Partnering For Success
Options for teaming up withother small businesses run the gamut. They can range from informal referralnetworks to legal partnerships. Where your dealership falls on the spectrumdepends on how much effort and commitment you want to devote and how muchautonomy you’re willing to give up. Consider partnering withsomeone to grow your business if you want to:
Importance of Training
Educating your employees isnot only extremely important for your dealership’s regular business operations,it’s also expected by customers, who are paying for knowledgeable service.Remember, as an independent tire dealer competing with the big-box stores, youradvantage is in your knowledge and expertise. And study after study has shown thatconsumers rely on tire dealers for recommendations. Providing periodic,specially
Getting in the News
Did you just get a hot newtire in stock? Are you offering a car-care clinic? Are you offering a specialdeal on a set of new tires? Let the media deliver your message for free. The best way to drive mediaattention to your tire dealership is to send out a press release. Thoughthere’s no guarantee a
Make New Friends, But…
You know the old saying: “One is silver and the other is gold.” While it’s always smart to prospect for new customers, don’t forget the ones who have purchased tires or services from you in the past. Remind former customers that you exist and give them a reason to pay you a visit. If possible,
2008 SEMA Show: The Tire Industry Feels the Pinch
(Consumer Reports Blog) Where else can you see nearly every major tire manufacturer under one roof, but at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas?
Getting MyFaced?
Geez, just two years ago all any marketing guru could talk about was the growing importance of “social networking” Web sites. Things like MySpace and Facebook.
Guess Who’s Not Coming to Dinner?
Over the last five years, the North American International Auto Show has been losing its luster as the premier car show on the continent.
Advanced Thinking
Kudos-plus to the Chesapeake Automotive Business Association, which has contracted to bring nationally-acclaimed hybrid vehicle tech guru Craig Van Batenburg to help members better understand how to service this new breed of passenger vehicle.
Where Do We Stand?
From our friends across the pond at Tyres & Accessories:
Many Dealers Report Tire Shortage as Demand Outstrips Supply
(Kingston (Ontario) Whig-Standard) Kingston has hardly seen any snow yet this season, but already winter tires are in short supply at dealers across the city.