This time of the year brings about a hive activity in the farming community as there is so much to be done in a short time frame.
Winter brings about its own perils and although it may not be as hectic as the previous two seasons, it certainly is not a case of downing tools for a couple of months.
Machinery in the farming industry doesn’t come cheap and farmers can be forgiven for taking a cautious approach when making a purchase.
Trust is a major issue when spending thousands of euro and that is why many farmers stick with what they know best and remain with the same dealer over the years.
This is certainly the case with Kilkenny based Purcell Agri Sales as this business has built up a huge customer base over the last few years as their friendly approach and quality of service has earned them a glowing reputation.
Situated in Kilmanagh, Ballycallan, the business was established in 2014 by John Purcell and in just three short years, the customer base has grown considerably, surprising even the owner himself.
“To be honest, I didn’t envisage the growth that we have experienced in the few years that we are here. I’m very happy with the way business has gone since I started,” said John.
Through hard work and endeavour, John has built up the business to what it is today and he reveals to this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri just what it took to get where he is today.
“I have a very loyal customer base and I would know all the farmers very well. I’m grateful for the business that they have given us in the last few the years and look forward to supplying them with the service that they have become accustomed too for many years to come.”
Purcell’s are main dealers for many leading brands of farm machinery including Bogballe, Bredal, Conor, Kuhn, Major and Mandam.
“We have a reputation of providing a quality service and quality products. They may not be the cheapest on the market, but the customers know that they are getting the top brands.
“We stock a wide range of machinery both new and second hand, while we would have a comprehensive parts department also. We try our best to help the customer as best we can and I think that is part of the reason we have been so successful in such a short space of time.”
Purcell Agri Sales are stockists of a wide range of machinery which includes balers, diet feeders, mowers, rakes/tedders/haybobs, shear grabs, slurry tanks and equipment, sprayers, manure/fertiliser spreaders, wrappers and tillage and rollers.”
John stressed that they endeavour to get whatever the customer wants as soon as possible, if it is not already in stock at their premise.
“Whatever a farmer needs machinery wise, we would stock it here at the shop and the same would be said about the parts. If we didn’t have a part, we could have it here by the next day.”
John made a conscious decision not to start dealing tractors, even though they are selling every other piece of equipment that a farmer needs.
“No I don’t sell tractor at all and I don’t think I will in the future either. We have enough stock here and we’re happy with the direction that the business is taking. We are very busy at the moment and although we have no immediate plans to expand, if the sales demand is there, then we would have no problem doing so.
There is no magic formula to running a successful business but passion and enthusiasm go a long, long way. Purcell Agri has passion, experience, reliability, excellent staff, a strong product and an unrivalled back-up service.
Back-up service is vital as farmers are utterly dependent on their machinery for their livelihoods.
“Service is very important,” John confirms. “Selling the equipment is only the first step of an ongoing relationship. You have to provide an excellent service.
The owner is 100% committed to this business and he invests a lot of money back into it to ensure that they continue to provide the best service possible.
“I’ve invested a lot into the business, but you have to do so if you want to make it work right. Farming is a pressurised business and we’re conscious of that, so we will always try to ensure their queries are dealt with promptly and swiftly.”
Recently, John held an open day in the Hub at Cillin Hill where he had over 40 machines on display throughout the day and he was encouraged by the feedback that he received from that event.
“It went very well, we were there all day until 10pm that night and a lot of farmers came in the evening time when they were finished their work. It was the first time that we done that and I’m happy how it turned out.
“I’m focused on the local area and building the business through the catchment area around us. Our motto is to do what you do right and do it well.”
Due to the continued growth of the business and extra workload, John’s brother Tom has joined the business. A qualified mechanic with ten years’ experience.
“Tom is a qualified mechanic and he will look after the service, stores and second hand machinery sales.”
Contact Details:
Purcell Agri Sales
Kilmanagh,
Ballycallan,
Kilkenny
Mob: 0876106106
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 5 No 3, April/May 2017
