Auto Dealers
Showing 225–240 of 578 results
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Why buy-sell agreements are critical for dealerships
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 332
Abstract: Part of a dealer-owner’s responsibilities is to plan for worst-case scenarios. One such situation is the owner’s sudden death or disability, or the death or disability of a partner. Creating a buy-sell agreement is one of the best ways to prepare for such an event. This article discusses the basic elements of this legal document and how it’s funded.
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The watchful eyes of the IRS – Tread carefully when setting owner compensation
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: Dealership owners would like to reward themselves and their partners with attractive compensation when business is good. But they must be careful: The IRS is watching to make sure compensation levels are “reasonable,” and it pays particular attention to the dealership’s business structure. This article describes considerations for C corporations, the popular S corporation and others. It also points out IRS “red flags.”
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Work it! Make sure your website is doing its job
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: In recent years, the Internet has become an integral part of most dealerships’ marketing efforts. So, to stay competitive, their websites must keep working hard as powerful sales and lead-generation tools. This article highlights some of the best practices that a successful dealership follows when designing and redesigning a website. A sidebar looks at the increasing popularity of online car buying.
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How can you benefit from PATH Act provisions?
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 810
Abstract: With fall approaching, now’s a good time for dealerships to start thinking about steps to take during the rest of the year to save on their 2016 tax bill. This article explores two key tax breaks: the Section 179 expensing limit for qualifying fixed asset purchases and bonus depreciation.
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Recent tax law adds appeal to asset purchases
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 715
Abstract: Great news for dealerships when it comes to the tax treatment of asset purchases: The increased Section 179 expensing limit for qualifying purchases, as well as the phaseout threshold, has been permanently extended and retroactively reinstated. Also, first-year bonus depreciation has been temporarily extended. This article explains the benefits of expensing and the caveats of the bonus depreciation extension.
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Should you offer your employees a wellness program?
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 328
Abstract: Wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular with many businesses today, including auto dealerships. In fact, more than two-thirds of employers in the United States reportedly now offer a wellness program. This article describes reasons behind the increased popularity and offers some tips for designing a plan.
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Kicking the tires on your sales compensation plan
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: If a dealer suspects there’s room for improvement, it should give its sales team’s compensation model a thorough inspection. Even small enhancements could lead to a happier, more motivated sales staff that’s more likely to stick around. This article discusses one currently popular compensation model. It also explains the process of setting a total compensation target and then creating opportunities for the sales staff to reach that target. Other key ingredients in a good plan also are discussed.
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Inside the brick-and-mortar – Embrace technology, boost customer satisfaction
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 803
Abstract: Many car shoppers today use technology when researching which automobile to buy. They often decide on features they want and compare prices from dealership to dealership. But when customers visit the showroom, their shopping experience usually isn’t much different from what it was a generation ago. This article presents some study results indicating that a dealership’s investment in new technology can be worth its weight in gold when it comes to customer satisfaction. A sidebar specifically discusses sales-related technology upgrades.
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Buyer beware – Realize the importance of an environmental site assessment
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: As they sell and repair vehicles, automobile dealerships may release hazardous materials into the surrounding soil, such as gasoline, solvents, used motor oil and antifreeze. This makes environmental liability one of the biggest risks dealerships face. Thus, it’s critical to properly dispose of hazardous materials to reduce risk exposure. But, as this article explains, that’s not all: When dealers are considering buying or leasing another dealership, they should make sure they won’t be held liable for environmental contamination that may already exist on the property.
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Where to look when you need a loan
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: With interest rates poised to rise, it’s probably a good time for dealerships to apply for a loan if they’re planning to invest big dollars into the business and need to borrow cash. This article highlights various borrowing options, such as commercial and community banks, the Small Business Administration and the auto manufacturer itself.
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Should you add a BDC to your operation?
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: Business Development Centers (BDCs) aren’t new. They’ve been used for years as a tool for managing incoming leads. But there’s renewed interest in BDCs today as a way to better handle the high volume of leads coming in from new technology sources like PCs, tablets and smartphones. This article suggests factors a dealership owner should consider when deciding whether or not to add a BDC.
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Internal controls are vital in guarding against fraud
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 853
Abstract: Traditionally, dealerships have been susceptible to fraud due to their relatively small financial and accounting staffs, the large sums of cash kept on hand, a high volume of transactions, and their highly marketable inventories. Growing sales and revenue in today’s environment can present even more opportunities for dishonest employees to embezzle funds. This article explains some of the key principles governing the internal controls that guard against fraud. A sidebar discusses a list of 50 common dealership embezzlement schemes.
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Could you use life insurance more creatively?
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: When they think of life insurance, most people only envision a financial product that will provide income for their loved ones when they die. But this coverage can actually help dealers accomplish a wide range of financial objectives. This article looks at some of life insurance’s applications, including its role in a business succession plan and as part of the owner’s charitable giving and estate planning efforts.
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Lift your profitability to new heights with smart management
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: Smart dealership management leads to profitability. This article explores ways to increase a dealership’s profit margin, such as winning over service customers, strategizing F&I efforts and joining a dealership “20 Group.” Revisiting sales staff compensation and reviewing the store’s DMS program are other profit-boosting steps to explore.
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5 tips for boosting sales employee retention
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: Retaining a dealership’s sales team can require special effort. This article discusses the importance of striving for a healthy work-life balance, and providing training and development opportunities for staff. Additional tips are offered to keep sales staff on board.
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Handling vehicle recalls – Or how to win friends and influence customers
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: Recalls can be a double-edged sword for dealerships. On the negative side, they can bring an avalanche of work crashing down on a dealership’s service department and irk car owners. On the positive, recalls can present a tremendous opportunity to attract new customers who aren’t currently having their vehicles serviced at the dealership. This article offers suggestions for turning lemons into lemonade. A sidebar notes that vehicle recalls can even improve CSI scores.