Dealer Insights
Showing 289–304 of 347 results
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Dealer Digest
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 463
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” warns against sending text messages in violation of federal rules; discusses a new AIAG guideline for the electronic reporting of vehicle delivery; and shows why some will find it easier to convert from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010.
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Prep time given – IRS suspends the examination of accounting for certain inventory costs
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 918
Abstract: After years of many auto dealerships accounting for the costs associated with their inventories in ways the IRS considered improper, the agency has issued new instructions to its examiners on how to assess dealership compliance with Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 263A. In light of the accounting changes dealers may need to make to comply, the IRS has suspended examination on Sec. 263A issues during audits until Jan. 1, 2011. But this does not apply to examinations begun before Sept. 15, 2009.
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Meeting FLSA overtime requirements – 7 factors to keep in mind
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: While making decisions about overtime, it’s important that dealerships comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). There are seven factors to keep in mind, involving such considerations as salary thresholds and the different employee categories. A sidebar to this article lists several overtime errors that employers commonly make.
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Keeping up with online leads
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 733
Abstract: One aspect of the industry that’s moving forward at a rapid pace is the purchase of online leads. Dealerships are in something of an experimental stage right now as the pay-per-lead model of purchasing gains momentum. At the same time, third-party lead providers are stepping up the competition. And customers are more vigorously exploring their online options. Typically, Internet leads have been sold via a subscription model, in which Internet lead providers sell leads in bulk. But visitors to Kelley Blue Book’s new site are able to select search criteria and get “best match” results.
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Dealer Digest – Cash-for-clunkers lessons
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 421
Abstract: This issue, “Dealer Digest” notes that it’s wise to apply lessons from the “cash-for clunkers” program to retail efforts in 2010. The Digest also discusses the compliance date extension for the FTC’s “red flags” rule, which requires creditors to have a documented compliance strategy to detect identity theft.
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4 ways to put the lid on health care costs
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 720
Abstract: As Washington debates national health care reform, there’s no reason why dealers have to wait for new legislation to lower costs. There are already four specific steps that can help achieve this goal: changing the terms of the plan, changing the provider, offering more selection through “cafeteria plans,” and promoting health and safety.
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Finding the bright side of tax filing time
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: Three business tax breaks could offer benefits for dealers this tax season, but some require action before year end. There are three in particular worth taking a look at: the net operating loss (NOL) carryback, Section 179 expensing and 50% bonus depreciation.
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SBA lends a hand – Floor plan financing program provides working capital
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 859
Abstract: An expansion of a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program makes it easier for creditworthy auto dealerships to borrow against inventory, bumping up cash flow, liquidity and access to working capital. The SBA’s dealer floor plan (DFP) financing pilot program began July 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2010. This article answers some frequently asked questions about the program, and describes industry efforts to encourage lenders to make these loans to dealers.
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Dealer Digest – Bartering between businesses is taxable
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 392
Abstract: Topics covered this month are the tax implications of business-to-business bartering; the COBRA premium subsidy that’s in effect this year only; and five ways to cut shop-supply expenses.
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Do you know what your dealership is really worth?
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: To get a loan in this tight credit environment, it’s more important than ever that dealerships be able to accurately determine their net worth. It’s important to go beyond the figure provided on the balance sheet to find unrecorded liabilities or contra assets such as those with a negative credit balance. Areas to examine include uncollectible receivables, inventories, fixed assets and F&I chargebacks.
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The quest to be the best – Use benchmarking as a strategic weapon
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 534
Abstract: As consolidation continues to shake the industry, benchmarking is a weapon that dealerships can wield to fight off mediocre performance and strengthen their competitiveness. Almost anything can be benchmarked, but it’s wise to start with areas that have the most effect. The article discusses what information may be best and how to obtain it, while a sidebar lists suggestions for acting on the results.
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Sparking new car sales – New tax break, special offers and financing tips all help
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 874
Abstract: The tax break for new car purchasers isn’t the be-all, end-all for curing the super sales slump. But it is a tool that can spur customers to buy a new vehicle by year end. This article discusses some of the details, such as deadlines, deduction size and qualification requirements. Also discussed are factory incentives and options for consumers to educate themselves in regard to financing.
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Dealer Digest – Online auctions: An oasis in arid times?
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This month, “Dealer Digest” examines the growth of online auctions and discusses a survey showing that financial executives are placing increased emphasis on cost cutting.
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3 qualified retirement plans you may want to consider
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 353
Abstract: Although it may be tempting to make cuts in these difficult times, qualified retirement plans still offer sound advantages: not only tax breaks, but morale and productivity boosts, as well. This short article takes a brief look at 401(k)s, SEP IRAs and SIMPLEs.
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Keeping tabs on Mr. Wrench – How to measure your technicians’ performance
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: When your service department is slow, it’s more important than ever to make sure your technicians are performing up to par. There are a number of procedures to ensure accountability. How do you calculate contributions and create incentives? What are the pros and cons of guaranteed wages? How do you judge the “comeback ratio” and determine the performance of more experienced employees? These issues are explored, while a sidebar addresses labor hours and profitability.
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Is now the time? Passing the baton to your children may be a wise move
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 892
Abstract: Reflecting the downturn in the general economy and especially the automotive industry, the value of many auto dealerships nationwide unfortunately is quite low of late. For this reason — and because interest rates are low — now may be a good time to transfer your dealership to your children. But there are a number of factors to consider. What are the pros and cons of an installment sale? Should you try to receive less so as to minimize estate taxes? What are the advantages of creating voting and nonvoting stock? Will the factory have concerns about the succession? And how should real estate rights be assigned? This article addresses these concerns.