Spring is the time when everyone is eager to get out of the house, hop in their car, roll down the windows and take advantage of the warmer weather.
It also means your customers are likely itching to take a quick weekend or extended road trip. Now’s the perfect time to stock up on everything your customers will be looking for to either trick out their ride, or just make it a little more family friendly. Check out our recommendations for the hottest products and accessories that will entice your customers this spring.
Install Options
A new in-dash unit isn’t always necessary, but presenting it your customers as an option to enhance their in-vehicle experience is a great way to solicit a new install project. The PVI.134 from Precision Power is a multimedia source unit for users that are looking for an ultra-affordable option, without having to sacrifice features. It includes Bluetooth® connectivity, a detachable faceplate, audio, video and subwoofer RCA outputs, USB reader and more. The Pioneer SPH-DA210 brings compatible smartphone apps to the dashboard. Winning a 2014 CES Innovation In Design and Engineering award, it uses MirrorLink® technology to access smartphone apps from the in-dash unit. Another in-dash unit that allows users to essentially access smartphone apps from their dashboard is the NX604 from Clarion. It features Smart Access to help users enjoy apps optimized for their in-vehicle environment.
For some drivers, cruising down the highway with the best beats is the most essential part of the automotive audio experience. Since factory systems don’t always do the job, customers will look to you for help. Petra has all the speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, cables, install kits, enclosures and anything else you need to complete an aftermarket install. For 6.5” component speakers that offer exceptional performance with just a 1” mounting depth, the Phantom Series 80W 2-Way Component Set from Precision Power can’t be beat. Another factory replacement option is the SRG4633C from Clarion. It’s a 4×6” speaker that produces accurate midrange and high frequency from a triaxial frame. A good subwoofer like the Sound Storm SSLSLR12D fills in the lower octaves that bring your customers’ music to life. To power the new speakers and pump up the volume, suggest an add-on amplifier like the 5-channel Power Acoustik BAMF4500 that has a small compact, footprint and an exceptional feature set. Serving your customers from a full menu of audio options will keep them hungry for the ultimate system from your business.
Car Video adds that extra level of cool factor for a vehicle, not to mention it helps keep rowdy backseat passengers entertained for hours. The flip-down DVD player and monitor S11.2CBL from Sound Storm features an impressive 11.2” widescreen monitor with the capability to play DVDs, CDs and includes a USB port and SD card slot. Plus, wireless headphones can be easily utilized via the IR transmitter. Also brand new in Flip-Down monitors is the CFD105M from Concept that features an HDMI® input and Miracast® Wi-Fi for streaming images and video content from a mobile device.
Car thieves also enjoy the nice weather and now that your customer has great gear installed, they’ll surely want to protect their investment with a little bit of added security. You can help your customers guard against theft with the Python 5103P. It’s a 1-way security system with remote start that includes a Failsafe® starter kill for added security. If the entire vehicle is stolen, Directed Smart Start lets users know exactly where the vehicle is and can alert the owner’s smartphone if the car is moved or driven.
Non-Install Options
If you don’t perform installs at your storefront, there are still plenty of ways for you to take advantage of the car audio/video crowd. A terrific item to think about stocking is a jump starter system. Everyone’s likely experienced a dead car battery at one point or another in their life and that feeling of helplessness about what to do. Brand new from CobraSelect is a JumPack Charger that’s small enough to fit in a glove box, but powerful enough to recharge a dead car battery multiple times. It even has a USB port to charge mobile devices! Portable DVD players with included car adapters are another option for your customers who aren’t interested in installing an entire DVD player and screen, but do want to watch movies on-the-go.
For those drivers that get so wrapped up in the thrill of window-down driving that they forget to look at speed limits, a radar/laser detector is the perfect fit. Or for travelers who are in unfamiliar areas, a GPS unit is an inexpensive accessory that can take the hassle out of getting lost, even if your customer loses cell service. The nüvi® 56 from Garmin features Lane assist, Real Voice™, millions of Points Of Interest and more.
Whether it’s gearing up for road trips or simply getting the car ready for warm weather cruising, having the right mix of products can set your business up for a successful spring season. Offer some extra incentives for customers to visit your business. Throw in a gift certificate to a local car wash to get rid of that winter slush and salt to start the season fresh. If you don’t do auto maintenance, think about partnering with a local shop for discounts or coupons on a spring car check up with purchase. Warmer weather is here in many parts of the country. Now’s the time to let the sun shine on your profit potential. Check out the products on this page or contact your Petra sales rep to see how you can take advantage of the profit potential available this time of year.