The recent boom in golf car sales has provided a great opportunity for dealers to increase their accessory sales. In addition to the right seats, wheels, or lift kit, one of the most universal and profitable add-on sales for any shop is audio. Although the market offers plenty of options, from intricate customized systems to bolt-on solutions, ECOXGEAR has quickly become an industry leader with their SoundExtreme line of soundbars, striking a winning balance of value and quality for the customer while creating a profit center for dealers.
A leader in the waterproof Bluetooth speaker space for over 15 years, ECOXGEAR released their 26” SoundExtreme bar a little over a year ago, and they have since introduced an industry-first battery powered soundbar, a smaller 18” bar, double-sided 32” bar, and they will soon release an 8” subwoofer.
Installers and dealers know that custom audio, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000+, is probably not the first choice for the average customer. Given the current soundbar options in the market, the ECOXGEAR dealers we spoke with are finding that customers want a feature-packed audio product at the right price.
Nick DiStasio, of the Virginia-based Carts Inc., told us, “These bars are by far the best bang for the buck when it comes to any sort of golf car or ATV sound application. Our customers generally pick the ECOXGEAR sound bars over the much more expensive brands because of the added features and the great sound at a better price.”
Behind every ECOXGEAR soundbar, dealers will find an IP66 rated, 100% waterproof, dirt proof and dustproof product. In addition to Bluetooth Audio and FM radio, all ECOXGEAR soundbars feature multiple mode speaker party lights, 4 color rear LED light bar, hands-free calling, and the ability to pair up to 100 units using ECOXGEAR’s ECOCAST function.
Phil Madrigal of CartRoc in Doral, FL noted that his customers really like the option to pair units. “Once someone sees a SoundExtreme bar on a neighbor or friend’s cart, they want one, too. We’ve been getting a ton of referral business for this product, because at $399, customers are adding big function to their cart, including speaker lights, an LED bar, and of course, clear high-quality sounding music!”
ECOXGEAR CEO, Greg Fadul, explained, “Behind the design philosophy of every ECOXGEAR product is a commitment to deliver the quality users expect at a price point that feels comfortable. We were an early player in waterproof Bluetooth speakers (we actually hold the patent) and we’ve leveraged that experience and expertise to create a full line of Golf and Powersports products that allow an installer or dealer to make an add-on sale that differentiates a cart—and genuinely excites customers.”
Fadul continued, “We just keep hearing stories about customers buying a car for their teenage kid to drive to school, or for use in a golf car community, or campground, and how having onboard music and lights just enhances their golf car experience in every way.”
Ozzie Hughes of Five Star Golf Carts in Queensbury, New York, added, “ECOXGEAR has been a great seller for us. Our customers are thrilled to add a soundbar to their build. Everyone’s been happy with the audio quality and extra features. The party lights definitely bring the fun.”
ECOXGEAR’s success can be attributed to rigid engineering and manufacturing standards that ensure great audio, contemporary aesthetics, and rugged functionality. Designed in Poway, CA, all ECOXGEAR soundbars utilize multiple high-powered Texas Instruments amplifiers paired with custom made speaker drivers that are optimized for low power drain, high-efficiency output, while also being 100% waterproof, dirt proof, and sand proof. Users can control the music with their smartphone, included RF remote control, and the full-sized integrated keypad.
Unique to ECOXGEAR soundbars are a patented—and several patents pending—waterproofing system. Golf car / UTV Soundbars are often in direct sunlight, which can cause internal temperatures and pressures to drastically rise. These patented solutions equalize the pressure and reduce internal operating temperature drastically, which significantly increases the soundbar’s lifespan.
ECOXGEAR will soon be releasing an 8” Subwoofer that will provide an additional kick and punch to any sound system. The subwoofer will be 100% waterproof, using their patented technology. It will connect to any stereo or other brand’s soundbar via a standard line out / sub out wire. Additionally, ECOXGEAR has added ECOCAST to the Subwoofer, allowing their subwoofers and soundbars to connect wirelessly, and automatically, for an enhanced audio experience with a simplified install.
Dealers will find that soundbar mounting is straightforward; included in the box is a wiring harness, rotating mounting brackets that can be drilled or clamped, or partnered with any aftermarket mount or crossbar. Installers receive all the necessary ¼”-20 hardware, and also have the option to drill and flat mount along a top rail. All soundbars also come with a sleeved RF remote control.
Since the ECOXGEAR line is established in the outdoor and sporting goods markets, dealers should also take note of their portable speakers. Products including the BOULDER MAX party speaker, JOURNEY Dry box, and the SOL JAM, a unique solar speaker / power bank, all feature the ECOCAST function and can be paired with any soundbar to enhance the user’s audio experience. Martin Balgach, ECOXGEAR’s National Sales Manger, told us, “Golf car users are often going to the beach, camping, hunting, or working, and having a portable speaker option that connects to the bar when on the golf car—that can be taken with the customer and cross-utilized during other activities only increases the value and use scenario, all while our dealers increase profits.”
The new SoundExtreme line from ECOXGEAR is worth noting for any dealer who wants to expand their accessory assortment. ECOXGEAR is currently accepting dealer applications, and interested dealers may email dealers@ecoxgear.com or call 720.343.6851 for more information.
