Your Trade - You'll Give Me What!!!

It’s gotten you safely to the hospital for the birth of your first born. It’s taken the family on the last five memorable vacations with no problems. It’s taken you to all those early morning business meetings. It’s worth it’s weight in gold, right? Wrong.

Unfortunately that’s how you feel about your used car at trade in time. Because of the emotional value you place on your car, to you it has loss very little of its original value.

To the professional appraiser your used car is just a hunk of metal. Used car values are determined by the price paid, for similar cars, at weekly auto auctions held around the country. Similar cars can command different auction prices depending upon the area of the country. Each week all the used car prices set by the auctions are published in the Black Book. This book is the leading source for true used car wholesale values.

Professional appraisers and used car managers use the Black Book. Not the Blue or Red Books used by financial institutions.

Keep the trade as a separate transaction when buying a new car. Research the value of your used car just as you do for the new car. Determine what the dealer will pay to buy your car if you were just selling it to him/her.

If you have a balance or payoff on your trade don’t expect it’s market value to cover this balance. Rarely is that the case. If the market value is not high enough then one of two things will occur; first the dealer will inflate the price of the new car to off set the payoff or two, you will have to come up with the cash to payoff the difference. Either way you will pay.

Negotiate hard for a good buy figure for your trade. Call several used car lots and get a buy figure. Place an ad in your local paper to see what buyers will offer. Check the prices of similar cars listed in your local paper. Compare all these prices to the quote given to you by your selling dealer.

One of the classic lines from a salesperson is, "We’ll sell you the new car for $$$ plus your trade." Does this tell you what your trade is worth? Keep it separate.

Questions to ask the salesperson: Will you shop my used car to get the best price? Will I get more for my car if I repair these minor problems? Is my car in good enough shape to place on your used car lot?

Long-Form Videos Are Watched

If you have spent much time with AutoNetwork you'll notice that we post long-from videos. This gives you more information and hopefully educate in the process. When we first started YouTube did not believe viewers would watch. And, neither did the car companies. We felt if a viewer is interested and content compelling they would watch.

Time has proven we were right. Now YouTube is encouraging publishers to post long-form videos.
Mobile viewers are even watching these videos on smartphones. But, the real turning point came with the iPad. Larger smartphone screens have contributed but tablets and iPads are the devices most used.

What do you think? Do you watch any long-form videos and on what devices?

Auto Shows

Want to see hundreds of cars, trucks and vans? Want to be able to leisurely wander in and out of these vehicles? Then the place to go is your local auto show.

Auto shows have a long history of successfully jump starting the buying of new cars. These shows are sponsored by your local auto dealers and auto manufacturers.

The largest auto show for new car introductions is the Detroit International Auto Show held in Detroit, Michigan in January. The Chicago Auto Show has the most visitors. The Los Angeles Auto Show is next and is growing in notoriety.

The majority of auto shows are held in major cities. One of the greatest benefits of these shows is the millions of dollars raised for local charities. Who says car dealers don't give back and care about communities.

The benefit to you as a car buyer is the availability of hundreds of automobiles for you to view and compare over a week or more time period.

Take the entire family. Get in and out of your dream car. See what really fits your life style and more important your pocketbook. Ask questions, gather brochures and have a fun day.

The latest in automotive technology, safety features and concept cars is on display for your review and feedback.

The auto show season has started. It runs until the spring. So, pack up the kids and support an auto show in your area. To find one use any search engine on the Internet and type in "auto show."

The RV (recreational vehicle) industry also have shows. They are sponsored by the local RV dealers and RV manufacturers. Take the family and really get blown away by the luxury, spaciousness and affordability of these vehicles.

Why Private Ad Exchange Network Is Growing

The private ad exchange network is not new. Google, Facebook, Bing, etc., has this service. Those websites only allow approved advertisers to post ads in a very controlled environment.

Most recently large well known media outlets, WSJ, New York Times, Gannett, Conde Nast, i.e., have established private networks. Primary reasons are control quality of advertisers across their outlets, keep bulk of ad revenue and control data collected from visitors and advertisers.

Private ad exchange networks will work for a network of retailers, service providers and other type businesses in a given market. Even if competitors participate.

The goal is to keep shoppers or buyers within the group. Sort of like a mall but without the walls. Referrals are the best form of generating new business and keeping existing customers because the recipient of a referral place some trust in the referrer and in most cases will try the business and or service referred.

Networking is another concept that's been around for a long time. Members are selected by other members and usually only one business per category is permitted. They all meet regularly with each member given time to present their products and/or services. Each member is required to refer other member services.

First the Internet upset the norm for how businesses conduct business and advertise. But now wireless technology has gone way beyond the Internet and has drastically changed business, advertising, shopping and buying.

Technology has finally made the private ad exchange network a viable source of new business, income, revenue, market penetration, real time data, sales, promotions, customer reviews and advertising for any business. 

