Once again, we’re excited to share a success story from one of our dealers. This time, we’re shining a spotlight on Vangaever, who goes above and beyond by providing their customers with incredible First Aid Kits when they purchase Bobcat machines.

The concept behind it is to provide customers with something tangible—a First Aid Kit that can be used in case of any questions, problems, or simple maintenance needs. While it may seem like something readily available online, having it on hand can prove to be very useful.

“We love the clever comparison of Bobcat to a cat with nine lives. However, to truly embody this, one must properly maintain their Bobcat machine. Vangaever fluently conveys that they offer an extended warranty of up to 5 years, covered by Bobcat, along with maintenance plans tailored to meet everyone’s needs.”

We had the opportunity to interview Hans Vervloet, one of the most important figures at Vangaever representing the aftermarket.

MM: Hello, Hans, could you please start by telling us a few things about yourself? How did you start working for Vangaever, and what does Bobcat mean to you? Don’t forget to mention something about yourself outside of work as well, please!
HV: Hello, Matyas. I joined the Vangaever team seven years ago as the Parts Manager. Along the way, I gained insights from customers, our sales team, and Bobcat service experts. These interactions shaped my understanding of customer loyalty. Now, in a more central role at Vangaever, I’m dedicated to aligning our services with customer needs for a rewarding experience. Even my 3-year-old son is already a huge fan and a loyal customer of the Bobcat shop. ☺ Thank you for the opportunity to grow with you, and I look forward to continuing our shared success.

MM: Now, we can dive into the main topic – the First Aid Kit by Vangaever. Who came up with this idea, and what is the main reason why you decided to go in this direction?
HV: After successfully launching our maintenance program, we were looking for a way to make it easier for the customer to contact us in case of an emergency. Bruno Vangaever and I came up with the initial idea. While discussing the different options, the idea grew into a complete package with a handwritten thank-you letter, contact information, and a Protection Plus reminder. We also added an additional flashy red sticker with our 24/7 contact number and our WhatsApp number.

What are the reactions of your customers when they receive this kit together with new machines?
HV: Customers are excited for two reasons: the premium look and feel of the box and the reassurance that they have a point of contact should they face any issues.

MM: Did you consider adding a set of Bobcat Personal Protective Equipment as a gift together with this kit?
HV: Not yet, but hey, that’s a pretty cool idea! We might just look into it. 🙂

MM: Is there anything else planned regarding the promotion activities supporting the aftermarket?
HV: In a couple of weeks, we have a promotional brochure planned to keep customers informed about special promotions on spare parts and to provide information about various aftermarket products, such as Machine IQ.

MM: What was the most interesting/funny story with one of your customers when they called for help?
HV: A customer called about their S530: the horn was going off randomly while driving around. After some troubleshooting, we found the cause—their dog had chewed on the joystick. With the handle replaced, the problem was solved, and the dog was given a new chew toy. 🙂

Thanks a lot, Hans!