Portfolio Display launches new display catalogue for the automotive industry

March 24, 2011 – 3:01 pm

Portfolio Display, suppliers of display products to the WMS Group have launched their latest catalogue for 2011/12.

Portfolio Display is a well-established manufacturer of display products for the automotive and promotional industry. Products include a wide range of point of sale solutions for car dealerships looking to promote their new and used cars. Clients include car manufacturers, motor groups, franchise and independent car dealers. Customers also include car warranty and finance companies that provide point of sale to their network of dealerships.

The latest catalogue is their largest to date with over 120 pages, packed full of various display products. It can either be requested via their website or viewed online as a virtual catalogue by going to: http://www.portfolio-display.co.uk/html/free_catalogue.htm

The layout for this year’s catalogue has been improved due to the larger size, which makes it easier to follow than previous editions. Rob Walker, Marketing Director explains, “A lot of effort has gone into the content and layout for this years catalogue. We wanted to make it the best in the industry and as easy to follow as possible for our clients. I am confident that our customers will love reading through their new catalogue”.

Portfolio Display has added new products for 2011, which includes a new Branding Flagpole and Totem information stand. Other products include the self-fastening key tags for vehicle stock control and a deluxe vehicle-pricing unit, which takes a printed A4 sheet.

So far the new catalogue has been extremely well received from customers. Portfolio Display would gladly welcome any feedback from readers on their new catalogue.

To see more information on this company please go to www.portfolio-display.co.uk or email sales@portfolio-display.co.uk.

By admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Customers will look for used car bargains in 2011

December 2, 2010 – 10:27 am

Used car values at auction are likely to remain relatively strong in the medium term as the wholesale market reacts to a shortage of good quality stock.

According to Roger Woodward, managing director of leading online auction company, CD Auction Group, dealers will need to be more selective about the vehicles they buy for stock, especially as major vendors such as fleet operators will be under pressure to hold onto cars for longer.

“We think 2011 is going to prove challenging in the used car market for both fleet vendors and traditional trade buyers such as car supermarkets and dealer groups,” said Woodward. “There is no doubt there is going to be a continuing shortage of good quality, retailable stock and that means auction values will be strong for the right vehicles.But retailers will be cautious about over-paying for stock because consumer demand is uncertain while fleet operators wanting to ‘cash-in’ are likely to be held back by their finance departments. Customers, both wholesale and retail, will be looking for bargains. We expect the end result to be a widening at auction of the value gap between good quality, read-to-retail stock and average cars. Dealers will need to be aware there is a limit to how much a customer is prepared to pay for a vehicle, especially in difficult economic times.”

“Canny dealers used to buy at the end of December in order to take advantage of rising prices in the early months of the new year but I think they will be more cautious this Christmas. The VAT rise in January means they will have to absorb a 2.5% price increase on most cars sold at auction or raise their forecourt prices and we think many will stick on their hands or only bid for bargains. Vendors need to be realistic and take the money that’s on offer if they want to see their cars sold before Christmas. That creates a buying opportunity. The uncertainty in the market is likely to continue through January but it is stock shortages that will create the greatest imbalance in 2011, said Woodward. “You have got to remember that, by mid-2008, many fleets had simply stopped buying new cars. These vehicles should be coming to the used market in 2011 and they would have been the bread and butter of the used car forecourt.”

CD Auction Group is already seeing a rise in the average age of vehicles it sells from some of the UK’s major trade vendors through its online auctions. The average age in 2008 was 35 months; in 2009 that stretched to 37 months and, in 2010, the average age of cars sold is 41 months.

Source: http://www.am-online.com/news/story/?nID=42903081

The core products available from the WMS Group include affordable warranty and dealer guarantee warranty cover for all cars, motorcycles and LCV’s of any age or mileage and a combined GAP/RTI product for all cars up to 10 years old. These are supported by products such as MOT cover, Rescue and Recovery and Wheel and Tyre Insurance designed to protect you and your customers from expensive repair bills.

The WMS Group has grown significantly since the end of 2009 with a dealer base now exceeding 3,000 independent and franchised dealers.  Our mission is simple: we make you money; help you retain customers and we pay all authorised claims in 24 hours – and these are just some of the reasons why we are known as the UK’s favourite warranty company. To find out more, contact Eric Stone on 07789 682502.

By Steph | Posted in Cars, LCV, Motorcycle, RTI / GAP, UK, Warranty Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

“I’m with the wrong warranty provider…

November 27, 2010 – 10:56 am

…GET ME OUT OF HERE!”

