Advertise | Subscribe | Contact Us | Connect with us    
 
Currently viewing 1 to 15 of 15
Protect Your Good Name
July 31, 2009
A trademark usually consists of a word, phrase, logo or other unique symbol that distinguishes a product or company from others. To protect your good name – and unique marketing advantage in your market, experts recommend that small businesses trademark their names or other identities by applying at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Expect to encounter two fees:... read more
 
Commit to Safety
June 01, 2009
As a business owner, you may want to put together a safety manual to give to employees when they are hired. The safety manual should highlight and explain specific dangers and hazards of your dealership and the type of work they will be performing. The manual should include equipment startup and lockdown procedures, operational safety processes, equipment maintenance, activities to avoid, and... read more
 
Mitigate, Don’t Litigate
May 01, 2009
Has someone accused your dealership of discrimination? Want to save money, time and big headaches? In today’s litigious society, it pays to look into mediation as an alternate form of dispute resolution. If an employee feels slighted by your company’s practices, whether because of unequal pay, an internal promotion policy or otherwise, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity ... read more
 
Need a Non-Compete?
April 01, 2009
Whether your employees work directly with customers or in the service bay, they may come into contact with sensitive, competitive information that they could potentially use to establish a competing business nearby. Non-compete agreements may help your business safeguard trade secrets and other information, but only if they hold up in court. Some things to consider when creating non-compete... read more
 
Avoid Discrimination Lawsuits
March 01, 2009
Let’s face it, we, as a society, are sue happy. As a business owner, one of the biggest things you can get sued for is discrimination. Since most tire dealers fall into the “small business” category, there is some protection. Under some circumstances, federal courts will dismiss a lawsuit without a trial if the company is small enough. But it’s better to avoid problems... read more
 
Beware of Software Piracy
January 07, 2008
Have you ever heard of the organization called the Business Software Alliance (BSA)? If you haven’t that might be a good thing. If you have heard of them, you might not be so lucky. The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. BSA is the voice of the world’s commercial software industry and... read more
 
Five Things You're Doing Wrong and How To Fix Them
September 05, 2007
For as long as there have been tire magazines, we have looked for ways to improve your business. For the most part, we have focused on the basics – clean restrooms, inviting showrooms, training, technology, radialization, computerization, inventory control, employee pay and more. But, that was then, and this now. Many of you have taken over your parent’s business or started your... read more
 
EPA Headaches Ahead: Compliance is Getting Harder. What Can You Do to Protect Your Business?
March 03, 2006
Until a few years ago, a dumpsite in sleepy southern New Hampshire, near Plaistow, had been federally approved, annually inspected and EPA certified. Even the transporters who regularly deposited their loads there were EPA licensed, and all the businesses that used the site for their refuse assumed that they, too, were in 100% compliance. Imagine, then, how surprised these 2,200 local businesses were... read more
 
Staying Out of the Courtroom: Is Being Sued Inevitable? Maybe. Here’s What You Should Know If the Gavel Drops
May 01, 2004
“See You in Court.”Today, that’s just a fancy way of saying, “Goodbye.” Unfortunately, that's often the harsh truth when your employees, your customers or government agencies utter that short but terrifying sentence.So, how can you stay out of court? And, how do you keep from panicking if and when someone says those ominous words? Let’s start by describing... read more
 
Tire Dealer Inc.: Which is the Best Way to Form Your Business?
July 01, 2003
There are six ways to form your business. Which is the right one for you? Thought about incorporating your tire business, have you? The monetary cost to do so isn’t great ®€ƒ say $500 or less, according to the many professionals who would help you with this step. But it's a major step and you could stumble unless you consult the two "A"s – your Attorney and your Acco... read more
 
Cutting the Tape: What the TREAD Act Means to You ... Today
February 01, 2003
What the TREAD Act Means to You ... TodayElected officials love to jump on consumer safety issues. It’s the best job security strategy around.In November 2000, that’s precisely what Congress did when the Firestone recall and Ford Explorer debacle gave them the motive and opportunity to create and pass into law a body of work we know today as the TREAD Act.At its best, the TREAD Act is... read more
 
UTQG: Is it the Beginning of the End for the Regs No One Wanted?
November 01, 2002
Is it the Beginning of the End for the Regs No One Wanted?Uniform Tire Quality Grading's 35th birthday passed without fanfare last September. Given its twisted history and questionable pedigree, it's not surprising that there were no parties. From the outset, UTQG was literally and figuratively a bastard law. Born out of misunderstood language in a last-minute amendment to a bill, other than some consumer... read more
 
Would You Sell Used Tires?: Dealers Can Reap Plenty of Profits But They Face Legal, Ethical Questions
May 01, 2002
Would You Sell Used Tires? Dealers Can Reap Plenty of Profits But They Face Legal, Ethical QuestionsNo one flinches about buying a "previously owned" car. Millions trek to garage sales every weekend looking for bargains. Dedicated stores sell used books, records, CDs and videos. Experienced bats and gloves take to the field again via a chain of franchised used sporting goods stores. Teens... read more
 
Knock, Knock, Knock: How to Stay Safe When Uncle Sam Comes Calling
July 01, 2001
Knock Knock Knock How to Stay Safe When Uncle Sam Comes CallingMost employers do their best to provide employees with a safe workplace, and few, if any, intentionally disregard safety or environmental regulations at the expense of the well-being of their workers or the community.Owners of small businesses find it almost impossible to follow the barrage of constantly changing regulations and interpretations... read more
 
In the Line of 'Fire': Preparation is the Key When It's Time to Cut the Cord
March 01, 2001
In the Line of 'Fire'Preparation is the Key When It's Time to Cut the CordPerhaps you can fire any employee "at will," as the legal saying goes. And you may make it stick despite a lawsuit. But who wants an expensive lawsuit where legal costs mean you lose even when you win?Even as the labor pool remains tight, there are a lot of labor lawsuits going around. More than half the companies, big... read more
 
  

Learn More About the Top Shop Award Program
 
GRAND PRIZE:
Coats ProGuard Leverless Tire Changer 
FINALISTS PRIZE (3):
Coats Model 1250 Wheel Balancer