NOVEMBER 15TH, 2011
By MARK HOADLEY - NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, V-SEPT INC.
Scenario: A man visits a Midwest dealership looking for a cruiser class motorcycle. The salesperson asks about his favorite local places to ride and learns he is new to the area, having moved for his new job. The man has done his research, decided on a bike, and the bike is in stock. Continuing the sales process, he completes a credit application. The credit results are not good – nothing catastrophic, but the score is below the manufacturer requirements and alternate source minimums. The prospect is surprised at the news. He explains he has paid down balances incurred while he was unemployed and always had decent credit in the past. A co-signer is not available, as the customer is single and new to the area. His down payment is fixed, as he has incurred costs associated with the move. The prospect leaves the dealership embarrassed and disappointed. Read more >>
AUGUST 12TH, 2011
By LIZ HOCHSTEDLER, ASSOCIATE EDITOR - POWERSPORTS BUSINESS
What is it that customers like about department stores like Wal-Mart and Target? What drives consumers there week after week? The most obvious reason is department stores are a one-stop shop. Read more >>
APRIL 5TH, 2011
By SARAH WEAVER, DEALERSHIP/AFFINITY MARKETING MANAGER, DAIRYLAND CYCLE INSURANCE
As gas prices continue to rise, we all prepare for what we hope will be a better sales year. Your dealership is looking great, and you feel confident that your customer service is going to generate new sales and repeat business for years to come. You’ve created a full service experience guaranteed to “wow” each and every door swing. Are you selling this experience, or are you selling on price? Read more >>
MARCH 14TH, 2011
By NEIL PASCALE, EDITOR - POWERSPORTS BUSINESS
Escalating bad debts and loan delinquencies. Read more >>
FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011
By SARAH WEAVER, DEALERSHIP/AFFINITY MARKETING MANAGER, DAIRYLAND CYCLE INSURANCE
If you’re like me, you’ve seen a lot of discussions recently about surviving in a down market. You’re probably taking every good tip you can from blog topics like, “Five no-cost ways to make your store more profitable.” Read more >>
JULY 22ND, 2010
By SARAH WEAVER, DEALERSHIP/AFFINITY MARKETING MANAGER, DAIRYLAND CYCLE INSURANCE
In all the years I’ve worked in the motorcycle industry, F&I has always been a hot topic; it’s frequently mentioned at both dealerships and industry events. Regardless of the venue, you’re sure to hear about finance strategies, lender relations and increasing ROI. Why is it, though, that you rarely hear word one about insurance? In this tumultuous economy, paying more attention to the personal lines insurance needs of your riders at your dealership may provide you with a plethora of benefits. Read more >>
MAY 10TH, 2010
By JAN KELLY - CONTRIBUTING BLOGGER
Jan Kelly, president, Kelly Enterprises – Many dealerships have downsized their personnel to the point of not having a dedicated F&I manager. Is that department just as profitable without the dedicated person focused on the task each day? Who is presenting the ancillary service policies, and working with the lenders to secure the customer financing? Read more >>
