Auto Dealers
Showing 209–224 of 578 results
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Guard your margins to boost vehicle profits
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 340
Abstract: Although dealership profits have hit all-time highs in recent years, the average dealership net profit margin has remained flat for the past five years at just 2.2%. This article examines one of the biggest challenges faced by many dealerships today — the transparency of vehicle pricing — and offers some quick suggestions for continuing to think profitably.
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The pros and cons of using LIFO accounting
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 717
Abstract: One of the most effective ways for a dealership to lower its income taxes is to adopt LIFO accounting. This article discusses the accounting and income tax filing advantages of using the LIFO method, as well as its other benefits. The article also pinpoints factors to consider when deciding between LIFO and FIFO and provides some details to keep in mind when using LIFO accounting, to prevent it from becoming a negative.
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Management assessment – 360-degree reviews reveal the big picture
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 643
Abstract: Dealerships should consider using a “360-degree review” once a year when evaluating their managers to get a better perspective of their performance. This article explains the crafting of a feedback survey, linking management goals to a dealership’s financial outcomes, and realizing the importance of guaranteed confidentiality throughout the process.
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Could your dealership benefit from captive insurance?
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 815
Abstract: To meet the challenge of rising health insurance costs, some dealerships are opting for a creative alternative to traditional health insurance known as “captive insurance.” A captive insurance company is wholly owned and controlled by the dealership, its owner, a family member or a trust. This article looks at the benefits of captive insurance and the tax impact on a dealership. A sidebar discusses how PATH Act legislation affects microcaptives.
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The future of autonomous vehicles
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 279
Abstract: Autonomous vehicles could be the wave of the future. This short article discusses the current state of self-driving cars and makes some predictions about what this new breed of vehicle will mean for the auto industry and its dealers in the years ahead.
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In the crosshairs: Popular estate planning practice in jeopardy
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 763
Abstract: A practice commonly used by many dealerships to reduce estate taxes could be on the chopping block. In August 2016, the Treasury Department proposed new regulations that would place limits on the use of this practice by all family-owned businesses, including dealerships. The practice involves discounting the value of ownership shares in a family-owned dealership when transferring them to heirs. This article explains how these valuation discounts work and how the regulations, as proposed, would change things.
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Vehicle recalls – Customers in, customers made permanent
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 695
Abstract: Vehicle recalls can create an avalanche of work for a service department in a relatively short period of time, disrupting normal operations and making it difficult to meet regular customers’ service needs. But, as this article explains, recalls also are an opportunity for a dealership to gain new customers — and even raise customer satisfaction scores.
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Are you ready for the new overtime rules?
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 800
Abstract: Since the 1930s, U.S. businesses have relied on rules detailed in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to determine which employees are eligible to receive overtime pay. These rules are scheduled to change on December 1, 2016, for the first time in over a decade. This article explains what the law requires and why it’s important for dealer-owners to review positions at their dealership. Strategies to lessen the financial impact of the expected rules also are discussed. A sidebar highlights the three tests that can be used to determine whether or not an employee is considered exempt from overtime-wage regulations.
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Valuable hiring tax credit extended through 2019
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 304
Abstract: Thanks to the PATH Act of 2015, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit is available through the end of 2019. This short article discusses target groups that qualify for a credit under the act and explains the credit’s financial benefit.
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Bad things happen – Take steps now to protect your dealership’s assets
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 652
Abstract: What would happen if a dealership were sued, or if the business failed and creditors chased after its assets? No one wants either scenario to materialize, but there are certain precautions an owner can take to protect the dealership’s assets “just in case.” This article explains three vehicles that can do the job: a family limited partnership, a Crummey trust or an offshore trust.
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Mind your P&Ps – Policies and procedures for Parts and Service
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 805
Abstract: Having set policies and procedures is especially important in the Parts and Service department. Perhaps no other area of the dealership holds as much potential for high revenue and profits — or conversely, for waste, inefficiency and fraud. This article examines how to deter parts inventory fraud. It also gives tips for helping a Parts and Service department run more smoothly while reducing expenses and boosting profitability. A sidebar discusses ways to make sure that technicians are running the service area at peak efficiency.
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Saving tax dollars via cost segregation
September / October 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 709
Abstract: One of the most effective tax-saving tactics for many dealerships is to perform a cost segregation study. This article describes how cost segregation works, suggests an additional way that cost segregation can be used at a dealership and points out the desirable professional background of the party performing the study.
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Save dollars by switching to LED lighting
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 342
Abstract: Utilities represent a large variable expense for most dealerships. To lower these costs, a growing number of stores are switching to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, both inside the dealership and in the parking lot. This article describes the benefits of a change to energy-saving LED lighting, including reduced energy costs and a savings in tax dollars.
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New lease accounting standards arrive – How this long-awaited guidance might affect your dealership
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 705
Abstract: The FASB has finally issued new guidance for lease accounting. Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02 will require dealerships that lease real estate, vehicles, equipment and other assets for more than one year to report lease obligations as fixed-asset liabilities on their balance sheets. This article discusses what will be different under the new standard and how these changes could affect auto dealerships.
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Using an earnout provision to advance a store purchase
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Buying or selling a dealership may be the largest financial transaction an auto dealer owner will ever make, and so it’s stressful. When the dealer is nowhere near settling on the purchase price with an interested buyer (or seller), the situation can become frustrating and even disappointing. This article explains how earnout provisions work and how they might be able to help close the deal.
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Could auto industry trends affect your dealership?
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 811
Abstract: Researching macro trends impacting the automotive industry is a valuable strategic planning exercise. By pinpointing and understanding these trends, auto dealers may be able to uncover new opportunities and avoid potential problems down the road. This article discusses the effects of a growing demand for safety features; “CAFE” standards requiring vehicles to meet specific fuel efficiency targets; and the boom in customers’ usage of electronic devices to inform themselves of vehicle choices, features and prices. A sidebar looks at new safety technology.