There is much speculation and rumour that the next 12 months are going to present harder working conditions for dealers.
There’s little doubt 2012 is going to be tough, but with some thought, new ideas and help there are some innovative ways you can still make healthy profits. But how exactly?
Well, as 2011 drew to a close, Car Dealer invited some of the leading suppliers together to chat to delegates at our inaugural Profit Clinic about their ideas for making money in these difficult times.
Held at the Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon, more than 100 delegates enjoyed presentations from our speakers, lapped up a free lunch and took in the delights of the museum’s impressive collection. Places at the event were free for delegates and even Popbang colour – the remote-control car artist who created last month’s cover – was on hand to give a live demonstration.
First up as proceedings got underway were Profit Clinic headline sponsors Car Care Plan. the firm’s CEO Tim Heavisides and head of product Mike Cowling told dealers how the market is changing and in turn how dealers need to adapt their upselling processes with a greater focus on long-term products for customers.
How dealers must keep pace with a tidal wave of change in consumer habits was the subject of Contact Advantage’s presentation, while Winn Solicitors spoke about the advantages of offering accident management services to customers and how it can improve business and keep customers happy.
Audio and video specialist Armour Automotive told dealers how to make the most of offering state-of-the-art Bluetooth equipment to customers, and how to make a decent profit from the sale of it.
Meanwhile, Fourmative showed delegates why customers are voting with their feet and opting to do their business with independents, rather than big brands – and what to do to stop it.
Web giant Google gave a fascinating presentation on the power of search and how to make the most out of the world’s biggest internet search engine, while Motor Codes‘ managing director Chris Mason gave best practice advice on the benefits of consumer-led marketing with its Garage Finder service.
Here we’ve reported on each presentation so that those of you who couldn’t make the event don’t miss out on the great advice.
The Profit Clinic was the first of a series of events Car Dealer has planned. Our next event will be based around Lead Generation. If you’d like a speaker’s place or want to reserve a ticket please get in touch with the editor via email – [email protected] – or call the office on (023) 9252 2434.
CLICK THE LINKS FOR THE FULL REPORTS
CAR CARE PLAN
Profit Clinic headline sponsors unveil all-new product
MOTOR CODES
How you can use recently-OFT approved code to market your site
FOURMATIVE
Wondering where your customers are? Well we may just have the answer
CONTACT ADVANTAGE
How harvesting email addressed could be the saviour of your business in 2012
ARMOUR AUTOMOTIVE
Why offering clever Bluetooth kit could help dramatically boost your profits
WINN ASSIST AUTOMOTIVE
Do you offer accident management? It’s key to keeping customers happy
GOOGLE
How the power of search marketing could transform your business
