Becoming A Golf Cart Dealer: Requirements And Costs

If you have a passion for golfing and a desire to turn that passion into a profitable business, becoming a golf cart dealer for top brands like Yamaha, EZGO, and Club Car may be the perfect opportunity for you. However, before you can start selling these popular brands, you need to meet certain requirements and invest in the necessary resources.

In this article, we will explore the minimum requirements and costs associated with becoming a golf cart dealer for these prominent brands.

To become an authorized dealer for Yamaha, EZGO, or Club Car, you need more than just a love for golf and a facility to showcase your inventory. Financial stability and trained staff are also crucial factors that these companies consider when selecting their dealers. In addition, you need to meet specific requirements set by each brand to ensure that you can provide their customers with the highest level of service and quality products.

By understanding these requirements and costs, you can make an informed decision about whether becoming a golf cart dealer is the right choice for you.

Key Takeaways

– Becoming a golf cart dealer requires significant financial investment, with Yamaha being the most demanding in terms of credit line and liquid working capital requirements.
– There are specific facility and signage requirements for each manufacturer, as well as minimum inventory and unit display requirements.
– Dealerships must have trained staff, including salespeople and service technicians, and must participate in each manufacturer’s incentive program.
– Yamaha and EZGO can strip branding if dealership standards are not met, and dealerships are required to display company products equally with other manufacturers.

Yamaha Requirements

To become a Yamaha golf cart dealer, you’ll need to meet certain facility standards. This includes having a facility with a minimum of 10,000 square feet for display, 750 square feet for accessories and apparel, 750 square feet for parts, and 1,000 square feet for the service department.

In addition to meeting facility requirements, you’ll also need to meet financial requirements. This includes having a $1,500,000 credit line with YMFUS and $10,000 for parts and accessories.

You’ll also need to have a dedicated Yamaha salesperson and service staff for repairs. Furthermore, you’ll need to have a minimum of $300,000 in liquid working capital.

Yamaha is the most demanding of the three major golf cart manufacturers in terms of requirements, but they do offer a dealer incentive program to help offset some of the costs.

EZGO Requirements

As an EZGO dealer, you’ll need to have a primary physical location near a major road and display products outside when possible and legal.

In addition, you should have at least 800 sq ft of showroom space and 100 linear feet for parts and accessories. It’s also necessary to have a full-time service manager and technician for each product, as well as trained salespeople.

You should have a dedicated service area, whole goods storage, and parts storage to ensure smooth operations. As an EZGO dealer, you must have a minimum of 10 units at all times, with a minimum of $50,000 in parts inventory.

It’s essential to have a dedicated EZGO salesperson and participate in the dealer incentive program. However, unlike Yamaha, EZGO doesn’t require a specific facility size or appearance.

While the financial requirements can be costly, becoming an EZGO dealer can be a lucrative business opportunity for those who have the necessary resources and meet the requirements.

Club Car Requirements

If you’re interested in selling Club Car golf carts, it’s important to ensure that your dealership is clean and well-maintained, your staff is properly trained, and you have the current and properly maintained tools for servicing products.

While there are no publicly disclosed minimum requirements for becoming a Club Car dealer, it’s important to keep in mind that the company does have specific standards that must be met in order to maintain the brand’s integrity and reputation.

In addition to meeting these standards, it’s also important to participate in the dealer incentive program in order to maximize your profits and build a successful business. By offering incentives to your salespeople and technicians, you can incentivize them to sell more products and provide better service to your customers, which can help you build a loyal customer base and increase your revenue over time.

Overall, becoming a Club Car dealer can be a great way to enter the golf cart market and build a successful business, but it’s important to carefully consider the costs and requirements involved before making the decision to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the process take to become a golf cart dealer for Yamaha, EZGO, or Club Car?

You’re eager to know how long it takes to become a golf cart dealer for Yamaha, EZGO, or Club Car. The process duration varies based on the company, but it can take several weeks to months to meet the extensive requirements and obtain the necessary financing.

What kind of marketing and advertising support do these companies offer to their dealerships?

Yamaha, EZGO, and Club Car offer various marketing and advertising support to their dealerships, including customizable brochures, social media content, and co-op advertising. You can also attend training sessions to improve your marketing skills and learn about new products.

Are there any ongoing fees or royalties that dealerships have to pay to these companies?

Yes, there are ongoing fees or royalties that dealerships have to pay to these companies. The specific amount varies by manufacturer and is typically a percentage of the dealer’s gross sales.

What kind of warranty and post-sale support do these companies provide for their products?

You’ll be pleased to know that Yamaha, EZGO, and Club Car all provide warranties and post-sale support for their products. Specific details can vary, but rest assured that you’ll be covered if any issues arise after your purchase.

Can dealerships sell used or refurbished golf carts, or do they have to exclusively sell new ones from the manufacturers?

Yes, dealerships can sell used or refurbished golf carts in addition to new ones from the manufacturers. However, the manufacturers may have specific requirements for the condition and branding of the used carts.