Currently viewing 1 to 20 of 366
Why They Stay, Why They Leave
March 09, 2010
It was about 10 years ago that USA Today ran an article titled "High-Tech Skills Give Auto Mechanics More Power."
In the article was a reference to a graduate from the automotive maintenance program of a technical college who was hoping to find a job for $25,000 to $30,000 after a worrisome search. Wasn’t he surprised when more than one dealer offered him a signing bonus along with...
read more
The $300 Billion Minority
March 03, 2010
Who is the "minority" that accounts for 85% of all consumer purchases?
Women.
Women buy 60% of all new cars, 53% of all used cars, and spend $300 billion annually keeping their cars repaired. And yet, a recent study of 200 Chicago car dealerships by economists Ian Ayres and Peter Siegelman shows that women usually get higher price quotes on vehicles than men do.
Overall, most women...
read more
Becoming a Better Service Advisor
March 03, 2010
Whether the "selling" part of the job at your dealership is handled by a designated service adviser, service manager, shop foreman or technician, the impact of a "yes" or “no” are the same.
People may decline repairs for numerous reasons. Some you can’t control, but some you just may. Here are a few things that I’ve noticed that I feel increase the odds...
read more
Top Sales Strategies to Win Over Customers
February 18, 2010
Sales and customer service go hand in hand. Without a qualified, trained and professional sales staff, you run the risk of customers walking away from your dealership feeling less than satisfied.
Because we are dedicated to building your business, Tire Review has published countless articles on how to boost your shop’s sales efforts. Take a look back at some of those articles for ideas...
read more
Planning Special Events
February 09, 2010
Who wouldn’t buy a tire from Mario Andretti?
Capitalizing on the racing legend’s star power has become part of doing business for some Firestone dealers, who hold special events at which consumers can eat and chat with the tire brand’s greatest ambassador.
Bigfoot often is there to “crush the competition” and racing show cars are sometimes displayed. The events...
read more
Detective Work: Forensic Accountants Track Down Clues to Save Your Business
February 09, 2010
The tedious number crunching involved with keeping a tire dealership on track is something most dealers don’t mind passing off to an accountant – in fact, the majority are glad to have their time freed up to manage other areas of the business.
But if you assume the only times you need an accountant are for tax preparation and year-end financial statements, think again. In recent years...
read more
The Next Step: Define a Social Media Strategy to Grow Your Business
February 09, 2010
After writing about the high performance market for the last eight years, I am turning my attention on marketing and business development, with the focus being on providing you with insights and fresh new approaches to expanding your market, grabbing new customers and “selling” products to all of your tire customers.
For the first quarterly segment, we’re going to jump into...
read more
Tips to Boost Your Shop's Financial Health
February 09, 2010
Although the economy has begun to shown some signs of improvement, tire dealers and other small business owners know that in order to succeed, they must continue operating cautiously. From cutting operating expenses to protecting cash flow and tightening overall finances, there are a variety of things dealers can do to boost their bottom line.
Take a look back at some past Tire Review articles...
read more
Women Of Color = Women Of Economic Influence
January 18, 2010
When the Maria Shriver study titled “A Women’s Nation” was published during the latter part of 2009, it was big news for much of the nation.
Finally, the impact of the women who entered the work force in massive numbers since the 1960s were being recognized for their impact on society, and the information was being discussed by everyone from the cable news shows to the various...
read more
How Fit is Your Sales and Customer Service Effort?
January 18, 2010
Have you ever considered the fitness level of your sales and customer service effort? No, I’m not talking about some sort of employee exercise program. Rather, I’m asking if the employees that provide sales and service to your customers are functioning at peak performance.
If you haven’t given this proper consideration, you’re probably not seeing the big picture...
read more
It's Cold Outside: Reduce STF Accidents
January 18, 2010
It’s no secret that slip, trip and fall accidents increase substantially during the winter months – December through March. But there are things tire dealers can do to reduce these falls and minimize their risk.
“Given the current economic climate, cost is, understandably, a primary concern when planning a winter safety program,” said Helene Browning, director of general...
read more
Deliver World-Beating Customer Service
January 14, 2010
The time has passed when good customer service could be measured by having a comfortable waiting room with a TV set, magazines and coffee. Today those things are expected. Customers demand much more, but “great customer service” is not as easily defined as, say, having clean restrooms.
Truth is: Customer service is a tangible, measurable attribute.
Time and again we hear the phrase...
read more
Estate Planning Strategies for Tire Dealers
January 01, 2010
[Editor Note: This interview with Mary Jo Lockshin, a partner at Stark & Knoll LPA, appeared in the November 2009 Akron/Canton edition of Smart Business magazine. Readers are urged to work with their own local accountants and/or attorneys to address their unique needs and specific state regulations.]
The decreasing value of assets in a down economy may make this the ideal time to review your...
read more
Business Maintenance for Peak Performance
December 15, 2009
A good friend of mine has a wife who drove a leased SUV. One day about three months before the vehicle was due to be turned in, the engine warning light came on. She hadn’t been paying any attention and kept driving even as the temperature gauge was indicating hot.
Then he got the dreaded cell phone call, followed by the tow to the nearest dealer, where they found not a drop of oil in the...
read more
Dealers Share Tips for Success at TIA Roundtable
December 15, 2009
As usual, this year’s SEMA Show was an ideal place to see the latest trends, catch up with old friends, network with business associates and, above all else, look for ways to improve your dealership.
Along those lines, the Tire Industry Association’s International Roundtable featured a new segment dedicated to helping dealers gather ideas to take back to their shops.
“Best...
read more
The New Senior Consumer
December 14, 2009
The 1970s “All in the Family” made us all familiar with the song “Those Were The Days.” Fast forward to today and WOW…we have redefined “senior” and “Those Days” are gone forever.
First, some some statistics from about the aging of America:
• Someone turns 50 years of age every 60 seconds.
• By 2020, the...
read more
Pollution: Does It Have To Be A Dirty Word?
December 14, 2009
Even with today's special emphasis on all things environmental, pollution has long been a dirty word, especially to tire dealers.
And can cost your business millions of dollars without good risk management and insurance coverage.
Is your business exposed to pollution liability risks? Are you covered? Can you sleep comfortably at night knowing you have taken all the necessary steps to control...
read more
Get Max Value When You Sell Your Business
November 23, 2009
What If you decided to sell your business? How would you do it? How would you price it? What would you do today to protect its value?
You just turned 63 after spending a sometimes rewarding and always challenging 30 years as the owner of your own tire dealership.
You still have that desire to serve your customers with the right tires and service for them, but don’t quite have the same...
read more
Road Testing Customer Vehicles: Question of Quality
November 16, 2009
Road testing your customer’s vehicle after completing service and repair work is a good idea, for many reasons. Obviously it’s very important to verify the quality of your work to ensure customer satisfaction. However, validating the safety of the vehicle after work is complete can also help reduce your liability risks.
Safety Concerns
The safety factor deserves additional attention...
read more
Consider Renting a CFO to Save Costs, Increase Profits
November 11, 2009
As businesses attempt to cut payrollexpenses, manyhave looked to outsourcing the role of a CFO.Whether the company currently has a CFO and wants to cut back or needs to add outside talent to the existing organization, many companies are turning to an outsideCFO.
Most businesses, including tire dealerships, often reach a point where they need professional financial advice, but can't afford to hire...
read more
|
|
|