williamblackshaw

It's a shame to hear that, we try to work with one another where possible and give a neutral respect, we've often helped each other out, we try build a relationship to deal on slightly older stuff that we don't want to trade and likewise people wanting new cars he sends our way and we give him a referral - as I say I think there's enough for us all and can all enjoy a profitable future

As a main dealer it is annoying to see independents use logo's in adverts in the area after we invest thousands into training and standards to have the franchise, however if your an independent and want to showcase the models you generally sell, using images of your stock or models is what you need to do and fair play, both want to make money and good luck to all, my view is leave the logos to the franchises and put as many models on your adverts as you can. There's enough for us all to make a living from in my opinion

Simple maths I guess, cost + cost to run over how many years you plan to be there, had an interesting guy in for heating the other week, for suspended ceilings, you replace the tiles with these heaters, you wouldn't think they are there, each has it's own thermostat and switches on / off as it needs to meet the heating you've set it at, also can be switched on a timer for out of hours and weekends. Silent, cheap and looks fit for the job

Our workshop lighting is become poor and bulbs are beginning to pop all the time, and due to them being so high up, it's a hassle each time to sort, I plan to replace them as bulbs go but wondered what people would recommend for good lighting and good efficiency Thanks

Sad to hear, we always aim to collect our own cars where possible from trade to challenge them if required, we have a very honest policy when describing trade cars as it's not fair on people travelling hundreds of miles, treat others how you want to be treated. Perhaps auto trade mail could run a feedback similar to ebay?

I know we have to check vehicles for outstanding recalls when we sell a vehicle no matter what make or model, however if we are servicing a vehicle or it's in for repair, as we expected to check for outstanding recalls? I can't find this data anywhere. Also I find the dvla website poor for checking vehicles

Our body shop was drying up as I think a few bodyshops are and we wanted to look at other options so invested heavily in smart repairs, windscreen chips, interior repairs etc. We done all the training, estimated £4,000 on tools and training, had a massive advertising campaign, PPC, press, direct mail, never saw a return. In the last two years we have seen two Chips away agency come and go. Think some guys are very good and I think a lot are very bad. It's a hard way to make a living in my opinion and credit to the guys who do well from it.

Service as a module is, but not a service plan feature

Makro tried years ago

With service plans being such a huge and supported product, are many dealers pushing there providers to integrate? Do most people just do service plans in house now?

Was that a karting circuit?

Just wondering what peoples views are, as business managers / owners, do you join your team at lunch time or try to not be one of the lads/lasses so to speak, do you become friends on facebook with staff? or does this open a can of worms? I like to join the team for lunch occasionally, let them know your human like them, it helps understand more about them as individuals, or does this allow staff to think they can take advantage? How do you know you've got the balance?

Clarkson! Joking, on a serious note, I think its difficult to select anyone, as we are all from all over, it's hard to meet everyone or learn about others, like who knows what changes the latest Subaru MD is making for example? its the people within your network or area that you should admire, which people made you sit up and look at what they have done, the people I admire are Robin Luscombe of Luscombe Leeds, a man who put his money where his mouth was and has had incredible results, and also the guy from WLMG, never met him, but his videos and the way he conducts himself are cool, also Peter Vardy, again never met him, but what he has done in such a small space of time is excellent and again the likes of his videos, makes it look fun a fun place to deal or work.

Not sure if this counts, an S reg Almera GTI MK2 was on the pitch at our dealership, I was only 15 at the time and would walk past and look at it every day on the way home from school, hoping , my Dad would keep it for a further 2 years for when I was 17. Guess what, it was sold never to be seen again. Now I understand 90 days and it goes!!! Never seen one on the road since!! It was a gorgeous crystal blue colour

I do think it was along time coming, manufacturers forced to lower emissions using DPF, not to mention Euro6 and the talk of Ad Blue for cars now starting, how could it be left that it was acceptable to remove a DPF (Note im not disagreeing or agreeing on when people do this), but it seemed a contradiction in the world, manufacturers lower emissions, DPF removed, then VOSA allows a pass. Didn't add up, but what about cars that have had it removed and then come for the following years test, how will testers know whether it should or shouldn't have one, not to mention as the previous reply said, if you can tell it's been removed. Very interesting, but am sure we will learn more after xmas during the MOT seminars.

Hi, just wondered if someone could provide us with an email address to check Seats for outstanding recalls when we get them in as part exchange? Thanks William

Just wondered, as a franchised dealer, do you think customers expect when spending good money to see someone wearing a tie? Or have times changed? Is the Apple casual look ok now adays?

We are getting pressure from our manufacturer to have video health checks, has anyone adopted it who had a strong robust vhc process prior and seen an increase? I would guess people who use video have given it focus and hence results, any area of your business that has focus will get extra results

I would first look at each staff personnel record, then look at their values assessment? Have they done this and created a values pyramid for each staff? Humans work differently and are not always coin operated. Once you know your staff's values you will get the best from them, i often look through ours and have them in my draw next to me at all times, this works very well also when having to disipline staff as you can relate to their values. Also it is as simple as asking how they are today? And key questioning, "can i do anything to help you achieve ...... ?" Have you set goals with staff for the year, i know one of our technicins is working for a new caravan, the apprentice wants a Swift Sport, a painter wants a baby (can't help him though) Understand your staffs needs and wants, same as selling a car

I'd like to see over two days, or perhaps a choice of days a proper trade section with ample time to explore, everything from DMS / tyre / finance / workshop ramps etc anything and everything with time to explore and talk and then motivational speakers, great case studies from people who have done it through to the likes of Paul Megee, the fella Anderson was recently doing work for a large motorgroup recently. Would love to see a workshop called "How did i make my aftersales business become number 1 for CSI" with a proven reason, or how did i improve my retention by 20%? Real fact case studies by passionate people not salesmen trying to sell Video health check to improve your VHC upsell. Chip Thomas the Honda salesmen from America, youtube him, best speaker i've experienced in my 13 years, however Ameraica is too far to see him again.

Is there anything else other than NADA but of similar ideas in the UK?

www.youtube.com/blackshawsgarage we've just started, interesting google search results

I think DPF's will get better, other options include DPF cleaning which we have had a few done with success, if customers are advised correctly at point of sale then DPF's are not an issue. Perhaps DPF's will be added to petrol models one day?