It Takes a Thief: One in Three Steal -Detecting and Preventing Employee Theft
It Takes a Thief One in Three Steal –Detecting and Preventing Employee Theft One of three workers steals from an employer and such sleight-of-hand costs businesses more than $50 billion a year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Don’t think it’s a problem in the tire biz? Just last month an ex-store manager for
B2B Sales: Discussing Price
Some sales people get nervous about having to ask for money from the customer. As a result, they blurt out the price right at the start of the talk, rather than first demonstrating how their products/services will satisfy the customer’s needs. When sales talk involves products or services that save the customer money, direct the
Comp/Tech: Keep Your Face Out There
With the speed and freedom afforded by e-mail and Web sites, your employees may become isolated, focusing on the technology instead of the humans on the other end. And your customers may know you only through a Web address or periodic e-mails. Technology has changed the way we do business, but nothing happens in business
Retail Marketing: Treat Them Smartly
Barnum may have said “There’s a sucker born every minute,” but even he discovered that it doesn’t pay to underestimate the intelligence and buying savvy of the American public. Successful businesses don’t underestimate the American consumer, especially when it comes to high-ticket items. Most retail salespeople agree that their best customers are adept at seeing
Management: This Space for Rent
There is an age-old question for tire dealers to consider: Do I buy or lease? That question extends down from the building itself to the equipment inside. But it’s the building itself that costs the most all around. Tire dealers need room. But should they buy or lease a structure? Sometimes a situation dictates what
And To All, A Good Night
I have a fistful of ideas on bits of paper, but no BIG IDEA for this month. So, ala Larry King, and in an attempt to clear my desk of those bits of paper, here are some random thoughts to close the year: As we all embark on much needed consumer education about tire
Profits 101: A Little Education Can Increase Your Bottom Line
Profits 101 A little education can increase your bottom line. Attention, class. It’s a phrase that many throughout the tire industry have heard numerous times. It’s a phrase that many more still need to hear. Finding properly trained help is something everyone in the industry wants. Poor performers are financial drains on any business. But
The “Big” Approach: Treating Smaller Fleets Like the Big Guys Can Help Win Them Over
When it comes to proper, dollar-saving tire maintenance, small and medium sized fleets – especially owner-operators with a handful of tractors – are probably the toughest customers. On their tires, and on their dealers. While they know they need tires, often times cost issues, the lack of a formal controlled vehicle maintenance program, and/or the
Capital Idea: Pieces of Equipment are a Big Piece of the Puzzle
Capital Idea Pieces of Equipment are a Big Piece of the Puzzle To the layman, the only two things needed to open a tire dealership are tires and customers. Too bad that’s not even the majority of the equation. A lot more goes into being successful. Things like quality service, quality technicians, advertising. And let’s
Location! Location! Location?
A few years ago, at least at first glance, one would have thought of a dealer’s success in the OTR tire market was all about Location! Location! Location! If you were correctly positioned geographically, had talented service pros, had access to decent products, and maintained a good relationship with the customer, you had a sizeable leg up on the competition.