Dealer Insights
Showing 49–64 of 347 results
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3 ways to compete with online car sellers
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: Online car sellers like Carvana, TrueCar and CarsDirect have become major competitors of traditional brick-and-mortar dealerships. As a result, some dealerships are rethinking how they do business. This article offers three tips for competing successfully with online car sellers.
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Should you promote managers internally or hire from outside?
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 570
Abstract: A dealership’s success hinges on hiring a strong general manager and strong department managers for new and used vehicle sales, parts and service, and F&I. There are two main approaches a dealer-owner can take when hiring managers: Bring them in from the outside or promote existing employees into management positions. This article weighs the pros and cons of each option.
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Dealership Management Systems – Shaping your own “Mission Control Center”
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: This article explores acquiring a new DMS, and offers guidance on where to start, what popular features are available and how to avoid overspending.
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How to get the most out of your financial statements
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: Improving financial performance is a top priority for dealership owners. CPA-prepared financial statements can help by identifying financial and operational deficiencies and discovering areas for cutting costs and generating sales. To reap these benefits, dealers must learn how to glean the information that will be most valuable. This article discusses how to examine the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. A sidebar highlights common areas where dealerships may improperly report financial information.
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Should your dealership sell certified pre-owned vehicles?
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 365
Abstract: The strength of the CPO market has some dealerships rethinking their CPO sales presence. But before adding this business line, a dealership owner needs to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of the move.
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Passing the baton
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: At some point, all dealership owners do a final customer ride-along and hang up their proverbial hats. This article spotlights the importance of lining up a successor. It discusses when an owner should start the succession process, what qualities a successor should possess and how to structure the transition.
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Consumer Review Fairness Act – Recent FTC complaints put spotlight on legislation
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 655
Abstract: Given the importance of online reviews in the purchase process today, federal regulators and lawmakers are taking steps to protect their availability and legitimacy. The CRFA was passed in 2016 to stop dealerships from including contract provisions that allow them to penalize or sue customers for writing or posting negative online reviews about them or their products. This article details what dealerships are prohibited from doing.
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Consider these tax-related moves before year end
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 852
Abstract: Year end presents a unique opportunity to implement tax-saving strategies. This article covers handling bonus depreciation and floor plan interest, shifting income from one year to another, taking advantage of valuable write-offs, and more. A sidebar discusses how the structure of a dealership entity affects tax liability differently from how it did before passage of the TCJA.
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A car-free future? Not so fast
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 365
Abstract: There’s a lot of talk among some younger Americans about living a car-free lifestyle, especially in urban areas. But new research indicates that there may be strong economic benefits to car ownership. This article asserts that a car-free future may not be as close as some people think.
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4 ways to control dealership expenses
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: It’s always a good idea to keep dealership expenses under control. But there are times when this becomes even more important. Many economists are predicting significant economic decline in 2020. This article offers four suggestions for cutting dealership expenses.
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Form 8300 reporting – Cash payments from customers call for special treatment
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: It’s not uncommon for dealerships to receive large sums of cash as payment for vehicles. And they are generally required to file a special form (Form 8300) with the IRS to report cash transactions of more than $10,000. This article reviews those requirements.
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Develop a formal business plan with sharp direction
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 860
Abstract: Dealer-owners can detail the future direction of their dealership by drafting a formal, written business plan. This road map can help owners make operational and financial decisions that best position their business for future profitability. This article focuses on the content and structure of an auto dealership’s business plan. A sidebar offers solutions to the perceived “I-don’t-have-enough-time” problem.
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Are you meeting your sales and use tax obligations?
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 347
Abstract: The consequences of failing to comply with sales and use tax requirements can be severe. In some states, dealership owners can be held personally liable for unpaid sales and use taxes — even if they’ve delegated this responsibility to one of their employees. This article explains various aspects of determining sales tax nexus.
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Keeping on top of regulatory compliance
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 574
Abstract: Some of the key federal rules and regulations that specifically affect auto dealerships are aimed at protecting consumers. This article provides a brief overview of the Financial Privacy rule, the Safeguards rule, the Disposal rule and the Red Flags provision. Also highlighted are Reg Z, Reg M, and protections against misleading advertisements.
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4 common reasons dealerships fail
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 714
Abstract: Dealership owners have a responsibility to plan for worst-case scenarios. This article addresses four common reasons behind dealership failure and some steps dealer-owners can take to avoid them.
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Going green – How to run a sustainable dealership
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 840
Abstract: Proactive auto dealerships use more efficient renewable energy sources and reduce overall energy and water consumption. This article highlights a couple of “green dealer” programs and describes some recent program prize winners. A sidebar focuses on the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, which provides a financial incentive for dealerships to install commercial solar and geothermal energy systems.