Unfortunately many highly anticipated showcases and events have been the casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cancelled for the second consecutive year after the pandemic caused the cancellation of many trade shows and other selling opportunities across multiple sectors. But many motor vehicle, boat, caravan, motorbike and equipment dealers and manufacturers have pivoted and primed their online resources so buyers can proceed with their purchases.
We catch you up on what events have been cancelled and rescheduled and what options you may have to proceed with your purchase and source your finance.
Caravan Sector
The caravan industry managed to get a number of their larger shows staged early in the year with the big Sydney and Brisbane Supershows proceeding as scheduled and highly successful. Due to the recent outbreaks across several states, the latter part of the event calendar for the year has been impacted heavily.
In Queensland, the Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Expo has been cancelled but the Brisbane event is at this stage, on schedule for late October.
In Victoria, the Border Expo in Wodonga is cancelled and the Melbourne 4x4 Show is pushed back from August to late November. The Melbourne and Bendigo Leisurefest organisers are still hopeful of proceeding for their October and November respectively events.
The news out of NSW is not great with the lockdown extending statewide. The Sydney 4WD Show is re-scheduled to March 2022.
There are sure to be plenty of smaller regional shows which will also need to be cancelled or rescheduled so check your local event for updates.
Boating Industry
The Queensland boat show calendar was a great success with the Sanctuary Cove and other shows proceeding with record crowds. Unfortunately the highly-anticipated Sydney Boating Festival was cancelled and the Melbourne event cancelled early in the year prior to the recent outbreaks.
Boating is prevalent in many smaller outdoor shows and those scheduled for areas not impacted by the current issues may still be proceeding, so keep an eye out for what’s on in your area.
Motor Vehicle Sector
With all but essential services open in some states, motor vehicle showrooms have had to close. Buyers can access news and views of the latest models from many manufacturers online. Car service and repair services should still be open to assist with necessary maintenance.
Equipment Field Days
The rural community and agri sectors always look forward to the annual Field Days to catch up with industry reps and see the latest machinery up close and in action. Producers also take full advantage of the Royal Show circuit to compete and compare and showcase their own produce. Many events have needed to be cancelled including Brisbane’s iconic Ekka as well as the Australian National Field Days and the Royal Melbourne Show amongst many other smaller shows.
Smaller field days may proceed depending on how the situation plays out, so stay tuned.
Online Showrooms and Buying Tools
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic emerging in Australia, dealers and manufacturers across multiple industries had already embraced online resources to provide buyers with plenty of information and visuals of their products. Over the past 18+ months, many have further strengthened their online presence and expanded their buying tools.
The caravan industry recently launched a new online, industry-driven platform, RV Boss as one example of a whole of sector approach. The motor vehicle industry has been very proactive in their actions, offering demos at home with vehicles brought to the buyer for inspection and online sales of new vehicles.
Many manufacturers now provide online orders of new vehicles so buyers don’t miss out. Volkswagen is just one maker that is offering this service. Buyers can ‘build’ their vehicle and place orders with the online tools. We note that the soon to be launched VW California Camper is only available to order online.
When making any purchases via online platforms, always follow due diligence and guidance in regard to online safe buying practices. If buying second hand goods, check the ACCC website for news on the latest scams and frauds and tips for safe and secure purchases.
Finance and Loans Tools and Resources
Jade Finance has always had a significant presence in the digital delivery of lending services and we have expanded and grown our own resources significantly over the past few years. We provide loan calculators across all our loan categories. These calculators and interest rate comparison charts have been developed to be specific to that category of goods, both for private and business buyers. The interest rates displayed are constantly updated so our customers can access the current interest rate when calculating estimated repayments.
Applying for both business finance and personal loans can be done via online application forms or by phone. We understand that many of our customers prefer to speak with our consultants and we continue to provide our full services over the phone. If you are impacted by restrictions from accessing the necessary documents to support your application, our consultants may be able to assist with ways forward.
Our lenders are all operating so finance and loans are available to assist buyers achieve their objectives.
Contact Jade Finance 1300 000 008 to discuss finance and loans for cars, boats, caravans, motorcycles and all business equipment needs.
DISCLAIMER: NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED IF ERRORS OR MISREPRESENTATIONS ARE FOUND IN THIS ARTICLE. THE ARTICLE IS PREPARED AND PRESENTED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIVE PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE THE SOLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR MAKING FINANCIAL DECISIONS. THOSE REQUIRING GUIDANCE AND ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT A FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
