"The first thing I check in the morning is the forecast," Dale Taylor told us. 

Taylor owns Band City Small Engine in Moose Jaw, and wouldn't mind a healthy amount of snow to prompt snowblower sales. 

"We're down probably 10-15% (compared with) the last couple of years," Taylor explained, adding he's not too concerned about the lack of snow yet. "I'm pretty sure (snow) will show up sooner or later. I don't remember a winter when it didn't."

Having said that, Taylor wasn't too thrilled with the prediction of an El Nino for Saskatchewan this winter, saying the day he heard that prediction was "right around the time I was booking our snowblower order.  I was a little nervous, but hopefully they're wrong," he said with a chuckle. 

Taylor said despite the lack of snowblower sales and service activity, it's "balancing out" with some of the summer equipment they handle. 

"I had four lawnmowers come in (last Monday), which is completely unusual."

Taylor isn't the only business affected by the lack of snow.  Kutcher Brothers in Findlater, SK sells Arctic Cat snowmobiles and are also noticing customers playing the "waiting game" before making a purchase. 

"Because of the last couple years of poorer snow conditions, this year business is quiet," explains Harry Kutcher, who co-owns the business with his brother Gene and their wives. "Everybody's waiting for snow before they're actually willing to (buy).  Last year those who bought (snowmobiles) had such a short year that this year, other guys look at that and say 'I'm not buying until I can ride it."

Kutcher says they draw business to their location on Highway 11 from "about 100 miles..right down to Big Beaver and down to the (U.S.) border, and up to Saskatoon, Watrous..a pretty good size area."

Much like Taylor's experience with a longer season of handling summer equipment, Kutcher says that ATV sales have been "strong" this year, and it's "turning into a longer season every year". 

"It's always a bonus that part of your business is going good...you'd just like it all to flow and have the seasons (be consistent)."