USED CAR SOLUTIONS

Tax Planning for Used Car Dealers

Joel Kennedy

As we do every year around this time, we are all getting ready for tax season. Aside from the obvious business and personal stresses that surround this activity, tax season can represent a tremendous opportunity for the used car dealer. Here’s why:
Faster cash to the consumer
Tax preparation, already a huge seasonal business, has grown astronomically thanks to instant tax returns that are covered by the tax preparation companies. What this means is that as soon as 1099 wage earners get around to going to the tax preparer (as soon as Jan 1st) they can be walking out the door with cash. W-2 wage earners will have to wait until they get their W-2 form from their employers, but can also cash out sooner as well. These two waves of potential consumers will have cash that they can use to make down payments or to pay down existing auto loans. The key is getting your message in front...
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ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS

NADA is Your Chance to Elevate Your Advertising and Marketing for 2010

Tom Letizia

NADA season is here and dealers will once again travel to the sunshine state with high hopes of finding that one “nugget,” an idea that just may take a dealership to the next sales level. Could it possibly be a new TV concept that separates your store from your competitors, or perhaps it’s that new marketing strategy that gives your dealership a consistent look and feel, building brand awareness. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, you can find it at NADA if you know where and how to look...
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INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS

Search Engine Marketing Resolutions for 2010

Tom Knoop

When a new year comes around, many people look back at the year that just passed to figure out what went wrong and what went right. Some people look to atone for the things that went wrong by making New Year’s resolutions. Here are some resolutions that your dealership might want to make if your search engine marketing campaign did not meet your expectations last year.
1. I promise to spend more time with my SEM.
Many dealers started a pay-per-click campaign (PPC) on Google or Bing last year, but didn’t spend the time necessary to maintain it. Pretty soon it’s been neglected a few weeks, money is wasted and the whole thing is eventually shut off and deemed a total failure...
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DEALERSHIP SECURITY SOLUTIONS

Loss Prevention: Tips To Reduce Auto Theft From Your Lot

Detective E.J. Swainson

Did you know that the car thieves I chase on my beat as an auto theft detective are actively watching your dealership? Believe me. They ve told me all about it. They know you ve got a board back by the restrooms with keys hanging on pegs. They know you ve got spare keys in the glove box, and where your metal lockbox is. They also know that if you let them test-drive cars unsupervised, they are likely to take off unimpeded. The sobering fact is that some of these thieves look like great buyers: in slacks, polo shirts, and Doc Martens...
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BIZ DEV SOLUTIONS

The How-To Of Accessory Sales Success

David Copp Stringer

After years in the automotive accessory sales business, I am glad the industry experts, along with the movers and shakers, are now encouraging dealers to get into accessories sales. Something that delivers higher profits, motivating sales commissions, strengthened brands, and increased store recognition is just forward-thinking, and accessories sales can do all of that. Accessory sales can recapture the easy money lost to shrinking margins and longer periods between vehicle purchases. More importantly, accessories sales are not just about increasing your gross profit per vehicle sold. It is the first step in building loyal, long-term customers who return for parts and service, not just their next vehicle purchase... READ MORE...

COMING UP IN DEALER MARKETING MAGAZINE'S NEXT ISSUE:

FEBRUARY 2010: NADA 2010
Interviews, photos and all the right stuff from NADA 2010
MARCH 2010: POST NADA
Wrap up, more interviews and info.
APRIL 2010: FINANCING RESOURCES
How to Find Financing Resources for Your Customers in the New Credit Environment.