Tire Labeling ABCs
The new national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program for replacement tires – which includes a new tire labeling system – is looming. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the change.
Concealed Weapons in Public and Your Dealership
Although the impact of concealed weapons laws on area violent crime rate and business owner liability is not clear, this issue has the potential for an adverse impact on workers’ compensation and general liability risks in the workplace.
Protecting Customer Information: the Safeguards Rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information on May 23, 2003. By now, most dealerships should have implemented their information security programs and taken steps to ensure compliance with the Safeguards Rule. If you have not, we recommend taking steps to get in compliance immediately. If you have, it’s still important
Grab That Wheel: Create an Employee Handbook to Take Control
When most owners of tire businesses see the term “employee handbook,” they are likely to have one of several thoughts – usually all negative. You might be thinking that you simply don’t have time for that now, feeling that business is simply too tough to mess with minor details. “I’ll get to it when…”
Protect Your Good Name
A trademark usually consistsof a word, phrase, logo or other unique symbol that distinguishes a product orcompany from others. To protect your good name – and unique marketingadvantage in your market, experts recommend that small businesses trademarktheir names or other identities by applying at the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice (USPTO). Expect to encounter two fees:
Commit to Safety
As a business owner, you maywant 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 ofyour dealership and the type of work they will be performing. The manual shouldinclude equipment startup and lockdown procedures, operational safetyprocesses, equipment maintenance, activities to
Mitigate, Don’t Litigate
Has someone accused yourdealership of discrimination? Want to save money, time and big headaches? Intoday’s litigious society, it pays to look into mediation as an alternate formof dispute resolution. If an employee feelsslighted by your company’s practices, whether because of unequal pay, aninternal promotion policy or otherwise, the U.S. Equal Employment OpportunityCommission (EEOC) is bound
Need a Non-Compete?
Whether your employees workdirectly with customers or in the service bay, they may come into contact withsensitive, competitive information that they could potentially use to establisha competing business nearby. Non-compete agreements mayhelp your business safeguard trade secrets and other information, but only ifthey hold up in court. Some things to consider whencreating non-compete agreements include:
Avoid Discrimination Lawsuits
Let’s face it, we, as asociety, are sue happy. As a business owner, one of the biggest things you canget sued for is discrimination. Since most tire dealers fall into the “smallbusiness” category, there is some protection. Under some circumstances, federalcourts will dismiss a lawsuit without a trial if the company is small enough.But it’s
Beware of Software Piracy
Have you ever heard of theorganization called the Business Software Alliance (BSA)? If you haven’t thatmight 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 andlegal digital world. BSA is the voice of the world’s
Five Things You’re Doing Wrong and How To Fix Them
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
EPA Headaches Ahead: Compliance is Getting Harder. What Can You Do to Protect Your Business?
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,