Auto Dealers
Showing 401–416 of 578 results
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Protecting your assets in a divorce
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: Divorces can be painful. Hiring an outside financial expert to serve as a consultant can help ease the financial pain. This article shows how an expert can value a dealership and perform other financial tasks to help achieve an equitable distribution of assets that doesn’t spread an owner too thin personally or impair dealership performance. Specifically, it looks at what constitutes a marital asset, the three approaches used to value a dealership, and the distinction between business and personal goodwill.
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Is it time to expand? Caution is the name of the game when bulking up for a recovery
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 958
Abstract: Sales are finally recovering in most states, and banks are lending again. So, it might be time for many dealerships to renovate, repair or expand to stay competitive in their market. But how to be sure? This article discusses how to look at market forecasts and examines the scenario analysis tools a CPA can use to evaluate whether an investment makes sense. A sidebar offers some tax reasons why expansion might be a good idea in 2012.
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Dealer Digest
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” notes that forecasts of higher sales in 2012 might warrant an increased advertising budget. It also discusses the increasing attention of auto dealerships to mobile applications and social media.
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Building the “perfect” inventory — Keep it lean, but on the money
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: A dealership can’t afford to guesstimate the mix of cars and trucks it should keep in stock. This article looks at strategies that dealerships can follow to keep — and replenish — the perfect inventory. It discusses internal analysis, outside information sources and software tools that can help determine the kinds of vehicles that are in demand in specific regions.
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4 tips for securing financing
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 780
Abstract: The economy may be brighter than it was a few years ago, but banks and other lending institutions may be reluctant to lend significant sums to auto dealerships unless they consider the risks to be minimal. This article offers four suggestions for convincing a lender that one’s business is creditworthy.
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Is a 401(k) right for your dealership?
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 866
Abstract: Retirement savings plans are one of the biggest carrots a dealer can offer to its employees. This article reviews one of the most popular retirement savings plans — the 401(k). It discusses the advantages of 401(k)s and why employee contributions can strengthen a 401(k) plan as a recruiting and retention tool. A sidebar looks at some specific advantages offered by Roth 401(k)s, as opposed to traditional plans.
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Dealer Digest
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 475
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses the circumstances under which employee cell phone use is not taxable. It notes a survey finding that most respondents lacked a disaster preparedness plan for business data, and explains how dealerships wishing to avoid large IRS penalties can voluntarily report misclassified employees.
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3 ways to keep cash flowing
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: Dealers know the importance of having sufficient cash on hand to meet daily needs and obligations. This article offers three tips for managing cash flow: staying organized, keeping the lid on inventory, and being quick to collect payments.
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How to manage your online reputation — New media demand fast responses to critics
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 736
Abstract: Car shoppers today can find valuable information on a store through a quick Internet search. But they also can find harsh — sometimes devastating — words from disgruntled customers who legitimately or not have a bone to pick. This article shows how to find out whether bad reviews exist and explains how to respond to them. A sidebar lists several professional service firms that can help dealerships manage their online reputation.
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Let your manufacturer’s operating report inspire you
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 797
Abstract: A typical dealership likely prepares and sends an operating report to its manufacturer every month. How it uses the report beyond sending it to the factory can have a big impact on its profitability. This article offers some ideas for using a monthly operating report as a tool to stay on track as the year progresses. It shows how the numbers can analyze front-end and back-end operations and measure performance against such benchmarks as service absorption.
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Unclaimed property – It’s not a matter of “finders, keepers”
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 504
Abstract: Every dealership has assets that are in a kind of limbo — long-forgotten checks to customers and other valuables that no one else has claimed. A dealership might be giving little thought to these financial assets, and perhaps improperly treating them as a type of revenue. But the state may try to collect this “unclaimed property.” This article explains the expectations that some states might have of businesses in regard to reporting it.
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Retooling pay incentives
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: All pay plans should be effective — they need to attract, retain and motivate a talented team. But many fail to meet these objectives, so dealers need to ask whether their pay plans have kept step with recent changes in the labor market. No universal formula works for every dealer, but this article offers six ideas for evaluating a pay plan, such as keeping the plan simple, aligning it with business strategy, and thinking beyond new and used vehicle sales.
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The “how to” of inventory management
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: Many dealerships order vehicles, parts and accessories using gut instinct. But more scientific techniques for managing inventory can minimize inventory carrying costs. Manufacturers have used cost accounting to improve operating efficiency for decades, but, as this article explains, only recently have dealerships begun to look at their businesses in other terms: product-by-product margins, product mix, turnover, and reorder points.
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Are you lost without a business plan? Create a “map” to navigate your way
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Business plans serve a purpose beyond use at the dealership. Factory field representatives and lenders view auto dealers with formal plans as more organized, less risky business partners. With manufacturers looking to constrict their franchise networks and lending still tight, formal planning may offer a leg up on the competition. This article discusses the three financial statements and other elements that should be included in the plan, and notes the importance of testing business assumptions. A sidebar explains why it’s important to continually monitor and revise a business plan.
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Cure customer complaints with a dose of insight
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: Every dealer knows the value of a loyal customer. But, unfortunately, every dealership doesn’t view the complaint-handling process as the delicate operation it is. By responding to dissatisfied patrons in a healthy, informed manner, you and your staff can cure customer complaints without losing business. (Updated 11/30/12)
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Dealer Digest – Selling to the “concierge”
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 422
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” examines “concierge” car-buying services, which work to find the car a specific customer wants at the best price. It also discusses a dramatic rise in M&A activity among auto dealerships in the first seven months of 2011.