Auto Dealers
Showing 385–400 of 578 results
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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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Take the dread out of manufacturer rebates
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 481
Abstract: The rebate process can be confusing for dealers, who might fear hefty chargebacks and chaos. This article offers some ideas for smoothing out the procedure. It specifically examines adhering to a clear and consistent submissions method; maintaining good record-keeping; and engaging in quarterly self-audits.
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Do your ads meet federal lease and credit advertising requirements?
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: Dealers shouldn’t pass the buck when it comes to reviewing advertisements for compliance with federal lease and credit advertising guidelines. Manufacturers may help out, but it might not be enough. Because dealers are liable for federal lease and credit advertising violations, they can’t afford to let their ads run wild. So it’s critical that they conduct their own independent ad reviews for errors and omissions. This article explains how to maintain compliance with federal regulations.
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Smart moves – Consider creating a separate real estate entity
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 837
Abstract: A dealership that owns its buildings and land might find it prudent to separate the legal title of the business from the real estate. It can accomplish this by transferring the title to the real estate into a newly created legal entity such as a corporation, limited liability company (LLC) or trust. After it transfers the real property from its operating business, the dealership simply rents the space from the new legal entity in a landlord-tenant relationship. This article shows that this time-tested management strategy is easier and cheaper than one might think, and offers significant legal, financial and personal advantages for dealers.
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Getting the jump on financial statement and tax filing preparation
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 988
Abstract: Proactive auto dealers meet with their CPAs in late summer or early fall to plan for the next year’s financial reporting and tax filing. This helps them anticipate requests for audit or review workpapers, streamline financial statement and tax return preparation, and minimize taxes. This article examines topics such as Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation, which should be addressed before scheduled tax law changes take effect in 2013. It also looks at fixed assets, inventory accounting, and adjusting journal entries, while a sidebar discusses owner transactions.
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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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Taking care of business – 5 do’s and don’ts for your BDC
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 819
Abstract: A Business Development Center (BDC) can be a multitasking powerhouse for your dealership, helping you retain customers while turning prospects into buyers. The benefits of this enterprise can far outweigh the costs. Whether you’re just starting up your BDC or evaluating an established one, here are five do’s and don’ts to consider. (Updated 4/30/12)
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Employee fraud – Many scams start in the finance department
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: Employee fraud — sadly, it can strike any kind of business, including auto dealerships, and it costs consumers and business owners millions of dollars each year. You can protect against fraud and, in the process, protect your dealership’s reputation and your industry’s. But you’ve got to know how to recognize the beast before you can hunt it. (Updated 4/30/12)
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Professional employment organizations – Should a third party handle your most important asset?
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: In today’s business environment, where ways to cut costs while improving performance are revered, the outsourcing of many operating functions is widespread. But when it comes to the service-oriented world of the auto dealership, should you let a third party handle your most important asset — your people? An increasing number of dealerships are doing just that, turning to professional employment organizations (PEOs) to hire and fire employees, handle the related HR paperwork, and provide employee benefits. Here are some issues to consider before making a decision. (Updated 4/30/12)
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Used vehicle departments reap what they sow
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 371
Abstract: Used vehicles are in high demand and short supply. Low-mileage, fuel efficient cars are especially hot. But it’s important to not get caught up in the hype. Discipline is the only way to consistently make money when selling used vehicles. This short article explains how to appraise with care and get salespeople to agree on the worth of a particular vehicle.
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Consider plumping up your service menu
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: Dealerships are finding that it’s easier to sell F&I products at the time of a costly repair, or when the customers’ warranties are about to expire, than it was at the sales closing. As a result, more service writers are being trained to talk about the value of service contracts and prepaid maintenance plans and how to close them. This article discusses sales techniques that work and how to be ready before a customer returns for a visit.