Auto Dealers
Showing 497–512 of 578 results
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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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Location, location, location – Is it time for a change of scenery?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: If a dealership has been in the same spot for years, chances are the neighborhood is changing — or already has changed. The address might still be an asset, or it might have become a liability. This article lists some factors to consider when evaluating the ideal locale for a dealership. There are also important considerations in regard to renting vs. owning dealership property.
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Keep your guard up at tax time
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 698
Abstract: This year, profits are down and losses up for many dealerships — maybe this is a year, one might reason, that Uncle Sam, and his IRS agents, might give dealerships a break. Forget about it: small business audits have been on the rise. But there are steps a dealer can take to satisfy an IRS auditor, including proving an intent to make a profit, even when losing money; keeping salaries reasonable; tracking cash sales; and keeping accurate records of previous years’ LIFO invoices.
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I will survive – Your manufacturer’s undoing needn’t be yours
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: Those dealerships still standing at the approach of 2010 deserve congratulations. But the war is far from over. Surviving manufacturer upheaval is no easy task, but the odds improve with proactive planning and professional expertise. It may be possible that a sound business plan will convince a manufacturer not to pull the plug, but there are options to stay in business even if the franchise agreement is terminated. These include undergoing a brand change or sharing resources with another dealership. But, in the meantime, it’s important to assuage customer concerns.
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Use vehicle sales tax deduction to convert browsers into buyers
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1022
Abstract: As year end approaches, customer interest in the new sales tax deduction on new vehicle purchases could grow. Dealers report that the vehicle sales tax deduction is a particularly useful selling point for shoppers straddling the fence about new car purchases. But many shoppers are still unaware of the deduction, so it’s important to get the word out. This article lists some myths about the deduction that a dealer can dispel, while offering a specific example of potential savings. A sidebar describes a couple of other tax breaks that are presently available.
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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.
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What makes you special? Finding a USP that differentiates your dealership
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 374
Abstract: Competing on price alone is a tough way to survive – it requires significant sales volume to turn a profit. In today’s economy, successful dealerships differentiate themselves with a unique selling proposition (USP). A USP is a focused message that promises something unique that others can’t (or don’t) provide. When choosing a USP, you should consider your strengths, your competitors’ weaknesses and, perhaps most important, who your best customers are and what they want.