Dealer Insights
Showing 225–240 of 347 results
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Dealer Digest
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 504
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” takes a look at a study by consumer website CarMD indicating that the average cost of certain car repairs fell 6% from 2010 to 2011. It also examines a NADA DATA 2012 study that reveals that 2011 was a good year for car sales — and 2012 may be even better. And it discusses proposed U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee legislation that would repeal an “obsolete” mandate requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting.
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Breaking even for profit
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 756
Abstract: Calculating a store’s breakeven point — and learning the real cost of doing business — can help dealers profit from better budgeting and planning. This article looks at what a breakeven point is and how to calculate it. It shows that breakeven analysis allows dealers to set revenue goals to make any activity in the dealership profitable. It can also help gauge the effects of cost reductions.
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Determine the right size for your sales staff
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: Recent months have been strong for car sales, so many dealers may be considering a sales staff expansion. But how does a dealer know the right size for his or her store? This article explains that there are a number of steps to take to reach the optimal sales staffing level. It includes determining monthly gross profit per employee, while also keeping in mind planning for variability in staffing needs.
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Two’s company? — There’s plenty to consider before buying a second franchise
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 966
Abstract: Purchasing a second franchise is one of the biggest moves a dealer may ever make. This article looks at some of the steps to take in the decision-making process. They include choosing the right franchise for the market, determining the right price for the franchise, projecting profitability carefully, and projecting how the franchise will affect profits at the original store. A sidebar discusses what the manufacturer might require.
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Dealer Digest
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 475
Abstract: Featured in this issue’s “Dealer Digest” is a National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) study indicating that auto manufacturers need to do a better job showing that facility update programs will have a positive effect on dealerships’ bottom lines. Another item describes how dealers can provide dependent care assistance to their employees at little cost.
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The IRS’s new tangible property rules
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 640
Abstract: The IRS has issued new rules on when taxpayers must capitalize — and when they can deduct — amounts paid to acquire, lease, produce or improve tangible property. The rules provide a general framework for capitalization and revise some of the provisions previously proposed by the IRS — including those on how to determine whether a unit of property has been repaired or improved. Costs that qualify as repairs are deductible, while improvement costs must be capitalized. This article explores some of the details.
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Creating a meaningful daily operating report
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: Many dealership owners say their stores’ daily operating control reports (or “DOCs”) aren’t dependable enough to use for business evaluation and planning — mainly because data in the reports isn’t as current as it should be. But it’s possible to greatly improve the functionality of DOCs by setting up process controls throughout a dealership. This article shows how.
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How alive is your code of ethics? — Develop procedures and train employees for the best results
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 878
Abstract: When it comes to ensuring sound auto dealership ethics, there are a number of places to turn to for guidance. This article discusses the National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA’s) code of ethics and the specific guidance NADA offers regarding ethical behavior in specific operational areas. A sidebar shows why in-house ethics training need not be complex.
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Dealer Digest
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 466
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses how to effectively manage online leads; a Ford executive’s recommendation that dealerships in large metro areas emulate dealerships in small towns; and an increasing share of the used-vehicle market for auto dealers, as opposed to private parties.
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Don’t let unwanted stock get the best of your store
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: Which new cars sell quickly in a particular market depends on local customers’ demographics and various vehicles’ popularity at the moment. This article suggests a number of ways for a dealership to avoid letting slow-moving vehicles have a negative impact. They include paying attention to customer satisfaction index scores, working with dealers and customers in other locations, and using undesirable vehicles in creative ways.
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Estate planning checklist — Timing is everything
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 529
Abstract: One of the essential questions in estate planning is: Who should inherit your assets? The answer can vary during one’s lifetime, and the challenge is to stay current with life changes. It’s also essential to remain on top of tax law developments that will affect the estate. This article offers a checklist of times when one should review their estate plan and make any necessary changes.
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The balance sheet — a critical management tool
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1174
Abstract: An income statement is important, but it isn’t the best indicator of a dealership’s financial health. For that knowledge, a balance sheet is necessary. It tells the dealership how well or poorly it’s doing in increasing its equity — and a lot more. This article shows how to use the balance sheet to determine return on equity and calculate debt-service and current ratios. This information can help the dealer determine where its money is going now, while also providing big-picture insights. A sidebar offers a warning about round numbers on the balance sheet — they may signal unsubstantiated estimates, underreported expense or fraud.
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Dealer Digest
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” notes that forecasts of higher sales in 2012 might warrant an increased advertising budget. It also discusses the increasing attention of auto dealerships to mobile applications and social media.
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Building the “perfect” inventory — Keep it lean, but on the money
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: A dealership can’t afford to guesstimate the mix of cars and trucks it should keep in stock. This article looks at strategies that dealerships can follow to keep — and replenish — the perfect inventory. It discusses internal analysis, outside information sources and software tools that can help determine the kinds of vehicles that are in demand in specific regions.
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4 tips for securing financing
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 780
Abstract: The economy may be brighter than it was a few years ago, but banks and other lending institutions may be reluctant to lend significant sums to auto dealerships unless they consider the risks to be minimal. This article offers four suggestions for convincing a lender that one’s business is creditworthy.
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Is a 401(k) right for your dealership?
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 866
Abstract: Retirement savings plans are one of the biggest carrots a dealer can offer to its employees. This article reviews one of the most popular retirement savings plans — the 401(k). It discusses the advantages of 401(k)s and why employee contributions can strengthen a 401(k) plan as a recruiting and retention tool. A sidebar looks at some specific advantages offered by Roth 401(k)s, as opposed to traditional plans.