Withering in the Field: Ag Dealers Can Remain Profitable in a Down Market
Withering in the Field Ag Dealers Can Remain Profitable in a Down Market It’s late August, and for a farmer the harvest is right around the corner. But there’s a problem. The corn is a good foot shorter than it should be this time of year. Nothing can be done. The weather isn’t cooperating –
Net-Working Tire Dealers and the Internet
Net-Working Tire Dealers and the Internet The Information Superhighway is not really a highway at all, and some would argue that it’s far from super. What it is, is the Internet, a collection of circuits and relays, information and Web pages, tying people all across the world together through phone lines. It is, arguably, the
Mark-Up vs. Margin: Knowing the Difference Makes a Difference in Profits
Mark-Up vs. Margin Knowing the Difference Makes a Difference in Profits Independent dealers often buy service parts from auto dealerships because, for some applications, they feel the quality may be superior to aftermarket parts, or because certain parts are available only through OE sources. Unfortunately, auto dealers typically discount hard replacement parts about 20% to
Anything But Average: Profile Study Shows Dealers Adjusting to Stay Ahead
Anything But Average Profile Study Shows Dealers Adjusting to Stay Ahead Tire Review’s annual Tire Dealer Profile Study provides an accurate snapshot of the "typical" tire dealer. This year’s 2000-2001 Dealer Profile Study, however, was expanded to include a more detailed look at today’s commercial tire dealer. While the clear majority of tire dealers are
Does Anyone Know?: Has the LT/SUV Market Changed in the Post-Recall World?
Does Anyone Know? Has the LT/SUV Market Changed in the Post-Recall World? Not too long ago, the light truck/SUV market may have changed forever. Aug. 9, 2000, to be exact. It was a Wednesday, not unlike any other Wednesday. Except the firestorm that started that day has had a far-reaching – and still unclear ®“
Financial: Insurance Checkup
Financial Insurance Checkup Business insurance is one large fixed cost for any dealer. But periodic reviews of your insurance needs and status can help reign in some of those costs. Insurance is designed to protect you and your business from unexpected disaster, but careful consideration of real costs vs. anticipated costs can help you save
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
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.
Uptime, Downtime and Profitability
Uptime, Downtime and Profitability Since the primary focus of this month’s issue is profitability, and the subject matter of this column is commercial tires, let’s take a close look at some of the trends in the commercial vehicle industry and brainstorm a bit to see how these might positively impact your business.One of the most
Programs Offer Options
Profit Handbook Programs Offer Options There’s a quiet confidence about Dave Crawford. He can get animated, mind you, especially when it comes to discussing "the program." When you ask him why a tire dealer wouldn’t want to join American Car Care Centers (ACCC), the group’s marketing director answers bluntly, "I don’t think they understand the