Dealership
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From: Circleville, OH
Dad:Range Rover,Toyota Supra;Mom:C32,2006 Lexus GX
Dealership
Over the weekend my father and I were talking and we thought it was a good idea since we both of us love cars soooo much and he is going to pay for all of the expenses that we were going to open a dealership. And the only thing I have to do is help him in getting it started and keeping it running than he would let me be a co-owner or however you would say that. We are in need of help because we simply do not know where to start! Please if you have any expirience or if you know any sites to help us please reply!
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Buy a dealership. You need to be loaded with coin, and pass the manufacturers' sniff test (meaning do they like you.) It is not an easy job, I suggest comfortable quarters in the building, because you will be spending a lot of time there. There are business brokers that can point you in the direction.
A friend of mine ran a Mazda (wankels in tiny sedans) shop back in the seventies, he'll never do that again, lol. Too much time for too little return. It would have been better for him to leave the money in the bank and have his freedom.
A friend of mine ran a Mazda (wankels in tiny sedans) shop back in the seventies, he'll never do that again, lol. Too much time for too little return. It would have been better for him to leave the money in the bank and have his freedom.
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From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
New MB dealership
Isn't there already a MB dealership in Centerville? I think I have seen one when searching for pre-owned Benz recently.
When going into any business, I think you need to study the demographics. For example, where is there a gap in the current MB network where another MB dealer would have a chance of success?
My suggestion is to first contact MBUSA by telephone and let then lead you. You'll eventually need their blessing, not to mention a franchise, no matter where you decide to open your shop.
I think Daimler is pretty picky when they are granting new franchises, so it also might be a good idea to conceal any skeletons you might have in your closets
Good Luck!
When going into any business, I think you need to study the demographics. For example, where is there a gap in the current MB network where another MB dealer would have a chance of success?
My suggestion is to first contact MBUSA by telephone and let then lead you. You'll eventually need their blessing, not to mention a franchise, no matter where you decide to open your shop.
I think Daimler is pretty picky when they are granting new franchises, so it also might be a good idea to conceal any skeletons you might have in your closets
Good Luck!
Last edited by Musikmann; Jun 18, 2006 at 11:20 AM. Reason: changes
Thread Starter
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From: Circleville, OH
Dad:Range Rover,Toyota Supra;Mom:C32,2006 Lexus GX
Well i am open to any kind of dealership except for any gm because i am afraid with their bankrupcy and all of that stuff. Mabye even a toyota or something.
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From: Circleville, OH
Dad:Range Rover,Toyota Supra;Mom:C32,2006 Lexus GX
O and yes there are a few dealerships in centerville but i was thinking of opening one up in miamisburg which is one of centervilles bordering citys. There is a lexus dealership there and it is always busy so i figured i would make one right around that.
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From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by ml430_owner_315
Well i am open to any kind of dealership except for any gm because i am afraid with their bankrupcy and all of that stuff. Mabye even a toyota or something.
Hyundai is probably growing the fastest in the US (yes, I know it's easiest for a small company to grow by impressive % numbers). They probably do not have (yet) the dealer network that Toyota has built up over the last 30 years in the US.
If you wish, flame me for even mentioning the name Hyundai in an MBW forum.
Lastly, Ford probably has the same chance of bankruptcy that GM does. You just see it less in the press.
PS: You may also want to ask yourself if you are comfortable having your dad as boss or having him be the senior partner in your partnership. Please don't take this personally, just a general observation on family-based business partnerships.
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From: Circleville, OH
Dad:Range Rover,Toyota Supra;Mom:C32,2006 Lexus GX
yeah that is something to consider with my father being my boss but he will probably stay out of the picture because he is getting old and he will probably let me do the most part he will just rake in profit while i keep everything in order. I really dont want to start a hyandai or however you spell that just because i dont like them myself. I would have to have something that i like such as mitsubishi.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NY/NJ
2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by ml430_owner_315
yeah that is something to consider with my father being my boss but he will probably stay out of the picture because he is getting old and he will probably let me do the most part he will just rake in profit while i keep everything in order. I really dont want to start a hyandai or however you spell that just because i dont like them myself. I would have to have something that i like such as mitsubishi.
