Auto Dealers
Showing 161–176 of 578 results
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Making yours a “destination dealership”
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: Some dealerships are developing a customer-first culture in an effort to become a “destination dealership” that brings more customers through the door. This article offers several effective strategies to make your dealership “irresistible,” such as teaching all of your employees basic customer-service skills, cross-training employees and creating an inviting store atmosphere.
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Financial tools – Plunge into your balance sheet for revealing information
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 581
Abstract: A dealership’s balance sheet can be a useful tool for dealerships that know how to uncover the nuggets of data that lie within these reports. Savvy dealerships use the information to improve their financial performance. This article looks at some of the areas where improvements can be made based on careful examination of balance sheet data, including AR collection and inventory management.
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Are your DOCs dependable? Better management will enhance your reports’ value
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 673
Abstract: Although many dealer-owners would say they wouldn’t do it, they should be able to make business decisions based on the accuracy of the daily operating control reports (DOCs) they prepare. This article suggests some tips to improve the quality of this continuously generated report, including making your DOC your business’s “dashboard” and overcoming obstacles to sound reporting.
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Case study: How strong internal controls can deter fraud
January / February 2018
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 857
Abstract: This article spotlights the case of a dealership that became the victim of a large fraud scheme. What can be learned from the case is discussed, including what internal controls might have prevented the fraud in the first place. A sidebar highlights a fraud-fighting measure offered by many banks today.
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Casualty losses: A lighter side to disasters
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: A dealership hit by a hurricane, flood or other natural disaster may be able to deduct casualty losses on its federal income tax return. This article discusses what does and doesn’t qualify as a casualty loss, and how a dealer-owner would calculate it. A special tax break for 2017 hurricane victims also is highlighted.
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6 steps to upgrading data security
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: The massive data breach at Equifax in 2017 — in which personal information on an estimated 146 million Americans was exposed to hackers — should serve as a wake-up call to all businesses about the importance of data security. This article offers proactive measures for auto dealerships, which generally possess a gold mine of customer information that data thieves would love to steal.
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Is it time to review your sales compensation plan?
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 576
Abstract: There’s never a bad time for an auto dealership to review its sales compensation plan. This article spotlights a popular sales compensation model that combines base salary with performance-based add-ons. The article also provides suggestions about researching and constructing a compensation plan for sales staff.
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What does the new tax law mean for dealerships? Breaks, credits and a lower rate are among the pluses
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 797
Abstract: The legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) creates a new playing field on which dealerships can execute future tax strategies. This article discusses benefits of the new legislation for pass-through dealerships, hefty changes for bonus depreciation and the permanent enhancement of the Sec. 179 deduction. A sidebar highlights other significant changes affecting businesses.
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How to prepare for a sales slowdown
November / December 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: Vehicle sales are expected to decelerate from the breakneck speed of the past two years, according to some industry analysts. But dealer-owners can strategize now about how to maintain (or exceed) revenue and profit levels in 2018 and beyond even if vehicle sales slow. A key is to focus more sharply on fixed operations (parts, service, paint and body repair) and F&I to drive revenue and profit. This article offers ways to develop loyal service customers and sell profitable F&I products.
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Getting to “yes” – Financial keys to securing a commercial loan
November / December 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 541
Abstract: Dealerships often use a floor plan to finance their vehicle inventory. But a dealer-owner might need another commercial loan or line of credit for an assortment of reasons — for example, expanding facilities, hiring more employees or buying equipment. This article covers some issues dealers should consider when applying for a loan, including the use of GAAP, financial statements to manufacturers, and other hot spots of interest to a lender.
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Is your website all that it can be?
November / December 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: In today’s car-buying universe, the primary goals of a dealership website should be guiding customers through the car-buying process and motivating them to eventually buy a vehicle from that dealer. This article discusses helping customers find the right vehicle on a dealership website, gearing up the customer for a trade-in and providing useful content related to car-buying and ownership. It also discusses keeping abreast of current online buying trends.
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Now is the time to conduct year-end tax planning
November / December 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 845
Abstract: The end of the year is often a good time for dealership owners to plan strategies for trimming their tax bills. Steps taken by December 31 can save big money come April. This article discusses some strategies that might be beneficial, including deferring income and accelerating expenses, reviewing inventory management, writing off uncollectible receivables and more. A sidebar discusses one commonly overlooked dealership tax-reduction strategy: making tax-deductible contributions to employees’ retirement plans.
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FTC ruling clarifies recall disclosure requirements
Fall 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 329
Abstract: To help appease some customers’ concerns about buying a lemon, many dealerships perform multipoint inspections of their used cars before listing them for sale. Some dealerships then tout this in their advertising, telling shoppers that the store’s used vehicles have passed these rigorous inspections covering everything from the engine and steering systems to the axles and brakes. But there’s another important detail that dealerships must disclose when highlighting these inspections: whether or not the vehicle may be subject to unrepaired safety recalls. This article explains the FTC requirements.
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Disaster preparedness – Are you ready for a catastrophe?
Fall 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 629
Abstract: Disaster planning is critical for all companies to help ensure that normal business activities can resume as soon as possible after a disaster strikes. However, dealerships face unique risks when it comes to preparing for catastrophes. This article covers the basics of drafting a disaster recovery plan to keep the business going as well as the importance of reviewing the dealership’s insurance coverage. Tips for preparing for postdisaster communications are included.
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Consider NQDC plans to boost key employee retirement savings
Fall 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 616
Abstract: Auto dealer-owners who’re looking for a retention tool for key employees or a way to build their own tax-deferred retirement savings might look into adopting a nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan. This article explains how NQDC plans work as well as their benefits, drawbacks and risks.
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You can save on taxes via some year-end moves
Fall 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 853
Abstract: This article offers some year-end tax-saving strategies. Discussed is writing off assets, such as uncollectible accounts receivable, depreciated used vehicles and auto parts. Taking advantage of Section 179 expensing also is highlighted, as is carefully timing the payment of year-end bonuses and vacation pay and other moves. A sidebar discusses the benefits of a cost segregation study.