During an economic downturn or periods of economic uncertainty it is more important than ever to ensure that any car you buy or service you pay for is legitimate. We in the trade always look a little more closely at part exchanges and all the supporting paperwork. For example when someone says their car has a “full service history” is that … [Read more...]
If you always do what you have always done you will always get the same results
Someone once said 'if you always do what you have always done you will always get the same results' (it was American success coach Tony Robbins - ed) and this is probably more relevant in the motor trade than any other business. Despite numerous attempts to evolve and change, if you ask veterans in the trade many will still say “we have always … [Read more...]
Fun, indiscretion and “dad dancing” at the Motor Trader Awards
The Motor Trader awards were attended by a couple of our insiders on Wednesday night, and it certainly seems a good night was had by almost all. The sound of ssshing became quite tiresome as Ray Stubbs tried manfully to control a fairly good natured but large and pretty inebriated crowd. The awards were handed out like confetti and the people … [Read more...]
20% rise in VAT could make a tough year even worse

The question of VAT rising to 20% is maybe not one of “if” but more like “when?” and according to commentators within the trade the timing of this announcement could have far reaching consequences for the motor trade. For example it may be that if the rise were to come into effect immediately, which seems unlikely given that all the … [Read more...]
Survival of the fittest in a car retailing shakedown
This year has been a surprising one for the trade in many ways. Even the most optimistic of car dealers could never have predicted the rapid uplift in used car prices between late 2008 and most of 2009. Even though the scrappage scheme was in effect a government subsidy for an ailing business sector and kick started demand for certain new cars, … [Read more...]
Customer disservice
Who said customer care doesn’t exist anymore? In these recessionist days (is that a word? – no, editor) we constantly bang on about the need to be better than ever and that, in order that we can at the very least keep our jobs and make sure business can keep happening, we have to provide ever greater customer service. Some take heed of that … [Read more...]
We are always looking for experienced writers who can write good original quality posts on motor-trade-insider.com. Please