If you feel like you’re trapped day after day with the wrong crowd of people and don’t like being restricted and dictated to, we can provide you with a perfect escape route and a more palatable alternative to your current providers menu. We have FSA and dealer guarantee warranty solutions to fit the shape of your business and you won’t have to take part in a trial to enjoy the benefits of some fantastic profit making opportunities.

It’s that time of year when celebrity reality TV programmes seem to dominate our television screens in the run up to Christmas. It’s also that time of year when general managers and dealer principles begin to plan for the next year and that process usually starts with a long hard look at this year’s business and a review of current providers. Are you getting value for money? Do the products offer flexibility and a great level of protection for your customers? Will your current provider pay authorised claims in 24 hours and help your cash flow? The right change for next year can see increased profitability and a greater opportunity for customer retention combined with additional revenue from service and repair work.

The right business partner can deliver so much more when you are involved in the process. Free training, customer incentives and some fabulous protection products designed to fit your business profile and customer requirements.

So if you’re fed up with a diet of witchety grubs and green ants it might be time to order something from a tasty menu. The WMS group have great experience in design and application of warranty programmes across a range of diverse business partners throughout the UK. Warranty products are available for all cars, motorcycles, LCV’s and HGV’s. Other products available from the WMS Group include GAP/RTI, MOT cover, Rescue and Recovery and Wheel and Tyre Insurance. For more information, contact Eric Stone on 07789 682502.

By admin | Posted in Cars, HGV, LCV, Motorcycle, RTI / GAP, UK, Warranty Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

We’ve got the EX-FACTOR…

November 25, 2010 – 10:27 am

…and we don’t mean EXtra terrestrial –although our service is out of this world!

We all need to deliver an outstanding performance or we face being voted off by our customers. That’s why it makes sense to work with a partner that can deliver the winning ingredient.

  • An EX-cellent range of warranty and protection products for all cars, motorcycles, LCV’s and HGV’s
  • An EX-tensive network of development managers giving support to dealerships throughout the UK
  • EX-tra warranties provided free of charge to provide real value to your customers
  • EX-static customers when their claim is paid within 24 hours
  • A team of EX- time served engineers who talk the same language as your workshop managers when it comes to common sense over claims

More than 3000 independent and franchised dealers and product resellers have already given us their vote, now it’s your turn. Call Eric Stone, Business Development Director on 07789 682502 to find out how we can help your dealership make more money.

By Steph | Posted in Cars, HGV, LCV, Motorcycle, UK, Warranty Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Teamwork

November 5, 2010 – 11:09 am

Pushing the boundaries for greater achievement

WMS are proud of our dealer network and we certainly work together to provide customers with the best possible protection, best choice and fantastic value when it comes to warranty, GAP and breakdown recovery products.

We do not leave dealers high and dry when circumstances dictate that business volumes are affected and we adopt a proactive approach in helping to increase profit through training, innovation and incentives to encourage customers to make a logical choice to buy.

You may only produce a limited number of warranties due to the size and profile of your stock and we understand how business trends can affect you. We have over 3,000 supporting dealerships including multi-franchised, supermarkets and independent dealers and we value all of them. We want to be regarded as a friend to your business and a valued resource to work with your sales team to increase product penetration and promote aftersales and retain customers.

There has never been a more important time to focus on the delivery of added value protection for both the customer and dealership. The imminent spending review will affect everyone and we are continually told that there will be some tough times to face in the coming months. We are all considering the ramifications for the industry when the proposed VAT increases come into effect, so getting value for money and saving where we can is at the forefront of every customer and dealers mind. With everyone watching the pennies your customers will want to avoid unexpected repair bills, so offering our range of protection products will help to provide peace of mind for them and additional profits for your dealership. With a team of regional managers on hand to provide help and training, it’s a valuable resource for your sales teams to tap into – and it’s free.

We want to work with everyone in the sales chain and not just concentrate on a chosen few as we believe the culture has to run throughout the whole process to ensure maximum concentration. It’s time to be positive about the vital role we can all play in protecting our customers and then we will find that profit from service and aftersales will become no more than a by-product produced from a robust and reliable sales process.

By Steph | Posted in Cars, Finance, RTI / GAP, UK | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

The LCV market

October 15, 2010 – 3:44 pm

The WMS Group are experiencing unprecedented growth in the sale of products to the light commercial dealer network.

