in addition to PPF. For many dealers, this is a no-brainer. It gives them the opportunity to provide coverage to the entire vehicle’s exterior and the prospect of value-adds.
Windshield protection and detailing were also two common services that PPF dealers said they also provide.
Much of what the top dealers offer is automotive based, but several of the companies that sell window film also provide services to residential and commercial buildings, which are key consumers of film.
So How About It?
If you aren’t currently offering many services aside from PPF, consider taking your unique skillset to the next level and adding other products to your arsenal. It has worked for the top dealers in the industry, and it can work for you, too.
Nick St. Denis is the director of research for PPFMag parent company Key Media & Research.
To view the laid-in version of this article in our digital edition, CLICK HERE.
