Auto Dealers
Showing 449–464 of 578 results
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Are you savvy about F&I employee fraud?
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 752
Abstract: Many crimes can originate in the finance and insurance (F&I) department if owners aren’t aware of the possible F&I schemes. This article shows how to be on guard against employee cost-padding scams, illegitimate financing approval ploys, and ruses that take advantage of customers with low credit scores. A brief sidebar emphasizes the importance of training employees to know what constitutes unethical practices and that transgressors will face serious consequences.
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Stocking inventory: Trends and tips
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 641
Abstract: Identifying vehicle-buying trends and knowing how to react to them is part of the challenge an auto dealership owner or manager faces. This article presents some inventory trends and stocking tips that dealers should consider as they steer their stores into 2011.
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Q & A – The ins and outs of benchmarking with KPIs
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 699
Abstract: Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a way to benchmark a dealership against its past performance and against other dealerships. These financial measures can chart successes and pinpoint deficiencies. KPIs provide a snapshot of a dealership at a particular point in time and, when gathered regularly, an ongoing report card on its health. This article takes a closer look at the ins and outs.
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CRM software – Cultivating customer relationships
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 484
Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) software can help dealers improve sales closing ratios and build long-term customer relationships. But to maximize their return on this tool, they need to get all employees on board. This article shows how a properly implemented CRM system can dramatically improve sales, lower marketing costs and build customer loyalty.
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How to win over lenders
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: With lenders still clutching their pocketbooks tightly these days, what can dealers do to loosen them up? This article discusses strengthening one’s balance sheet, days-in-inventory ratio, and income statement; preparing to meet with a lender; and fostering a long-term relationship with the lender.
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The best defense is a good offense – Internal controls can thwart employee fraud
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: An auto dealership that puts strong internal controls in place — and tests them frequently — will likely discourage anyone in the store who’s considering theft and thwart or catch those who are more daring. This article stresses the importance of segregating duties and limiting access to cash and inventory, while offering additional tips for discouraging theft or dishonesty at all levels.
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On your mark, get set, go – 5 ways to prepare for market recovery
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: New vehicle sales figures for the last half of 2010 show signs of recovery. And many analysts predict more good news ahead. This article lists five things dealers can do to be ready for an uptick in 2011, including fostering a team environment and catering to the customer. A sidebar cautions, however, that a large percentage increase in sales growth might not be as impressive as it appears.
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Dealer Digest
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” highlights the likelihood that the IRS will further delay scrutiny of Uniform Capitalization (UNICAP) issues; a car safety checklist that dealers can use to attract customers concerned about their kids’ safety; and a couple of tax breaks available under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act.
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Turning up the heat – States step up unclaimed property retrieval
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 727
Abstract: Revenue-strapped states nationwide are enforcing their unclaimed property laws with new vigor. As part of the retrieval process, states are arranging audits of unclaimed property, and auto dealerships are common targets. This article discusses what constitutes unclaimed property, along with amnesty programs that states are providing businesses as an incentive for conforming to unclaimed property rules. A sidebar looks at “bounty hunters” who conduct unclaimed property audits for the state.
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Social media sites – How well are you working them?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Whether a dealership is already active in social media or still on the sidelines, there are compelling reasons to test this new marketing tool. This article looks at ways that some businesses are taking advantage of opportunities presented by Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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ERM: 5 steps to managing risks
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: Risks to auto dealerships can take many forms, from an employee who “cooks the books” to a recessionary economy that wilts new car sales. Enterprise risk management (ERM) can help increase understanding of a business’s risks, reduce them and move quickly when problems do arise. This article discusses the five main steps involved in conducting ERM, including assessing risks and creating controls.
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Postrecession move – Determining your dealership’s value
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 738
Abstract: Stock prices and real estate values have plummeted over the last three years. What about the value of an auto dealership? Knowing this is especially important for those thinking about selling the business or getting ready to pass ownership to children. This article shows how appraisers value both hard assets and goodwill, and the wide range of valuation multiples and cap rates they use for auto dealerships.
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Report cards for dealerships
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 832
Abstract: Many principles commonly applied to manufacturers — such as financial “report cards” and continuous improvement — also apply to dealers. This article describes metrics that proactive owners watch to stay ahead of the competition: return on assets, the customer service index, and productivity. A sidebar explains how a CPA gains intimate knowledge of how a dealership runs — and can use that knowledge to help the dealer make more money.
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5 tips for managing inventory
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 595
Abstract: Now, while business may be on a plateau as the industry recovers, it’s more important than ever for dealers to keep their eyes firmly planted on inventory. This article offers five tips to help a dealership keep its supply at a realistic level, including evaluating its Web site and determining whether the best inventory data is being obtained and properly assessed.
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Are you a tortoise or a hare? Slow and steady e-responses don’t win every race
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 464
Abstract: Most customers begin the vehicle selection process online, so dealers who implement an effective e-response plan have a leg up on the competition. This article shows the importance of prompt response and the necessity for keeping tabs on competitors’ Web sites.
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Dealer Digest
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” highlights a Foresight Research survey showing the importance of the dealership in the consumer’s car-buying decision; a Wells Fargo/Gallup survey revealing dealerships’ continuing caution in regard to hiring; and closed dealerships that have converted their facilities to car-care centers.