Warranty sales have increased due to operators and end users keeping their vehicles for longer and with the economic climate looking uncertain, it’s important for them to budget and protect the one thing that provides them with income – the van!

If the vehicle is off the road due to a mechanical or electrical breakdown it’s vital that the repair can be carried out quickly. WMS pay all ratified claims within 24 hours so cash flow is not a problem and the driver can get back to work as quickly as possible.

Rescue and Recovery is also a necessary as a van full of tools or merchandise cannot be left at the roadside so a recovery truck to take you to the nearest garage is essential. The benefits to the dealer are huge because people are more enlightened these days and the attraction of a dealer that provides any of these products for peace of mind and protection will have an advantage over a dealer that just sells the metal.

During the past two months, we have been approached by over 100 dealers both car and commercial, asking for information about our products because more customers are asking about the warranty provided.

With more and more vehicles being sold on the internet it’s important to offer a warranty that allows for repairs at any garage as more often than not, the customer will live a long way from the dealer so the opportunity to recover the vehicle back is not an option.

Mechanical repairs can usually be fixed but what happens if the vehicle is written off in an accident or is stolen and not recovered? WMS have a combined finance GAP and Return to Invoice product for vehicles up to 35cwt and with residual values continuing to move downwards it is increasingly likely that the owner will have a shortfall in the value of the vehicle and the road risk insurance payout. A vehicle can depreciate by as much as 50% over 3 years and when explained correctly to customers the RTI/GAP policy makes great sense.

With dealers and drivers looking for value we are seeing increased take up across the board. The profit opportunities for dealerships offering these added value products are created through the sale of the products but also the repairs being met by the warranty company so it’s a win win situation.

By Steph | Posted in Cars, Finance, LCV, RTI / GAP, UK, Warranty Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Teamwork vital for successful dealers say WMS

October 15, 2010 – 1:52 pm

Even though the Sales Manager held regular morning meetings, it was beginning to become obvious that Adam had not fully grasped the “team work” ethos.

 (Seconds after this picture was taken, they let go of the rope and Adam disappeared backwards through the showroom window never to be seen again)

WMS have a team of dedicated partners who understand that a successful business needs to be sure that everyone is pulling in the same direction. We’re not into tea and sympathy visits but we do want to help you achieve greater sales penetration and profits from our range of warranty and protection products.

We are on the same side with over 3000 dealerships offering a dedicated service for their customers and we can help you build a robust sales process that will not just provide opportunities today but customers for the future. If you want to talk tactics and finds out more about how our game plan can fit in with your team talk then please contact us on 0844 477 4909.

If you would like to discuss the products and services available from WMS Group, please contact me, Eric Stone, on 07789 682502 or email sales@wmsgroupuk.com

By admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Eric Stone to judge at the Car Dealer Magazine E-Wards

October 14, 2010 – 2:24 pm

Can we have a drum roll please…

With the Car Dealer E-wards only a few days away, the WMS Group (www.wmsgroupuk.com) reveal that their very own Eric Stone will be on the judging panel at this year’s prestigious event.  Eric will be nominating and judging dealer’s websites in the following categories: Franchised Dealer Website of the Year, Group Franchised Dealer of the Year, Car Supermarket Website of the Year, Independent Dealer Website of the Year and Car Manufacturer of the Year.

Eric is the business development director of the WMS Group and has developed a great reputation in the motor industry. He has many years of experience in the motor trade and is well placed to understand the dynamics of each dealership. Eric personally speaks to all account managers and new dealers and is responsible for giving sales and compliance training and support, designing innovative and easy-to-sell products and being the brainchild behind the eye-catching advertisements as seen in the Car Dealer magazine!

He commented: “I am excited to be judging the competition. 12 months ago it  would been hypocritical for us to have judged due to our old clunky branding and website – before our rebranding, we had established a good dealer network but we were invisible to the rest of the industry due to having not previously marketed our brand. We simply did not have the brand awareness that we needed. Since the beginning of this year, we have built up the integrity and after choosing a few carefully selected partners such as Car Dealer Magazine, we have bought our brand to our prime market – the independent car dealers.”

The Car Dealer magazine event will take place on the 20th October 2010 and is sponsored by Autotorq.com for the third year running. Autotorq are an established provider of marketing communications solutions and business applications services, providing dealers and manufacturers with the products, tools and solutions to meet their website and e-marketing needs.

