James Baggott

Phil - look forward to chatting Monday!

So what's the consensus? Do you want to open these offers up to everyone or do you want them just to be for VAT registered dealers. I'm interested in what the collective here want. Happy to be guided by the forum members.

I was thinking we'd want it only accessible to genuine dealers so VAT number would be important. I like the idea of certain levels of users too but surely you'd want as many dealers to see the posts as possible?

Someone mentioned this in the office and I've been pondering it ever since. Would you guys like a section on here where you can post cars for trading on? I'm thinking a section just for dealers. We'd ask for some details from you: VAT number, office address, phone number, company number etc to ensure only legitimate dealers get access to it and then create log ons for that section. It's something that might benefit you guys and I saw a post on here this week which seemed to do exactly that. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for this advice - I think naming and shaming for now probably isn't wise, but like you said, dealers should read the small print and where they're not sure contact you. As Car Dealer Club members (just £39.99 here) they can get access to your brilliant advice and other benefits. Well worth signing up to.

Nice story Umesh - like others have said on here before, going above and beyond in times of crisis does far more for your brand reputation than you could ever imagine.

The best way to do that is to interact with others in the main forum first. Posting a lot of questions and hoping for advice, we've found, isn't the best way to go about things. You wouldn't walk straight up to someone in the pub and ask them how they run their business would you? You'd start up a conversation first. That's a good tactic to take here.

Welcome to the forum. I see you posted this twice in this forum. I've taken the liberty to delete one of those.

Firstly welcome. Secondly a bit off house keeping. I see you posted this again in the main forum. Please don't do that. This Faq section is for new starters like yourselves. Many of the dealers on the forum get asked advice a lot and we were asked to move them to a section of their own. It's up to them if they want to come here and help. If you want to get involved in the main forum feel free to post replies etc but asking for advice, as detailed as you have above, won't go down well with our members. We welcome all new starters but suggest you get involved first and make yourself part of the community before asking for chapter and verse on running a business. Best of luck with your venture.

I poked him

I can confirm Facebook is now on the bill! So get your tickets here http://cardealermagazine.co.uk/events/cdx16/

To be fair so did I. I turned them on to see what they did and they don't do anything. I have a feeling it maybe a cookie issue (not fat fighter related) so will chat with my team and report back.

Well you may be very lucky there. I'm in the final process of getting a representative from Facebook along to give a key note speech... Fingers crossed it will happen. Plus the Car Dealer main stage will have three panels - manufacturers, franchised dealers and independents - all giving their opinion on the industry.

Bad news. Sorry to hear that. What car was it?

I'll investigate

Some interesting choices there! Keep them coming. Fascinating stuff.

I've been wondering if there are any cars you guys avoid like a naked tramp dishing out hugs? Are there any models you simply wouldn't touch? What are they and why?

Interesting. A quick bit of investigation reveals the domain is registered in the same name as the chap who runs this place http://theusedcarshowroom.co.uk So looks like a dealer is behind it.

As I said you don't have to reply to them. I've created a new sub forum which you can easily ignore. PMs are a different subject. Politely tell then to stop and if they don't get the message then report to me and I'll have a word.

Maybe Will, maybe. But you'll be pleased to hear that despite being on holiday I have created the FAQ forum. I'll move the relevant posts into that section and we'll go from there. I know this is a passionate profession but we set this forum up with the distinct aim of helping the industry connect. I'm all for heated discussions, but please try and remember there are human beings behind the posts.

I think creating an FAQ section sounds like the best way to go. That way you can choose whether to dive in and answer questions or not and it doesn't clog up the main forum. When I'm back from holiday I'll get this sorted. And yes, I am reading this on holiday...

My thoughts on this. We should encourage all levels of the motor trade. We have competition in all walks of life. We have it in the magazine world and I think it's healthy. That's not to say I would offer them advice on how to run their magazines. But I would offer advice to an aspiring motoring writer - and I do. If you don't want to offer advice to the new members on here, don't. Simple as that. If you want to encourage and help new businesses, then do. I don't care either way, all I care is that you all play nicely on here.

Welcome back!!

All, Bit of Car Dealer market research here. We've got an interesting new launch coming up and we want to make sure it's delivered to you at the right times. So, with that in mind, what day of the week is your quietest and which week of the month? Thanks to all in advance

Thanks for these chaps, I used the PCP and pre reg one. Answers in the next issue of Car Dealer out in January...