Auto Dealers
Showing 369–384 of 578 results
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Choose your audience carefully in mass mailing campaigns
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: Back when Henry Ford was producing automobiles, he saw all of America as his market — every family across the country needed a Tin Lizzie. Although marketers today know that this mindset isn’t cost effective, one thing hasn’t changed from Ford’s time: A promotional campaign using the U.S. Postal Service is still an effective way to deliver your message. (Updated 11/30/12)
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Should you get into parts wholesaling? Know the risks before taking on this business
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 621
Abstract: Boosted profitability, higher visibility among vehicle enthusiasts and a way to draw prospective buyers into your dealership are a few of the potential advantages of running a successful parts wholesaling business. Losing cash flow to a large inventory and a huge influx of receivables are some of the dangers. If you’re considering going into the potentially lucrative business, keep your eye on the prize, but know the risks. (Updated 11/30/12)
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Special financing Q & A – Primer on subprime loans addresses pluses, minuses
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1053
Abstract: Here’s what you need to know about subprime auto loans in sum. This article discusses the subprime loan customer, the dealership as lender, outside lenders, risks and more. A sidebar addresses how the risks of subprime auto lending are different from those of subprime mortgage lending. (Updated 11/30/12)
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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.
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Leveling with your lender – Don’t let a short debt supply cause you to miss out
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 609
Abstract: The recession and its aftermath have made loans scarce for all businesses, but especially for auto dealers: Manufacturers have scaled back on floor plan offerings, and traditional lenders have shied away from dealerships amid reports of bankruptcies and meager sales. But loans are available for the diligent and the disciplined. This article shows ways that dealers can make their business attractive to prospective lenders.
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Are you making the most of depreciation deductions?
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 731
Abstract: Dealerships that own real estate may find that a cost segregation study can be an effective way to lower their tax bill. Such a study identifies, segregates and reclassifies qualifying property into asset groups with shorter depreciable lives of five, seven or 15 years. By reclassifying assets, dealers can maximize their depreciation deductions in the early years, improving cash flow sooner rather than later. This article discusses the types of assets that qualify and the kinds of tax savings that can result.
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Audit readiness – Get your ducks in a row
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: Having an outside audit doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or complicated event. The key is to prepare one’s dealership for the audit, so that it will go smoothly. This article explains how to anticipate workpaper requests, assign staff to assist the auditors with inventory test counts, and take advantage of auditor suggestions to improve business operations.
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Customer privacy policies can help ward off wrongdoing
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 766
Abstract: It’s surprising how many dealer management systems allow carte blanche access to customer files. This is an open invitation to identity theft. This article shows how to implement important safeguards — whether physical or online — and how to properly retain or dispose of data. A sidebar discusses a situation in which a mortgage broker paid a significant fine for improperly disposing of sensitive customer records; dealers have access to similar information and should take heed.
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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.