AFC
Showing 65–80 of 231 results
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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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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.
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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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Handbook addresses challenges of family-owned dealerships
Spring 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 250
Abstract: When a dealership is family-owned, the owners face special challenges running the operation. This article addresses the content of a family employment handbook — in particular, the expectations and requirements for family members who want to work in the dealership.
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Getting your brand mix right – Adding or swapping a franchise requires due diligence
Spring 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: When a dealer-owner is in the market for an acquisition, he or she can apply for a new franchise or take over an existing one. But adding a franchise to expand a dealership’s sales base is a decision that shouldn’t be made hastily. This article discusses brand selection, compatibility, manufacturer buy-in, and licenses and loans.
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How fringe benefits can benefit your employees and your dealership
Spring 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 748
Abstract: One strategy for combating high turnover rates at auto dealerships is to offer a competitive package of employee benefits that go beyond health care coverage and a retirement plan. This article highlights some increasingly popular fringe benefits, including long-term care insurance, educational and dependent care assistance, and retirement planning services.
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Compliance matters – Is your dealership following these rules and regs?
Spring 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 854
Abstract: Automobile dealerships must comply with a dizzying array of rules and regulations. Failure to follow them can result in substantial fines and, in the most severe cases, even prison terms for dealership owners. This article is an overview of some of the requirements in the areas of consumer credit, protection of consumer data, and advertising.