As an entrepreneur looking to make big profits in the car sales industry, it's important to have a deep understanding of the business. Simply investing money isn't enough. You must have relevant experience and a proven track record, as well as knowledge of the community's demographics to identify your target market. For example, it would be futile to approach a luxury, sports or prestige franchisor if the community is only interested in compacts or lower-end vehicles.
You'll also need to research the market values of the vehicles you plan to trade and perform due diligence before making any financial commitments. It's worth noting that a dealership operates several profit centers, and each department relies on the others to function effectively. These centers include new and used car sales, after-market services, finance and insurance, service, and parts.
Although new car sales generate low margins, the dealership can still survive with contributions from all profit centers. It's crucial to understand the unique ratios and terms attributable to a dealership such as productivity, efficiency, stock turns, rework, labor rates, CCI, after-market services, and more.
Therefore, to start, it's recommended to work in a dealership to gain an understanding of how everything works and how the different profit centers interact with each other.
Another important aspect to consider is the location of your dealership. It's essential to choose an area with high traffic and visibility, preferably near major highways or intersections. You'll also want to research the competition in the area and identify ways to differentiate yourself from them, such as offering unique services or specialized inventory.
In addition to the physical location, it's also important to establish an online presence to reach a wider audience. A website with detailed inventory listings, as well as a strong social media presence, can help attract potential customers and generate leads.
Don't underestimate the importance of customer service in the car sales industry. Building a strong reputation for treating customers well can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. It's also important to establish relationships with other businesses in the community, such as insurance providers and repair shops, to create a network of support for your dealership.