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James, I use local press all the time and do get very , very good response ! , its not a magic wand every time you tick as ad in it sells , however to me its great return on Investment - its about being consistent and also depends on what message you're sending out. And I know we all think its always the 'older' generation sold two cars couple of weeks ago to a guy who's about 45 , and a couple mid 50's from press ad ! , so not 'older' in my eyes.

i've used email marketing for a quiet a number of years , I also try and capture additional names/email address form my website .. some leave details , most don't bother - I did have an 'exit' pop up asking if they hadn't found what they came to the website , would they like any help in find that car ? , take up wasn't brilliant, so have only just removed it. All customers who buy from me get put on the list , I use mailchimp - its easy, and FREE ! http://www.specialistcars-stoke.co.uk/about-specialist-cars-of-stoke/join-our-mailing-list/ People tell me they love receiving my emails ! They're not all about sell, sell, sell

Not sure who’s seen this video by Marc Thornborough – Brand Director AutotraderI think its a great video and insight to what Marc and his team are doing back at base https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIldk77jpDs Its just over 6 minutes and well worth watching !Would be great to get some feedback , and did you know what exactly went on at AT – HQ?

Had similar with Shell , couple of years ago filled my car up £70 - when the bill came through just glanced to make sure reg no's tied up - I thought it didn't make sense - added vat to it and it was about £2.70 more - quizzed the company - they game me some bull but changed the 'settings' so not the pump price matches invoice ! Amazing at 1st they couldn't -( or wouldn't ) understand me , I said I might as well pay with my debit /credit card at the pumps as thats the 'pump' price, but you're adding on anything between £1.50/£3.00 per transaction for using the fuel card.Got to watch every single business - they're all out to scam us !!

James, When I 1st started , I gave every car a full 12 months warranty,sadly got let down by them not paying for genuine claims , I prep my cars to a very high standard so there were not many claims anyway - the final straw was an engine on an MG F ( Yes we know they are an issue !!) , They made so many excuses so I kicked them out , .Long story short ,After some research and asking customers what they valued - A car with 12 Months warranty being £200/300 more- than a car with shorter warranty and less money - MAJORITY Said price , so about 10 years ago I stopped using anyone , gave 3 months/3000 mile warranty and in that time I don't think I've paid £1500- in total ! A massive saving and little issues I just pay and keep customers happy. Dealers say what about when you sell out of area , No problem, If customer has an issue don't make excuses , make it easy for them ( Put yourself in their shoes !) I tell them to use their normal garage or even main dealer , get a quote let me know and I've the settled the customer or paid the dealer direct ! The secret is buy proper cars - sell proper cars and its less hassle and more cost effective , but nature of this job we all get caught out the odd times ! Here's a review from 12 months ago from a distant away who has an issue !

James, Unless the new car is in his name it can't be done on line - both the docs have to be same name -address , and if the car is not taxed it won't allow it. If both docs are in the same name and you tax the car today then it still won't allow - needs a couple of days to 'update' their system ! Hope it helps - feel free to bell me 0178 2822700 if you need help !

I did at one stage get caught out with 3 DSG Gearboxes One on an Audi A3 Just over 3 years old 19,000 miles , VW Passat again just over 3 years old 27,000 miles and Golf again just over 3 years old 15,000 miles that I'd supplied brand new , the last one VW Mainly paid towards it , cost me around £200 - the other two £2000 each !! So for a long while I avoided like the plague - but have since had few with no issues ! BUT Always very cautious when I buy them now!

Although I don't use clickdealer they offer great value for money and proper people to deal with - Talk to Gerry or Pippa You can mention me or Rory -RS Car Sales ! Worth a chat http://www.clickdealer.co.uk/ 01782 478220 !

What an interesting conversation with a customer ! Rings about a car £9000 -, tells me the PX he has is being 'sold' at £9000 , How much would I do a deal to swap. His car is worth £7250 so I tell him I need £1750 to swap ! He says but you want to make profit on both cars , why are you being so greedy ? He says IF I sell my car for £9000, cause that's what they're selling for it would be a straight swap! Long story short I kept it very amicable - and explained I am in BUSINESS AND I NEED TO MAKE PROFIT OB BOTH cars , as they are individual deals! He said I thought you'd do me a favour !! I said that's fine I'd you a favour as long as you pay my wages as a favour back ! He's gone away to see if anyone else will do him a favour ..anyone want his number !

No Problem ,just answer the questions and the chances are he'll buy it!

I tell the customers quite straight , take the car on current plate I'll deal with all the paper work / Plates ( If they live some distance make plates / ready drilled -to make it easy for them for fitting ) or if they're local to pop in when its complete and I'll for the plates ! For the odd one who wants the car after the plate I explain that it doesn't help cash flow and full payment is required ! No one has ever objected. Think if you explain it clearly most will be OK with it!

