New Dealer Acquisition

[jzkj8h]

My wife and I are very interested in purchasing our first store. We both currently work for one of "the Big Three" in Detroit. Neither of us have "in-dealership" experience, but I am very familiar with the retail side, as well as F&I, and my wife is experienced with Fleet, and Used Car Operations.

We are fairly young (just under 30), and have limited capital (right around $250,000 - $300,000). We receognize we will have to buy, and be best suited to buy a small store. We also know that we are interested in the Northeast if that makes any difference. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best way for us to get into a "starter store"?

Thanks!!

[Johnny]

Hire good, experienced personnel

[Ben W. Plymale]

To: jzkj8h
From: Ben Plymale -
Automotive Dealership Consultant

Mr. & Mrs. 'jzkj8h',

Regarding your interest in purchasing a New Car Dealership, it sounds like you have good knowledge of how a Dealership should operate, considering your background. Relating to your current available funds, I would suggest looking for the opportunity of a 'buy in' (being able to invest in a current operating Dealership, with a Dealer that would like to sell out at some future date). There are opportuities of Dealers wanting to 'get out of the business', and willing to consider a 'buy in' / 'buy out' arrangement. You then have the opportunity of future ownership, and receiving guidance and training in areas of operations that you think your needing help in.
Relating to "need of knowledgeable help and training" in some areas; there are various good Consultants available to provide those kinds of services. I am an Automotive Dealership Consultant regarding Factory / Dealership Sales Incentive and Service Warranty Claims -- please see below sample e-mail I provide prospective Dealership clients. My consulting services are adaptable to all Dealerships, Domestic and Import; extensive travel no problem.
You definatley show the 'desire', your background provides some knowledge needed, you do have some funds available to make it happen -- I'd like an opportunity to help you make it happen!

To: Mr. Dealer and/or General Manager - Any Automotive Dealership; Anywhere, USA
From: Ben Plymale -
Automotive Dealership Consultant

Gentlemen,

Is (xyz) Dealership prepared for a Factory Audit? Is (xyz) Dealership collecting all Factory Incentive and Warranty monies available? Does (xyz) Dealership have Factory claims outstanding over 60 days? Are there items on the Dealership operational / financial statement you dont understand and/or dont see? If any of these conditions exist, I can provided Dealership needed assistance.
I am an Automotive Dealership Consultant regarding Factory / Dealership Audit of Factory Sales Incentive and/or Service Warranty claims. My background is General Motors, retired 9/1/95; 31 years with GM, last 12 years part of the GM / Dealer Audit Staff. Have been an Automotive Dealership Consultant past six years, assisting Dealer understanding of daily sales and service activity as it might appear in a Factory / Dealership audit. I have provided presentations regarding possible Factory / Dealership Audits to various Dealership Groups and Automotive CPA Groups. I was a NADA Workshop Leader four years ago.
In todays Automotive Business there are various areas in Dealership sales and service departments that could result in Deviation to Corporate Policy with expensive charge back (debits) to Dealership if reviewed during a Factory audit. Recently assisted a Nissan Dealership with substantial reduction of an expensive Factory audit debit. Various times during a Dealership review, I have found Factory funds available, not claimed by Dealership. Assisted a Ford Dealership regarding recovering substantial dollar amount of outstanding Factory Warranties, majority of those claims related to the Firestone tire problem. My consulting services are adaptable to all Dealerships, domestic and import. Extensive travel not a problem.
Please visit my web site; members.aol.com/AutoAuditHLP Would appreciate opportunity of providing my consulting services to any Automotive Dealership. Looking forward to your reply. Thank you --

Ben Plymale -
Automotive Dealership Consultant
4605 N.W. Kahneeta Drive -
Portland, OR 97229
Phone #503-645-7950
e-mail: bplymale@aol.com
Web site: members.aol.com/AutoAuditHLP

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