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Auto Dealers Take Note: 3 Reasons to Skip Your Summer Vacation

Posted by Brandon Weaver | Fri, Jun 14, 2013 @ 10:10 AM

auto dealer no vacationThe first day of summer is fast approaching. For auto dealers this means three things: warm weather, holiday sales and finally being able to take that much needed, much deserved vacation. Pump the brakes on that idea this year. With Toyota unveiling their 2014 Corolla last week, does this foreshadow an industry-wide trend in early announcements? With newer models possibly arriving sooner than later, your vacation plans should probably take a back seat.

1.  Consumer Demand & Hiring Are Up

Historically, summer shutdowns let U.S. auto makers cut back on their inventories and encourage worker vacations during July. Not so much nowadays, as the AP reports "factories are operating at about 95 percent of capacity, and many are already running three shifts." Working longer hours is one of the common things we hear from the auto industry. Adding floor space and some much needed equipment to accommodate industry demand is a likely solution.

Auto sales continue to increase, as evidenced by Detroit's Big Three living up to their names, posting their best monthly sales in five years. Plus, you have the traditional 4th of July and Labor Day sales to move cars off the lot. Adding extra people can help lighten your load. All of this being said, with demand picking up just in time for summer, a vacation is probably not in the cards.

2.  Financing is Easier for Consumers Today

"No industry has benefited more from the unfreezing of credit markets than new and used vehicles," says Businessweek. What does this mean? An even bigger incentive for consumers to buy or lease. Case in point: Experian Automotive says auto leasing reached record highs since they began collecting data.

With more consumers spending on autos this year, they're still not going to be carrying wads of cash or putting a down payment on a vehicle using plastic. A program such as C.A.R.S. allows you to guarantee and process check payments faster than depositing them at the bank. In a way, using this is like a mini vacation because it eliminates the time and hassle of going to the bank.

3.  Airline Prices Keep Going Up

Sure, you can travel locally but if you're going anywhere of real distance, chances are it's going to require a plane ride. Plus, we're not only referring to ticket costs. Checked baggage, in-flight services and other fees apply. Recent airline mergers are not helping either because that only means fewer routes and seats. Add in family members and the costs grow exponentially.

With auto sales numbers rebounding to pre-recession levels and the travel industry not really incentivizing you to leave, is a vacation really worth it this summer? If so, we suggest you take it sooner rather than later. Or, make it a shorter vacation you can drive to and from. In the end though, postponing that trip of yours looks like the smarter decision. What else is a smart decision? Not having to waste time dealing with the bank! Check out this free guide that illustrates how our auto-industry-only remote deposit desktop capture program can give you back loads of time (maybe enough to take that vacation after all!).

 

auto dealer remote deposit capture

 

Topics: Auto Dealerships

Written by Brandon Weaver