Have you noticed the upsurge in publicity concerning so-called “yo-yo sales”? About how oppressive and damaging they are for consumers? Do you think it’s a sign that these problems are suddenly multiplying? It is not. This publicity is the result of a campaign by consumer advocates to influence the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is
Avoid Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Liability
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a powerful weapon for a consumer who feels abused by a debt collection agency. The Act contains detailed provisions prohibiting collectors from using harassing or abusive tactics, making false or misleading representations, and engaging in unfair practices. It requires a collection agency to provide specific notices and
Third Party Harassment
A sales assistant goes into the office of the dealership’s general manager. She claims she is being sexually harassed by one of the outside vehicle wholesalers with whom the company does business. She says that he is making ugly sexual references, touching her and asking her out. The GM is sympathetic, but he claims there
TIME and Ally Financial Honor Newport News Dealer
Rick Gallaer Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments at NADA Convention (New York, NY, October 23, 2014) – The nomination of Rick Gallaer, president of Pomoco Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Newport News in Newport News, Virginia, for the 2015 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. Gallaer is
Manufacturer Construction Deadlines
Your dealership has had several good years. You decide it is time for the facility upgrades the manufacturer has been pressuring you to do. You seek approval from the manufacturer that the upgrades fulfill its policy demands, and it sends you a letter. It is a form, probably created by the lawyers, with your information
Suppliers and Your Data
The FTC Information Safeguards Rule has been around for more than a decade, so most suppliers will agree to protect the non-public personal information (“NPPI”) of your customers. However, a supplier does not have to share NPPI for your information to be valuable. It does not have to reveal the name and personal information of
The Power of Never
Dealers facing potentially expensive and harmful conflicts often question when it might be wise strategically to admit some wrongdoing. “Shouldn’t I show how cooperative I am?” they ask. “Won’t I get a lot by giving up a little?” Here are situations in which the questions arise. Let’s examine when it is wise to admit wrongdoing.
15 for ’15 – Prediction: Sunny with Headwinds
2014 was another strong year for motor vehicle dealers. The experts are predicting an especially strong year for 2015. Not to be contrarian, but when conventional wisdom is a forecast for spectacular results, it is time to be wary. Conventional wisdom is for sunny weather for obvious reasons. Consumer optimism is rising. New vehicles are
The Importance of a Succession Plan
General Motors has launched a highly visible campaign for its dealers to have succession plans in place. You may ask, “Why does General Motors care?” GM and other vehicle franchisors care a lot that successful dealership operations do not grind to a halt because of the death or incapacity of the dealer. As any dealer
Is Your Dealership Complying with Copyright Laws?
Like many retailers, you are looking for ways to make visits to your dealership enjoyable for your customers. You download mood music from the internet to play in the showroom and buy DVDs of popular movies to entertain customers while they wait their vehicles to be serviced. But did you know these activities can lead