Are all Used Car Sales “Final” ? As always, please read the Disclaimers Page! The answer to that question is both a resounding YES, and at times, a well-qualified No. A few reason why it would NOT be: To explain #3: First, the Buyer’s Guide – As-Is, sets the expectation to the consumer that the vehicle they are… Continue reading All Sales Are Final!
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The Federal Buyers Guide
Federal Buyers Guide – As-Is vs Implied Warranties As always, this information is for reference only, and should not be construed to contain legal advice. The reader is responsible for employing qualified, licensed legal assistance before making any decision. See the Disclaimer Page. What is the Buyer’s Guide? Since 1985, Federal Law 16 CFR 455… Continue reading The Federal Buyers Guide
What is Add-On Interest?
Add-On Interest is a very simplified method of calculating the total Finance Charges for a loan. The Rate is simply multiplied by the Principal, and that result multiplied by the number of years in the loan. Example: $10,000 Principal 15% Add-On Rate 48 Months (4 Years) (Or use Number of Pmts / 12 to arrive… Continue reading What is Add-On Interest?
Calculating Loan Interest
OK, there is apparently a LOT of misinformation floating around on how to calculate a loan. The most common misconception is to take $ 10,000 and multiply it by 18% to get Interest of $ 1,800. But this is highly incorrect. The words Interest and Finance Charges are used interchangeably by most people in the… Continue reading Calculating Loan Interest
Are you prepared for this storm?
In many areas of the US, we are subject to devastating storms or other natural disasters like wild fires, earthquakes, and other things. My question to you today as an Owner or Manager of a used car lot (or other small business) is: Are You Ready For It? What that means is that since these… Continue reading Are you prepared for this storm?
Talk To Your Lawyer.
Thats a quote I find myself using a lot in my line of work advising used car dealers. The reasons I say it range from the mundane to the shocking. First, and foremost: I am NOT a Lawyer. I do not pretend to be one, and frankly, not sure I’d want to be one. (No… Continue reading Talk To Your Lawyer.
What do we do about COVID-19 ?
The current Covid19 / CoronaVirus situation has changed a lot of how we do business. With the recommendations against in-person meetings or personal contact, it’s time to re-think the business model, at least temporarily. First and foremost, do not allow your employees to spread rumors or scare stories. Manage the messaging. Only present what is… Continue reading What do we do about COVID-19 ?
Is Rule of 78’s Theft, a Trick, or a Trap?
Well, that’s what some financial people would have you believe, anyway. (BankRate.com gleefully titled a column by Lucy Lazarony – “Watch Out For This Auto Loan TRICK.”) The Motley Fool also calls it a “trick” in a column by Kailey Hagan: “Hint: It’s another trick lenders use to line their pockets at your expense.” https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/personal-loans/articles/what-is-a-precomputed-loan/… Continue reading Is Rule of 78’s Theft, a Trick, or a Trap?
Listen To Yourself!
Go ahead, just listen. Listen to the radio ad you have, really *watch* the TV ad you paid for. Read those automated marketing emails. Do they sound ok? Are you comfortable with the image that these things project of your dealership? If you said yes, then go get someone else to listen, watch, or read… Continue reading Listen To Yourself!
ARE YOU AN INFORMED CAR DEALER?
Yes, many of you are “informed” in that you know how and when to buy cars, what price to sell them, and know “the business” fairly well. But there is more to it than just moving units. I wrote a post called Where Are The Snakes?. In that post, I asked you to revise your… Continue reading ARE YOU AN INFORMED CAR DEALER?