It's hard to move cars off the lot, day in day out. It's a grind. It's also tough to recruit, train and retain good salespeople.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Toronto
One thing that you must keep in mind like 1985MB said was it's not that easy, there is no guarentee that you will sell, don't forget that!!! make sure you can afford to that...example: we have a client who's a jag dealer, beginning of the year they were selling 10-15 cars/day in the past two months its down to 1car per 2 days, plus there is also marketing and taking care of a dealer requires someone who's detail oriented....you will always be spending money regardless of making it, with that said choose a car company, speak with them and figure what are the details then do a market Analysis and then decide
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
I'm going to have to say Hyundai is good bet. Have you asked your dad whether or not he would consider having Hyundai?
Don't shoot them down so fast just because you don't like them. This business you'll be opening will involve the two of you working together. You have to consult him with this before doing that. You'll have to compromise in certain parts, not everything can go your way.
Don't shoot them down so fast just because you don't like them. This business you'll be opening will involve the two of you working together. You have to consult him with this before doing that. You'll have to compromise in certain parts, not everything can go your way.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
If a dealership is economically viable at any location you can bet that one of the mega-dealers knows it, too, and will be there shortly. If not viable, well the auto manufacturer knows that too and won't be likely to be interested in your proposal. You are going to need millions and millions of $$ to impress a manufacturer. No experience is a deal killer unless you're a retired sports star, and even then the manufacturer will insist you have managers that are.
Hyundai? Probably better chance with Mahindra.
Hyundai? Probably better chance with Mahindra.
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I make it a general rule to not offer business advice to strangers, and so have been ignoring this thread.
But, here goes:
If you are thinking about the idea of going into an automobile dealership, and are asking the opinion of those on this forum -- that is NOT a good sign....
If you have no personal experience in the automobile sales business you should not go into it.
What might make it work out for you without any prior experience? Having someone onboard who has ALOT of experience in the business.
So my recommendation to you is that you and your father first find someone who has ALOT of experience in the automobile dealership area (prior owner or GM) and ask their opinion. THAT is where I would start (or stop) at this point in time if I were you.
I do wish you the best of luck in your pursuit.
But, here goes:
If you are thinking about the idea of going into an automobile dealership, and are asking the opinion of those on this forum -- that is NOT a good sign....
If you have no personal experience in the automobile sales business you should not go into it.
What might make it work out for you without any prior experience? Having someone onboard who has ALOT of experience in the business.
So my recommendation to you is that you and your father first find someone who has ALOT of experience in the automobile dealership area (prior owner or GM) and ask their opinion. THAT is where I would start (or stop) at this point in time if I were you.
I do wish you the best of luck in your pursuit.
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From: Circleville, OH
Dad:Range Rover,Toyota Supra;Mom:C32,2006 Lexus GX
thanks for all of your advice. my father has the finances in line and we were already talking to Jim Ponciano (former import dealership owner in Moraine) and he said that he would be willing to help us start. he suggested that we not open hyandai and open a dodge because dodge is always advancing itself and making new nicer cars each year.
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From: Boca Raton, FL
05 C55, 01 C240, 00 Discovery
My family owns a couple of dealerships in Bolivia and i have worked in a dealership in the states for about 6 months In which I was salesman of the month for 5 months straight i know allot of people in the business and maybe i can help you out... my advice is FREE dont worry about that you can call me up at 561-901-3924 thats my cell or email me at evaldes @ bluebayfurniture dot com
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Originally Posted by ml430_owner_315
thanks for all of your advice. my father has the finances in line and we were already talking to Jim Ponciano (former import dealership owner in Moraine) and he said that he would be willing to help us start. he suggested that we not open hyandai and open a dodge because dodge is always advancing itself and making new nicer cars each year.
