Auto Dealers
Showing 465–480 of 578 results
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Start cross-training your accounting staff
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 580
Abstract: The benefits of cross-training accounting personnel outweigh the investment in the time it takes to get these employees up to speed at handling one another’s responsibilities. This article shows the benefits of cross-training in regard to both productivity and employee morale, and lists the areas of accounting that can benefit most. A sidebar briefly discusses the importance of encouraging supervisors to informally reverse-train within their respective departments.
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Rescuing orphaned parts and service customers
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 800
Abstract: This year offers a treasure chest of potential customers orphaned by the closing of the dealerships that serviced their cars and trucks. But dealers who want to gain market share in the parts and service arena will need to offer potential customers what they want, or a competitor likely will win them over. This article offers tips for rescuing — and keeping — this valuable business.
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The expense-savvy dealer – 10 cost- and tax-saving tactics to consider
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 743
Abstract: Given the challenges of the recent recession, many dealerships may feel they’ve already looked into every possible corner to save money. But this article offers 10 often-overlooked cost-saving strategies, ranging from getting a property reappraisal to controlling health care costs to changing corporate structure.
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Dealer Digest
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 476
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” looks at the tax break now available for hiring certain employees under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. It also discusses three vehicle-related tax credits that have been created or expanded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
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Hiring a top-notch finance manager – Personality mix and motivation are key
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Finding a finance manager who can help lead a dealership to profitability is challenging: The person must have a special mix of traits and skills and be able to negotiate purchase prices, payment terms and service contracts with customers day in and day out. To get such top-notch talent, dealers should offer this pivotal player an income that’s both motivating to him or her and fair to the business. There are several ways to design an attractive incentive-based plan.
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Buy-sell agreements make sense
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 759
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement minimizes surprises and prevents expensive lawsuits by addressing dispute resolution, valuation and buyout processes — while the parties are still on good terms. An attorney can draft a buy-sell agreement, but often a financial expert is called to fill in details and arrive at a definition of value for the company. He or she will also look at buyout terms and their tax consequences.
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Background checks – Be safe, not sorry
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Part of the classic recipe for fraud lies in opportunity, and even with strong internal controls at auto dealerships there’s plenty of opportunity for “bad apples.” Complete background checks are one of the best ways to make sure an applicant’s job performance doesn’t later disappoint. But they need to be performed without violating privacy rights and other laws, which are always evolving. This article discusses legal factors and what to look for in a background check company, while a sidebar lists information frequently examined in background checks.
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Go green, create some green – 7 ways to help the environment and your bottom line
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 379
Abstract: Adopting sustainable business practices isn’t only the right thing to do — it also makes financial sense. Dealers can reduce their operating costs with simple facility upgrades and everyday changes. This article offers seven ways to do just that, including putting blinds on westward-facing windows, getting an energy audit, and checking with the manufacturer for initiatives it may be offering.
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Leasing strikes back
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 753
Abstract: According to many industry sources, leasing is making a slow comeback. To make sure such leases are profitable, it’s important to make sure that lease payments cover interest costs and the spread between the vehicle’s capitalized cost and its residual value. This article defines those terms, noting that higher actual residual values are making leases more affordable. It also discusses the importance of training staff to explain the pros and cons of leasing to customers.
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Cost segregation – Is it time to study?
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 766
Abstract: In a down economy, when dealers struggle to find ways to reduce costs, they might want to consider a cost segregation study, which allows businesses that have constructed, bought, expanded or remodeled real estate to speed up depreciation-related tax deductions. This article shows how a cost segregation study works, the kinds of experts needed to carry it out, and the tax savings that might be expected.
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Demystifying health care reform
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 988
Abstract: There’s a lot of confusion about how — and when — the new health care legislation affects businesses. This article answers questions that many dealers may have about the tax credit that’s available to some smaller businesses. And it discusses the upcoming requirement that many businesses must provide health insurance or pay a penalty. It also looks at the tax hikes on wealthy individuals that will come into play to help pay for health care reform, and discusses new IRS reporting requirements. A sidebar offers tips for reducing the cost of employee benefits right away.
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Dealer Digest
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” offers suggestions for moving used-car inventory; looks at truck donations to Haiti; shows trends in leasing and repossessions; and illustrates negative tax consequences of early retirement distributions.
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Dealerships in distress – Out-of-court workouts are among their options
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 706
Abstract: While the worst ramifications of the recession may be over, many dealerships continue to fight for their survival in a frail economy. There are telltale signs that a dealership may be headed toward bankruptcy — but there are several relief methods available to distressed dealerships. An out-of-court turnaround may involve renegotiating debt terms, cutting service hours or combining administrative positions. In a Chapter 11 “reorganization” bankruptcy, the dealership retains its assets as a “debtor in possession” and remains open. As a last resort, there’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy, involving voluntary or involuntary liquidation.
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LIFO lessons learned
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 643
Abstract: Many auto dealerships use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuing their inventories of new and used vehicles, parts, and accessories. Typically, this costing method can save on tax bills. But, for dealers who end the year with inventories far below their normal levels (as was common in 2009), LIFO can be costly. To avoid a tax hit, it’s important to understand when to use LIFO and when to forgo it. This article looks at LIFO’s quirks and examines other common inventory accounting methods.
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Drawing an effective budget
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1021
Abstract: Some dealers may live without a budget, putting all their emphasis on sales goals and projections. But setting one’s sights on sales alone is wearing blinders. Realistic budgeting allows a dealer to pay bills, fund commitments and invest in new opportunities when the timing is right. A budget should reflect the business plan, and should include realistic projections of all expenses and revenue. A sidebar briefly discusses the importance of comparing the store’s actual income and expenses to its budgeted projections on a monthly basis.
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5 ways to stay clear of a factory audit
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: Dealerships across the country are striving to make 2010 a far more profitable year than 2009. One area that’s easy to overlook is the possibility of a factory audit, which costs a dealership time and, hence, money. With manufacturers also looking hard to boost profits, dealers would be wise to do what they can to avoid an audit. This involves fulfilling factory expectations; getting key people involved; reviewing the appropriate records; avoiding unusual operational activity; and inspecting the service department.