CrossCheck Blog

It is common knowledge that furniture sales spike immediately after the holidays as stores slash prices in preparation of new styles and inventory that typically arrive in January and February. When store owners put out the large “For Sale” signs, tie balloons to their front façade (not to mention placing the occasional inflatable sky dancer in the parking lot), they are hoping for a rush so they can clear out the sales floor ahead of new inventory arrivals.

“I know check guarantee services are convenient, but how on earth can they be profitable?” I’m glad you asked. Check processing services save time and money, the guarantee factor mitigates the risk of accepting bad ones, and optional premium services can further increase sales. Together, this trifecta is the essence of “check processing made profitable” that may be summarized as follows: Check Guarantee Prevents Returned Checks Check Processing Means More Sales Check Acceptance Rates Matter

If you hear yourself saying, “we’re an auto parts store, not a savings and loan,” more often than you like, then perhaps you’ll stick around long enough to discover five tools to increase sales. It’s no wonder you feel that way given the cost of card-terminal certifications in relation to time and money. Then there’s the problem with independent garages taking an extra 60 days to pay their monthly balances or even bouncing those checks. You’re in the business of moving auto parts to legitimate wholesale and retail customers, and you want to keep it that way.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), construction companies and housing currently contribute 15 – 18 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Those statistics and additional housing data are available via the organization’s website, including information about membership, blogs and publications, construction codes, educational opportunities and political advocacy. The NAHB is a federation of more than 700 state and local associations representing more than 140,000 members. Approximately 33 percent are construction companies in home building and remodeling while the remainder “work in closely related specialties such as sales and marketing, housing finance, and manufacturing and supplying building materials.” Furthermore, NAHB members are responsible for constructing about 80 percent of the new single-family and multifamily homes in the United States each year.

Remodeling contractors typically see a flurry of kitchen makeover requests during the first quarter of every year that ultimately help increase building supply sales. The reason is simple: prepping holiday meals for family and friends is the surest way of finding flaws in kitchen design and functionality. Those same gatherings may also call out family bathrooms in need of facelifts. Furthermore, even homeowners who are satisfied with their kitchen or bath may look at the specter of summer gatherings on a crumbling outdoor deck with considerable reservation.

Operating small-and-medium enterprises in the United States is expensive — no great revelation there. The plethora of general business expenses may be common knowledge, but industry and vertical-specific costs may surprise more than a few business people. Nevertheless, most merchants would agree that “the cost of doing business” is a necessary evil in a competitive marketplace. Overhead may be broken down into anticipated and hidden costs.

With much of the country about to face the sharp blade of winter, motorcycle dealerships across America will have time to fine-tune their marketing strategies for next year’s riding season. Sooner or later, it will be wet and cold with snow and ice, and the number of customers walking into showrooms will dwindle down to a trickle. Consequently, there will be time to reminisce about last summer’s rides and tackle those long-overdue plans for the future. Looking ahead is great, but don’t lose sight of today because there’s still time to place warm bodies on those cold seats in the showroom. Start with the low-hanging fruit.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is committed to preventing vehicle theft in the US by issuing the results of its ongoing studies. The latest guidelines were posted on its website in June 2015, containing data from the previous three years. That web page and a downloadable Infographic (see below) and Fact Sheet provide safety and prevention tips; descriptions of bolt-on products such as audible alarms, immobilization devices and vehicle recovery systems; and if all else fails, what to do if a vehicle is ever stolen. Dealerships should consider downloading and printing the infographic, and racking them at the main service desk. Another way of providing exceptional service would be to apprise regular customers about the latest safety technologies available via your service department. They will thank you for being concerned about them and their loved ones. While you’re helping them, connect the final row of dots to payment solutions for purchasing the new safety devices.