Dealer Insights
Showing 209–224 of 347 results
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Dealer Digest – Plan now to take advantage of ATRA on your 2013 return
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 409
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) brings good news for businesses in many areas. This issue’s “Dealer Digest” shows why 2013 may be a good time to purchase property or make leasehold improvements. Dealers also have incentives to hire new people, expand into low-income areas, and “go green.”
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2013 might be a good year to gift your dealership
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 918
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) finally brought some certainty to estate planning — so dealers might now consider this a good time to gift ownership interests. But this article points out actions to be taken before coming to any conclusions. It’s necessary to look at one’s tax position and the dealership’s value. Dealers who want to retain control can consider a family limited partnership (FLP) or family limited liability company (FLLC). A sidebar discusses the benefits of a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT).
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Inventory management – Turnover is the name of the game
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: Among the stickiest wickets facing any dealership is proper inventory management. Supply and demand trends yo-yo as the economy fluctuates, consumer buying power ebbs and flows, and factory gluts and shortages strike. This article looks at a few common inventory challenges, such as interest and overhead costs, lower margins and lost opportunities. It then discusses some ways to overcome these difficulties.
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7 tips for boosting sales staff retention
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: Sales force turnover has long been a stickler for dealerships; a NADA study reveals that about four out of every 10 dealership salespeople leave their jobs each year. This article offers seven ways to boost the retention rate of sales staff, including aptitude testing of prospects; fair compensation; and equitable treatment.
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Dealer Digest – Dealership websites need improvements, survey says
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 391
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses a study conducted by the consulting firm Accenture revealing that dealer websites leave much to be desired: Specifically, they don’t provide the online information and digital tools that would make online car buying seamless. In other developments, the regulatory affairs office of the National Automobile Dealers Association recently distributed an e-mail reminder about the prohibited use of “drip pricing.”
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Chart your course in the right direction
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: As the environment for selling cars and trucks continues to improve, it’s time for dealers to pay more attention to their future. They can do this by revisiting their business plan — or creating one — and determining the best road to greater profitability and future growth. This article discusses the components of a business plan and its uses.
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Is your dealership ready for the next big disaster?
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 727
Abstract: Hurricane Sandy’s huge losses, and the picking-up-the-pieces scenarios that followed it, should motivate all dealers to evaluate the plans they have in place to deal with a disaster. This article lists some of the actions required to prepare for a catastrophe, including forming a disaster planning team and prioritizing data recovery. A sidebar emphasizes that communicating with employees is the cornerstone of any disaster plan.
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The health care act – Getting ready to comply
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 696
Abstract: With a large number of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provisions taking effect in 2014, dealers shouldn’t waste any time preparing for the changes. The new requirements may have little effect on dealerships already offering health insurance, but “large” employers may have some substantial new costs for initiating or improving health coverage — or face tough penalties for not doing so. This article describes what constitutes a large employer and discusses new Medicare tax withholding requirements.
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Dealer Digest
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 474
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” notes that auto shoppers are quickly moving to their smartphones and tablets as useful tools for selecting new vehicles. If dealers don’t make sure that their website “reads well” on smaller screens, their store may be left in the digital dust. Also noted is the role that a Certified Fraud Examiner can play in detecting fraud.
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Running your warranty program effectively
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 722
Abstract: If a dealership is assessing its warranty program regularly — and fixing whatever is broken — it shouldn’t be concerned about the warranty audit that is scheduled with the manufacturer and what it might uncover. This article offers a few pointers about overseeing a warranty program and withstanding a warranty audit should one take place. These tips include training a warranty administrator to effectively process claims and training service technicians in warranty protocol.
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Strategies for keeping the lid on unemployment taxes
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 757
Abstract: State-imposed unemployment taxes have skyrocketed since the onset of the recession. While there may be little that dealers can do to reverse this nationwide trend, they can be more thoughtful in the hiring decisions they make, so as to avoid future unemployment claims against them. This article shows how a dealership might be able to influence its unemployment tax payments if certain situations apply and if they take certain actions. A sidebar discusses the value of conducting prehiring assessments.
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Who will succeed you? — 9 tips for selecting the right person and making it work
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: Not everyone looks forward to retirement. But most owners will hand over the keys one day, and it’s important that they have a plan in place long before it’s time to walk out the door. Developing a succession plan encompasses a host of strategic and financial decisions, such as determining the dealership’s value, establishing a buy-sell agreement with a business partner or gifting to a family member. But the cornerstone of the plan will be choosing the right successor. This article offers nine tips for doing so and preparing him or her for the road ahead.
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Dealer Digest
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses a recently released Federal Trade Commission study showing that, when companies make “up to” claims about savings to consumers, many consumers are likely to expect the full “up to” results. It also discusses one survey that predicts solid sales growth for 2013, and another indicating that audio, entertainment and navigation systems were the most common complaint areas reported by new vehicle owners in the first 90 days.
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Should you expand your store’s hours?
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 610
Abstract: Dealerships that haven’t expanded into evening and/or weekend hours should consider the concept. They may be missing out on a profitable opportunity and not setting themselves above their competition. This article cites a recent survey showing that there has been a rise in service expansion during the recent recession. But it also shows how to determine whether the extra costs are justified.
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Compensation matters — Determining your own pay
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 932
Abstract: If sales are improving, it might be tempting for dealers to think now’s the time to give themselves a hefty and overdue pay increase. But they should keep in mind that the IRS is in the business of scrutinizing top executives’ salaries, bonuses and distributions or dividends. This article describes some factors to consider before setting new pay, pointing out that either overpaying or underpaying can invite IRS scrutiny, depending on whether the dealership is an S corporation or a C corporation. A sidebar notes that courts might impute reasonable (or replacement) compensation expense if a dealership is facing a lawsuit.
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Tips for setting and meeting your dealership’s 2013 goals
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Auto dealerships often find setting, monitoring and meeting objectives for the coming year to be difficult tasks. This article offers some advice for developing — and reaching — annual business objectives. It shows how to identify objectives and have them meet certain “S-M-A-R-T” criteria. It also looks at how to monitor progress and ensure the dealership is meeting its goals throughout the year.