Turn 14 Distribution has made significant progress in its transition into the motorcycle and UTV market, including creating Turn 14 Powersports, the management function for the company’s 12 owned brands. The following is an update on key developments in the company’s move into the powersports aftermarket.
Product Development Ramps Up
Turn 14 Powersports has given significant attention to product development, acquisition and inventory of products for the company’s 12 powersports brands. The organization expects an increasing flow of both new and existing products to be available to dealers. The recent appointment of Matt Sturdevant as director of brand management strengthens the powersports team’s resources and leadership, and the move to new offices in Keller, Texas, as well as the nearby Innovation Center provides the ideal environment for accelerated product development. The 10,000-square-foot Innovation Center will house a workshop, photo studio and apparel testing lab.
River Road Available to Dealers
River Road announced a broad lineup of street and touring apparel in Q3 2023, shortly before the announcement of Turn 14 Distribution’s acquisition of the brand. The line of products includes high quality leather jackets, vests, gloves, chaps and helmets for cruiser and V-twin riders seeking high-quality, affordable riding gear. Turn 14 Powersports is now able to make the full line of products available to dealers with inventory available immediately through the Turn 14 Distribution channel.
Inventory Levels Rise, Supply Chain Secured
Turn 14 Powersports has successfully secured its vendor supply chain, ensuring a steady flow of products. Inventory continues to grow; with millions of dollars in inventory now available and en route, the company expects inventory availability to nearly double over the next few months.
Channel Updates and Brand Equity Protection
Turn 14 Distribution is taking action to optimize its distribution channels and protect brand equity. The company has already discontinued direct sales to Amazon.com and reintroduced a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy for all its Turn 14 Powersports brands.
Turn 14 Powersports is also actively addressing the presence of counterfeit ProTaper products in the market.
Enhanced Dealer Systems Support
Turn 14 Distribution is committed to consistent communications with dealers and has taken steps to support virtually all dealer management systems (DMS) used by powersports dealers. The company has expanded its reach by integrating its price book with a total of 15 DMSs. Additionally, Turn 14 Distribution is finalizing its initial integration with the LeadVenture family of companies, allowing dealers to access product catalogs and inventory levels directly within their existing platforms.
At AIMExpo this year, Turn 14 Distribution executives reiterated the company’s “no minimum buy in order” for powersports dealers and continues that program to welcome new dealers to Turn 14 Distribution. As a successful automotive product distributor, Turn 14 Distribution uses the Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) in its own management systems. All owned brand products and distributed products now use this standard in the Turn 14 Distribution system.
Streamlined Returns Process
To further support dealers, Turn 14 Distribution has fully implemented its Free and Easy Return Program for powersports retailers. This program allows dealers to return unused, resalable and normally stocked items for a full credit with no restocking fees.
“We understand the historically frustrating nature of returns in our industry,” said Erin Robbins, chief operating officer at Turn 14 Distribution. “Our Easy Return Program underscores our dedication to exceptional customer service.”
Ready for the Riding Season
“It’s taken us longer than we had hoped to get to where we are now with product development, inventory and dealer support,” said Turn 14 Powersports President Bob Schuetz. “We are now in a very good place with our dealer support programs and we are building our inventory and expanding the product lines in time for this year’s riding season.”
