AFC
Showing 81–96 of 231 results
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Words matter when selling vehicles
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 293
Abstract: When talking to customers about vehicles they’re considering buying, auto salespeople can boost the chances of making a sale by using certain words to describe vehicles — as well as not using other words. This article discusses marketing firm findings that identify the words and phrases most effective in converting automobile shoppers into buyers.
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Attention partnerships: Change ahead – New IRS regulations will affect tax strategies
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 744
Abstract: Dealerships structured as a partnership — or those considering transferring property to a partnership — should take note of new IRS regulations that took effect October 5, 2016. This article explains components of the new regs, including Section 707 disguised sales and recourse and nonrecourse liabilities, and provides an illustrative example to bring the point home.
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Checking the backgrounds of new hires
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: A crucial step in the hiring process is the employee background check. This article highlights laws affecting background checks and other rules that need to be followed, as well as how to choose the right firm to do the job.
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Environmental sustainability – How you can run a “greener” dealership
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 817
Abstract: Many dealerships are looking for ways to operate their business in a more Earth-friendly way. And dealerships may enjoy a host of benefits by operating “greener.” This article discusses the benefits, including manufacturer initiatives, reduced expenses and an improved image in the community. A sidebar reports on the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, which provides up to a 30% federal tax credit for the installation of commercial solar systems.
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The future of autonomous vehicles
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 279
Abstract: Autonomous vehicles could be the wave of the future. This short article discusses the current state of self-driving cars and makes some predictions about what this new breed of vehicle will mean for the auto industry and its dealers in the years ahead.
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In the crosshairs: Popular estate planning practice in jeopardy
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 763
Abstract: A practice commonly used by many dealerships to reduce estate taxes could be on the chopping block. In August 2016, the Treasury Department proposed new regulations that would place limits on the use of this practice by all family-owned businesses, including dealerships. The practice involves discounting the value of ownership shares in a family-owned dealership when transferring them to heirs. This article explains how these valuation discounts work and how the regulations, as proposed, would change things.
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Vehicle recalls – Customers in, customers made permanent
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 695
Abstract: Vehicle recalls can create an avalanche of work for a service department in a relatively short period of time, disrupting normal operations and making it difficult to meet regular customers’ service needs. But, as this article explains, recalls also are an opportunity for a dealership to gain new customers — and even raise customer satisfaction scores.
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Are you ready for the new overtime rules?
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 800
Abstract: Since the 1930s, U.S. businesses have relied on rules detailed in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to determine which employees are eligible to receive overtime pay. These rules are scheduled to change on December 1, 2016, for the first time in over a decade. This article explains what the law requires and why it’s important for dealer-owners to review positions at their dealership. Strategies to lessen the financial impact of the expected rules also are discussed. A sidebar highlights the three tests that can be used to determine whether or not an employee is considered exempt from overtime-wage regulations.
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Why buy-sell agreements are critical for dealerships
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 332
Abstract: Part of a dealer-owner’s responsibilities is to plan for worst-case scenarios. One such situation is the owner’s sudden death or disability, or the death or disability of a partner. Creating a buy-sell agreement is one of the best ways to prepare for such an event. This article discusses the basic elements of this legal document and how it’s funded.
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The watchful eyes of the IRS – Tread carefully when setting owner compensation
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: Dealership owners would like to reward themselves and their partners with attractive compensation when business is good. But they must be careful: The IRS is watching to make sure compensation levels are “reasonable,” and it pays particular attention to the dealership’s business structure. This article describes considerations for C corporations, the popular S corporation and others. It also points out IRS “red flags.”
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Work it! Make sure your website is doing its job
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: In recent years, the Internet has become an integral part of most dealerships’ marketing efforts. So, to stay competitive, their websites must keep working hard as powerful sales and lead-generation tools. This article highlights some of the best practices that a successful dealership follows when designing and redesigning a website. A sidebar looks at the increasing popularity of online car buying.
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How can you benefit from PATH Act provisions?
Summer 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 810
Abstract: With fall approaching, now’s a good time for dealerships to start thinking about steps to take during the rest of the year to save on their 2016 tax bill. This article explores two key tax breaks: the Section 179 expensing limit for qualifying fixed asset purchases and bonus depreciation.
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Buyer beware – Realize the importance of an environmental site assessment
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: As they sell and repair vehicles, automobile dealerships may release hazardous materials into the surrounding soil, such as gasoline, solvents, used motor oil and antifreeze. This makes environmental liability one of the biggest risks dealerships face. Thus, it’s critical to properly dispose of hazardous materials to reduce risk exposure. But, as this article explains, that’s not all: When dealers are considering buying or leasing another dealership, they should make sure they won’t be held liable for environmental contamination that may already exist on the property.
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Where to look when you need a loan
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: With interest rates poised to rise, it’s probably a good time for dealerships to apply for a loan if they’re planning to invest big dollars into the business and need to borrow cash. This article highlights various borrowing options, such as commercial and community banks, the Small Business Administration and the auto manufacturer itself.
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Should you add a BDC to your operation?
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: Business Development Centers (BDCs) aren’t new. They’ve been used for years as a tool for managing incoming leads. But there’s renewed interest in BDCs today as a way to better handle the high volume of leads coming in from new technology sources like PCs, tablets and smartphones. This article suggests factors a dealership owner should consider when deciding whether or not to add a BDC.
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Internal controls are vital in guarding against fraud
Spring 2016
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 853
Abstract: Traditionally, dealerships have been susceptible to fraud due to their relatively small financial and accounting staffs, the large sums of cash kept on hand, a high volume of transactions, and their highly marketable inventories. Growing sales and revenue in today’s environment can present even more opportunities for dishonest employees to embezzle funds. This article explains some of the key principles governing the internal controls that guard against fraud. A sidebar discusses a list of 50 common dealership embezzlement schemes.