As Jim's already pointed out ! we're all here to help new kids on the block ! but Full time job and dabbling is talking food from our mouths !

Okay Dokay , Its not quite as bad as it may 1st appear , easiest way as already suggested get one of the finance company reps to help you! Feel free to give me a bell 01782 822 700 if its easier !

Just seen this article! We know it goes it everywhere in the country - but this just shows the extent to the number of cars being sold - It affects us all - hence legit dealers are losing business / profits ! A car dealer has been handed a 12 week suspended prison sentence after selling a potentially dangerous car while posing as a private seller. Ian Blinkhorne of Elm Road, Stratford, pleaded guilty to the charges against him at Nuneaton Magistrates following an investigation by Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards team. The 51-year-old sold the Ford Ka to a Leamington woman after he had advertised the vehicle for sale on Facebook, The Leamington Spa Courier reported. It later failed an MOT test and a Trading Standards’ vehicle examiner identified a number of faults which made the car unsafe to drive. Among the issues were faulty power steering, seized brakes, excessive corrosion to the driver’s seat mounting and failed suspension.

Did have an odd one a few years back CD won't play , he was getting a bit high rate , came down and sure enough the CD'd didn't play , so I reached in to my cupboard stuck 'Thriller ' original CD ( Which I had gained although love MJ's music ) prefect ! , It transpired all the copies he'd got wouldn't play in the car ! He went off grumbling !!

Gavin ! We'll never ever understand the logic !! AND how some of these buyers think , some simply do not understand WE have to buy these cars and pay good money to get them - they simply think we're desperate to GIVE them away ! .. All part of the job

GREAT to hear that ! so are you advertising in different places ? portals etc ? what have you done to maintain/increase sales / leads with AT ? [Great saving per month to add to bottom line ]

Working fine here , just uploaded a few mins ago !

Congrats and welcome to the forum and the 'Real world' of self employed Philip , I spent nearly 15 Years Audi/vw/seat ..that was 18 years ago. .... ! I wish you all the very best in your new venture , hope it goes well for you. This forum is a great place to meet with fellow dealers , [Other forums are available :)] If you're ever in the Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire area - the kettle's always on too !

It is so , so sad - there are NOT DEALERS but simply scum bags pretending to be 'dealers' giving us bonafide 'dealers' a bad reputation ! Guess its the old story ' "Caveat emptor " Latin term that means "let the buyer beware." Similar to the phrase "sold as is," this term means that the buyer assumes the risk that a product may fail to meet expectations or have defects." WE all have to beware of these as sadly some of these guys are on ATM trying to con us!

Afternoon Pad, Welcome to the forum ! Nice when customers say that , THAT is what its all about .. Well thats how I run my business- its all about people/attitudes ! Its a totally different game when you get into it full time , but we're all here to help , as and when you need any help/support ! Look forward to seeing your plans full time ! Good Luck Umesh

I'd say keep buying the hot food as it obviously brings customers in ! #EveryTime

Well I guess it's this time of year that we all look back at the joys and triumphs , wondering where 2015 went ..it only seems 5 minutes since we were welcoming 2015 never mind waving goodbye to it. For me business has been challenging in 2015 compared to the 2 years of great results, so I have to think was it the market, was it me, the strategy ..we all do it and wonder what we did right /wrong or indifferent , so many things to take into account. In trying to see if I make next year absolutely awesome , I've been looking at Autotrader iControl system , lots of interesting data and a totally new way to sell cars, but one of the things that it shows is desirability of cars in areas, especially in my area, this would obviously help to sell cars faster and more profitable ! I also use motors.co.uk and asked for some data on my stock , now you'd think that would match AT desirability chart , wouldn't you ? Both give me different information , call me old fashioned but I've always worked on what I think I can sell from my business profitably , doesn't always work as its gut feeling , not actual science. Majority of the time gut feeling works ,but the odd few just do not work out , but then again if it was that easy everyone would be selling cars! Curious to know · How's your year been in comparisons to say last 2 ? · How do YOU buy cars ? desirability ? value? ?? whats on offer at the time? · will YOU Change the way you buy/sell cars in the coming year compared to 2015? · Do YOU Price your car at 'the price' as opposed to higher and then lower it if it doesn't sell ? · Do you have an overage policy or till it sells? · What ONE thing did you learn this year that you believe will significantly change/help you business next year ? Thanks for your input guys, wishing you all a happy new year and a very prosperous 2016.

I've had a few deals via Zuto, they asked for CCL 1st before they agreed the 1st deal with me. I guess they are protecting themselves.

Never predictable when its going to be quieter .. , like most probably quieter days tue -wed- thursday !