Steph Colinswood is the marketing manager of the WMS Group. She added: “There is still a large portion of UK dealerships out there that prefer to turn the pages of a magazine rather than use the web. However, we didn’t want to alienate our market when we started our marketing campaign which is why we have a good mix of print and digital advertising to appeal to every dealer’s preference. We were rebranded at the start of the year and are now known as the WMS Group – this umbrella includes Warranty Management Services (WMS), Vehicle Guarantee Services (VGS), Freeplan and our consumer website www.UsedVehicleWarranty.co.uk (UVW), which I have personally been involved with from the start. Alongside judging the aesthetics and usability of the nominated dealer websites, the E-Wards panel will also be covering the benefits of using digital marketing and social media such as Facebook or Twitter and will be filming a short interview. Eric has years of experience being in the public eye and is definitely the right man for the job!”

The nominations will be shortlisted by the Car Dealer team and will be voted for by the judging panel. The final two E-Wards will be awarded to the Web Innovation of the Year and Special Achievement of the Year and will be well publicised in the Car Dealer publication.

The WMS Group is a leading supplier of extended car warranty cover, LCV and HGV warranty, motorcycle warranty, breakdown recovery, GAP/RTI, Wheel & Tyre insurance and MOT cover. The company has established its name as the “Dealer’s favourite warranty company” after establishing an independent and franchised reseller network of 3,000.

By Steph | Posted in Cars, HGV, LCV, Motorcycle, RTI / GAP, UK, Warranty Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

There are other ways to retain customers and make more profit!

October 14, 2010 – 8:26 am

WMS have been helping dealers to keep their customers in the loop for sales, service and repair work by offering a range of Warranty, Gap and MOT insurance products so that the 1st profit isn’t the last profit.

 We appreciate how hard you have to work for each sale so it makes sense to retain your customers with value for money protection that provides your customer with confidence and peace of mind and brings them back to your dealership when they need a service or an MOT – it’s simple we make you money!

No wonder we are the dealers favourite warranty company with over 3000 product re-sellers throughout the UK.

 If you would like to discuss the products and services available from WMS Group, please contact me, Eric Stone, on 07789 682502 or email sales@wmsgroupuk.com.

By Steph | Posted in Cars, RTI / GAP, UK, Warranty Advice | Comments (0)

What comes first in your business?

October 14, 2010 – 8:17 am

The story of unrequited love.

Profit can be a by-product of a robust sales process. Get the process wrong and it could all end in tears.

Meet and greet can be just like romance – awkward and rushed, avoided completely to save embarrassment or satisfying for all parties and the perfect start to an enjoyable process. There’s no need to be selfish, all you need to do is ask your customer if it was good for them!

Many years ago I carried out a mystery shop at a car supermarket and it turned out to be exactly that. It was a mystery why anyone would shop for a car at that dealership.

As soon as I arrived a salesman who never introduced himself shouted at me from across the car pitch – “Are you going to buy a car today?”, “Have you got the money to buy a car today?”, “Are you ready to buy a car today?”

No, but I was considering committing a homicide. He had destroyed any pleasure that could be found in buying a new car in less than 30 seconds. Yet this was important to me and I wanted to be wooed and enjoy the thrill of the chase, after all I wanted to be treated properly. Any thought that this could ever be a long lasting relationship just evaporated so I felt completely deflated.

I decided to see the whole thing through, which lasted approximately 2 hours and included a low down on the disastrous love life of the salesman (now there’s a surprise), a test drive designed to frighten me into submission and the immortal words “yea mate this motor is well nice, know what I mean?” I left without buying and he never asked me my name once. He’s never written or phoned and I’m devastated.

A well structured and practised sales process will help every business to build a strong relationship with the customer who is about to make one of their biggest purchases and needs your help and guidance every step of the way. It’s no surprise that the most successful salesmen stick closely to a logical process and this includes creating customers for life through after sales opportunities. We’re not talking flowers and chocolates here, just building a relationship for the future. The sales process doesn’t have to end when the customer drives away from the forecourt.

It’s never too late to re-kindle the spark of a fulfilling relationship. WMS have a range of warranty and protection products designed to fit into your sales process from meet and greet right up to delivery and provide all of your customers with reasons to keep coming back to your dealership. It’s simple we make you money!

If you would like to discuss the products and services available from WMS Group, please contact me, Eric Stone, on 07789 682502 or email sales@wmsgroupuk.com.

By Steph | Posted in Cars, UK, Warranty Advice | Comments (0)