November 18, 2020Clarence Valley Independent
Emma Pritchard – Clarence Valley Independent
In his own words, well respected Grafton businessman Mitch Collins isn’t here to make a million dollars or just sell whatever stock he has on the floor.
If he doesn’t think a particular product is going to suit one of his customers, he will advise them accordingly and offer them his professional recommendations for their individual needs to ensure they find the best product available of the highest quality.
At Grafton Power Products, it’s all about providing excellent customer service, taking the time to educate people about the impressive range of equipment in store from leading brands such as Husqvarna, Toro and Honda, and making a contribution to the local community and economy as a trusted and reputable home-grown business.
Since purchasing Grafton Power Products in 2010, Mr Collins has dedicated the past ten years to expanding and shaping the business.
Specialising in a diverse range of power equipment products including chainsaws, lawnmowers, Davey pumps, generators, brushcutters, hedgecutters and blowers, the popular Prince St store also stocks a full range of spare parts and accessories for the motorised two-wheeled enthusiast.
Supporting a large and continuously growing customer base, Mr Collins and his team are always happy to pass on their professional knowledge and ensure each shopping experience in store in a positive one.
“Being a local business, that’s very important and I pride myself on selling the right product to each customer,” Mr Collins said, adding his business follows up with after sale services to show people how much they care.
“We’re not just here to sell stuff and then say see you later to the customer, we’re here to support them continuously.
“The three main brands I’m very proud to sell are Husqvarna, Toro and Honda.
“They’re excellent quality, reliable and I never sell a product by a brand I don’t stand behind.
“I like spending time with customers to work out what they’re after and then teach them about the product they’re buying and show them everything they need to know about it.”
Some of the most popular items sold at Grafton Power Products include the Husqvarna automower, an incredibly versatile and nifty battery-operated robotic mower which allows you the comfort of mowing your lawn via your smartphone.
Staff from Grafton Power Products are more than happy to set up and install them for additional convenience.
Other commonly sought-after products include Husqvarna chainsaws and Toro ride on mowers.
Describing Toro as his biggest seller, Mr Collins said he will spend an hour teaching a customer how to use and operate a ride on mower safely.
“Customers definitely appreciate it when they’re shown how to use a product in detail,” he said.
“I really like doing that because not everyone knows how to operate a ride on or any other product they may want to buy and half the time that’s the battle.
“People will come in, they’re unsure if they’ll buy something because they don’t know how to use it and I think that can be scary, so I do everything I can to teach them about the products they’re after.
“If I go somewhere, I would like to be served that way and that’s why I want to do whatever I can to help my customers.
“We will also deliver throughout the Clarence Valley and people like to support us because we’re local, which is great.”
With his business selling “four to five times” the amount of Toro products compared to its earlier years, numerous regular customers returning and an increasing number of new customers, Mr Collins renovated his store in July to create more space to accommodate larger amounts of stock.
“We want the community to know we have a wide range of stock available, but it is selling out fast,” Mr Collins said.
“We have more than doubled our turnover of Honda products, tripled our sales of Toro products and if they’re any indicators, we’re going to be selling more and more Husqvarna products as well.
“I’m just really happy that the business is doing so well, especially following Covid-19 and our customers are happy and people know we’re here and we’ll do our best for them.
“We’ve got a lot of new customers walking through the door, everyone is really complimentary of the store, we’ve got leading brands in stock which people know and recognise and they’re big benefits to the business.
“A lot of hard work and time has been invested in bringing the business to where it is now and I’m really proud of it and my team.”
Grafton Power Products employs four full time staff members and one casual employee and Mr Collins said the business is looking to add a mechanic to its team in the future.
As an authorised Honda, Toro and Husqvarna dealership, Mr Collins and his team are committed to ensuring the Clarence Valley community has access to world renowned brands and outstanding customer service in their own backyard.