Auto Dealers
Showing 177–192 of 578 results
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How to generate accurate sales and revenue forecasts
September / October 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: Sales and revenue forecasting is an integral part of financial planning for any business, including dealerships. Therefore, it’s important to institute a planning process that results in timely and accurate projections on a consistent basis. This article discusses collecting the hard data that goes into sales forecasts and measuring forecast accuracy.
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State and local taxes – Get a clear idea of your SALT obligations
September / October 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 714
Abstract: When a dealership operates stores in different cities and states, it may be responsible to other municipalities and states for payments of state and local income and sales and use taxes. And many state and city governments are ramping up enforcement of filing requirements of out-of-state companies as they attempt to balance their budgets. This article explains the role of nexus and offers suggestions to simplify the process.
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Making the family-owned dealership work
September / October 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 595
Abstract: Family comes first, as the saying goes. But when an auto dealership is a family-owned business, the scope does not end there. Family-run businesses face a host of concerns (as well as benefits) that non–family-owned businesses don’t encounter. This article highlights the upside and downside of family dealerships and discusses some key issues, such as compensation for family members and the importance of succession planning.
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What would you do in a disaster?
September / October 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: Planning for possible disruptions to the business is one of the most important responsibilities for a dealership owner. This includes disruptions caused by disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, cybercrime, terrorist attacks and server crashes. This article explores the process of creating a disaster recovery and business continuity plan, including setting objectives, assembling a disaster team and assigning tasks to its members. A sidebar addresses the role of insurance in a natural or man-made disaster.
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EEOC rules – Background checks require caution
July / August 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 309
Abstract: One of the best ways to guard against employee fraud is to conduct thorough background checks before hiring employees. But keep in mind that, if a dealership uses an applicant’s background information to make an employment decision, it must comply with federal and state laws that protect applicants from discrimination. This article highlights EEOC nondiscrimination laws.
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Making your website all that it can be
July / August 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 622
Abstract: An auto dealership’s website is a key part of its customers’ online shopping and buying experience. This article offers questions one can ask to determine if a dealership website is up to par.
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Cash is king – How to improve your cash flow stream
July / August 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: Increasing sales and revenue is a top priority at most dealerships, as it should be. But in their drive to boost sales volume, some dealerships lose sight of another aspect of their financial management that’s just as important: cash flow. This article discusses frozen capital, and ways to thaw it out, including taking a hard look at vehicle receivables, vehicle inventory, manufacturers’ rebates and parts and service receivables. A sidebar explores whether a dealer should prepay for expenses, such as insurance, advertising and capital equipment.
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Test-drive these best practices to rev up your used car operations
July / August 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 773
Abstract: Used car sales represent a hefty chunk of revenue and profits for many dealerships. They also can help diversify a dealership’s income stream. This article looks at managing used inventory, varying used car sourcing and reconditioning vehicles efficiently.
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Construct social-media-savvy customer surveys
Summer 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 334
Abstract: Some dealerships are rethinking the way they construct and deliver customer surveys. Their goal is to design surveys that reflect changing customer behavior patterns in the age of social media. This article discusses the need to shorten surveys, the best ways to distribute them and how to respond to customer feedback.
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3 ways to guard your dealership assets
Summer 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: Typically, dealer-owners have worked hard for years to make their dealership a success — and they don’t want an event like an adverse lawsuit settlement to gobble up their assets. Additionally, if their business fails, they don’t want creditors wielding claims on those possessions. This article offers proactive steps to protect assets, such as forming a family limited partnership or setting up a Crummey or offshore trust.
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Talkin’ ‘bout my generation – The challenges of managing diverse age groups
Summer 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: Many dealerships employ workers from across the generational spectrum. This often ranges from Baby Boomers to members of Generation X, Generation Y (or the Millennials) and now Generation Z. This article gives suggestions for managing a workforce with a wide range of ages. Among the topics discussed are recognizing differences in values, maximizing generational strengths and adapting one’s management style to each group.
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The nuts and bolts of parts inventory management
Summer 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 821
Abstract: The parts and service department can be one of the most profitable areas of a dealership — or it can be a drag on financial performance. The difference often amounts to how well parts inventory is managed. This article explores the cost of inventory count mistakes and the reasons behind them. It also offers corrective action to eliminate or reduce variances. A sidebar highlights several KPIs that can help improve parts inventory management.
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Could your dealership benefit from an advisory board?
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 334
Abstract: There are multiple reasons why a dealership should consider creating an advisory board — a group consisting of professional confidants willing to offer their time and talents to help owners meet specific business challenges. This article explores whom a dealer owner should invite to serve on its board and the nature of meetings to be held.
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Help wanted: Skilled service technicians
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: If an auto mechanic working in the 1970s or 1980s were suddenly transported in time to 2017, he or she would likely be baffled by the complex technology under the hood of today’s vehicles. This article examines the changing qualifications of service technicians, and how some auto dealerships are taking steps to find these highly skilled employees. Recruiting suggestions are included.
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Spotlighting performance – How KPIs can keep your store on track
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 595
Abstract: Every dealership owner wants to know how his or her store is doing each month of the year — if not each day of the year. An objective and effective way to measure operational performance is by establishing key performance indicators and following them closely. This article discusses designing financial dashboards, involving the management team and measuring performance against peers.
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Cost management – Boost profits by shrinking expenses
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 853
Abstract: Cutting and controlling costs is as consequential to boosting profits as increasing sales — if not more so. Thus, expense management should be a high priority for a dealership’s managers. This article looks at areas that may be prime targets for expense shrinking, including centralized purchasing, payroll and benefits, advertising, and floor plan interest. A sidebar focuses on how to avoid floor planning mistakes.