Smartphones are a part of consumers’ everyday lives now

Forrester Research
"How Consumers Discover New Brands, Products, And Services," Forrester found that U.S. online adults who own a smartphone are significantly more likely to actively seek information about brands, products and services than those who do not own a smartphone. The results show that 57 percent of smartphone owners actively seek out new product information compared to 41 percent of non-smartphone owners.

The report finds that there is a clear opportunity for companies to use mobile marketing to bring relevant new brands, products and services to consumers' attention. 

Forrester found that 79 percent of consumers conduct Internet searches via search engines to find new products, 32 percent view general online ads, 30 percent look at online consumer review sites, 23 percent read and post messages on Facebook, 23 percent see ads on Facebook, 17 percent use coupon apps and services, 7 percent read and post on Twitter, 7 percent see ads on Twitter, 6 percent read and post messages on Pinterest and 4 percent see ads on Pinterest.
The most popular discovery methods for word-of-mouth channels are online review sites, with 81 percent actively seeking this information doing so in this way while 72 percent speak with people and 69 percent seek out online customer communities.

For marketers, the results point to the need to be relevant and to be in the right place at the right time with the right message with their mobile efforts.

How are you using mobile marketing for your business?

The Educated Shopper

What are you doing to train your sales force on how to handle the educated shopper? Well you thought the Internet was bad with your pricing, costs, discounts, etc. out there for all to see. You could get away with the fact that the information is incorrect and challenge the shopper.

As more credible businesses placed their information on the web more people now than ever trust it.

Here you are competing with the dealer down the street and/or cross town on price, service and products.

Then enter the car company. You didn't expect yours to put so much detail about the product, the business, the industry, recalls, etc., for all to see as well. How does the lonely salesperson handle the new shopper that did all his/her research for past 3 months on just your car? And, to make things even worse the shopper walks in and has it all on his/her laptop, iPad, tablet and/or smartphone.

Consumer information overload and salesperson information shortage does not create the best environment to make a sale.

Are you providing your staff with the same technology shoppers use to access information? Is device technology in your training program? Do you duplicate smartphone searches so that salesperson can quickly answer shoppers question on lot, in service area and/or showroom?

Remember the Internet is trusted by shoppers for information so why not use it to your advantage with the educated shopper.

Service Contracts

With new cars lasting much longer the service contract business is on a decline. Dealers are finding more creative products to make up the loss. But, why can't service contracts regain there status as a serious revenue generator?

The product is being removed from the finance office and into BDC (business development centers) where several staff can focus on not only service contracts but several other profitable products as well.

Is there a need for service contracts since cars are built much better, car companies provide better warranties and cars perform better with fewer breakdowns? They are like insurance, you don't want it, hope you don't need it, but if you do, glad you had it.

On of the reasons for the slow down in service contact sales is costs. Depending upon the type car you drive and what you want covered the cost could be several thousands of dollars. Most lenders will include in the auto financing. The other is lack of presentation of the product to all customers and explaining the details of coverage. That's why the BDC will get better sales results.

Have you bought a service contract along with a new car purchase? Why did or didn't you?

Free WiFi Hot-Spot

The consumer in your store shopping with a smartphone is not only more educated but is also more likely to buy. The big difference is if you offer free wi-fi customers will use to shop you on the Internet. The good news is with COD another free wi-fi hotspot is created but customer cannot get on Internet. Only have access to COD website and/or mobile site where your coupons are located.

Your Mobile Only Coupons:
1. Increase sales-ready leads
2. Convert more in-store shoppers
3. Avoid missed mobile sales
4. Web portable provides more sales opportunities
5. Improve local search position
6. Invite shoppers to buy now
7. You coupons seen in every COD location
8. You do not need mobile site to advertise

Coupons display on smartphones, tablets, iPhone, iPad, laptop, PDA and PC. Customers can post reviews
Try COD now http://couponsoffersanddeals.com/advertise.asp?Loc=wifi

New Year for Resolutions

Christmas is over and all those much wanted gifts have been received and some returned. Now you set your sites on how to bring in the new year. Where? With whom?

We'll ask and be asked what are your new year's resolutions? Or do you make resolutions? Or how many resolutions do you keep.

A resolution is like a goal. It's been said that if you write it down and do it for 30 consecutive days the goal becomes a habit.

So, what is your goal for 2013? Do you set more than one? How long before you break it?

I've made one new year's resolution or goal for 2013. Sign-up 25 merchants in top 50 markets as advertisers on new CouponsOffersandDeals.com website.

The Holiday Shopping Season Has Just Begun For Some

Procrastination is alive and well

Press Release from Lands End

DODGEVILLE, Wis., Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While millions of holiday shoppers took advantage of
Black Friday and Cyber Monday in record numbers this year, a recent survey conducted on behalf of Lands' 
End finds that 30 percent of this season's gift buyers have yet to make a single purchase.  Of those that have 
begun to tackle holiday shopping, almost eight out of ten (79 percent) still have gifts to purchase with over half 
(51 percent) stating they have up to five gifts left on the shopping list.  The survey also revealed that the 
upcoming National Free Shipping Day (December 17) will provide an added shopping incentive for 39 percent
of shoppers.

