Nov. 30, 2009 – Improving online profitability, STEP by STEP
November 30, 2009
Editor’s note: This fall Powersports Business held a two-day dealer educational conference. As part of that event, we moderated several panels, including one on e-commerce. In wake of that panel, dealers approached us and asked for more “how-to” articles regarding online sales. To satisfy those... Read more »
Nov. 30, 2009 – Making changes in a changing market
November 30, 2009
Operating in a vastly different retail market, it’s little surprise to hear Arctic Cat CEO Christopher Twomey speak of substantially different business practices for the manufacturer both within the last year and going forward. Twomey, in a Q&A with Powersports Business, highlighted a number of... Read more »
Nov. 30, 2009 – Manufacturer LeoVince changes distribution, adds new division
November 30, 2009
Aftermarket exhaust and electronics manufacturer LeoVince is making distribution changes for its North American product line, reverting back to a combined system of dealer direct and a national distributor. The U.S. subsidiary, based out of Richmond, Calif., had used a similar distribution system up... Read more »
Nov. 30, 2009 – A California issue going nationwide
November 30, 2009
SPARKS, Nev. — Aftermarket companies are coming up with alternatives to a common service department tool that is being outlawed in California and in other states down the road. That tool — the lead wheel weight — can no longer be manufactured, sold or installed in California starting Jan. 1. One... Read more »
Nov. 30, 2009 – Suzuki’s inventory program seeks to ease floorplan costs
November 30, 2009
A program aimed at reducing dealer floorplan costs over the winter is gaining quite a bit of traction. The program, started in early September by the American Suzuki Motor Corp., encourages an exchange of inventory between dealers. “We were really listening to the dealers who were saying, ‘We need... Read more »
Nov. 30, 2009 – Arctic Cat back in the black
November 30, 2009
Cost-cutting efforts and inventory reductions have allowed Arctic Cat to return to profitability. The Minnesota manufacturer reported a net profit from its recently concluded fiscal first half after losing close to $6 million in its first quarter. This comes despite the fact the OEM continues to see... Read more »
How to sell 29 percent more motorcycles
November 30, 2009
A courteous, knowledgeable salesperson isn’t enough. The most successful salesperson is an enabler, a cheerleader, an ally in supporting and justifying the purchase of a motorcycle. Customers who work with an excellent salesperson will nearly always describe that salesperson as helpful. “Helpful,”... Read more »
A F&I regulation that is scrutinized more than ever
November 30, 2009
How much money can we accept? Too often we take for granted that everyone knows if F&I accepts cash funds in excess of $10,000, they must reported it to the federal government on Form 8300. BUT: Do you know the timeframe includes multiple deals in the same year? When are the forms sent... Read more »
Nov. 30, 2009 – Finance Digest
November 30, 2009
Honda’s cycle sales fall 54 percent Honda’s North American powersports unit sales fell in its most recent quarter and continues to lag behind its 2008 levels. Honda said its motorcycle segment sales, which includes motorcycles, ATVs and PWC, totaled 43,000 units for North America for its fiscal second... Read more »
Nov. 30, 2009 – Snake bit by the Internet? Here’s the antidote
November 30, 2009
True story: My first retail job in high school was working at an area pet store, known for stocking a variety of animals, including one preposterous-sized snake. The snake, a python, was so big that even in its 7-foot cage, you could rarely figure out where it started and where it ended. As I filled... Read more »
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