"At Lands' End, we love to accommodate last minute holiday shoppers," said Joan Conlin, vice president of 
customer care services, Lands' End.  "Our customer service representatives, expedited shipping options, 
warehouse staff and gift wrapping services make Lands' End the perfect Procrastination Destination to fulfill 
last minute gift orders. In fact, we will be taking orders until December 21^st with expedited shipping to be 
processed and delivered in time for Christmas Eve."
With only two weeks before the holiday, the survey finds last minute shoppers will be out in full force.  Seven 
out of ten
 (73 percent) respondents state they will be shopping during the two weeks before Christmas with 10 percent 
confessing they will be shopping for holiday gifts on Christmas Eve.While some shoppers may procrastinate, 
they do have gifts lists in place.
Topping last minute lists, shoppers will be shopping for Apparel and Accessories (58 percent), Gift Cards  
(56 percent), Electronics (46 percent), Food and Confections (38 percent), Jewelry (26 percent), Housewares
(25 percent) and Pet Products (18 percent).
Additional Last Minute Holiday Shopping Survey Findings:

Better Late Than Never – Almost three-quarters of respondents (74 percent) state they did not shop earlier 
this year than prior years even though retailers offered early shopping incentives and promotions.

Shopping Procrastinators – When asked why wait until the last minute to shop for gifts, 
59 percent state they are "natural procrastinators."Taking Time – More than seven out of ten (74 percent)
surveyed state they take their time to search out the right gifts for recipients, while more than half (53 percent)
state they do not have time to shop.Stressed and Excited – Last minute shoppers state they are "stressed"
because there is so much left to do (42 percent), yet "excited" to find good deals and gifts (49 percent). 
Shopping and Joy – When it comes to holiday shopping, a quarter of respondents (26 percent) enjoy the
last minute shopping experience.

Wi-Fi The New Marketing Channel?

I had the  opportunity to test a similar device but using bluetooth. The bluetooth device worked very well and shoppers did opt-in for the bluetooth message with rates as high as 85% in my tests with a low of 17%  in a local small shopping mall.

I'm currently using the wi-fi device with my in home secure router, in my condo complex, and over 2300 hits so far.

The term wif-fi does not have a meaning. It is a shortened name given by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, the group which ensures compatibility between hardware devices that use the 802.11 standard.  Wi-Fi is used for high-speed connections (10 Mbps or greater) to laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets and any other wireless device located within proximity indoors  or within several hundred yards outdoors.

Wi-fi service providers are networking cities and other areas with a high concentration of consumers. These location networks are called "hot-spots" and access can be free or fee based. The original wi-fi service providers had no idea this technology would have such broad appeal and acceptance by even small businesses owners. Blacksburg, VA was one of the first cities wired with free wi-fi for the entire city.

Some wi-fi service providers use their sign-up page as new space for advertisers in hot-spots in airports, train stations, shopping malls, hotels for example. 

With such high level of use by wireless device owners can wi-fi become the next successful marketing and advertising channel? Most businesses, that offer free wi-fi, provide the hot-spot as a tool to keep shoppers in the business longer in hopes of getting sales for products and/or services offered.

What if a business with free or secure wi-fi had a cost effective means to place opt-in ads for all users of the wi-fi service? That would mean the business owner could control advertising of its products to all shoppers casually using the wi-fi for Internet surfing and make more sales.

As a business owner would you expand your wi-fi to an advertising tool for more sales opportunities? If so, ANProximityMarketing.com has the exclusive rights for such a service in the U.S. Call 571-235-6538 and sign-up now.
Watch video.

Thanksgiving Leftovers

It's been 5 days since turkey day. I finished mine with a great sandwich this past Sunday. You can't get any better than that. Especially with an exciting football game. Turkey really does get better with age.

I'm sure you have more leftover turkey meals than just a great sandwich. How many ways do you serve leftover turkey? What's your favorite leftover turkey dish?

Looking for Showroomers on Black Friday

Took the opportunity to go shopping with my kids this Black Friday. The outside mall we visited was very crowded as predicted. Spent quite a bit of time looking for shoppers that may have been showrooming but in the stores I visited did not see any that I could tell.

If you were out shopping did you see any shoppers showrooming? Did you compare prices on your smartphone or any other wireless device?

Wasn't, in modern times, the old BBS (bulletin board service) the original social media? And, all others now are just a variation? What's old is new.

Welcome To My Blog

Welcome. Here you'll find comments on information found in my websites and just some comments. The election is over and my TV's are mine again. Didn't you feel yours were hijacked?