Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine is the daily operations publication serving the retail automotive industry. This automotive publication serves dealer principals, officers and general managers with the latest best practices.
Issue link: http://autodealermonthly.epubxp.com/i/158958
V IE W P OINT S MAILBAG TO GREG WELLS: I enjoyed and agree with your article in the June issue ("5 Barriers to CRM Success," Page 8). I am always looking for ways to improve our dealership's CRM processes and would love more detailed help. What books on CRM would you recommend? Patrick Dunn General Sales Manager Inskeep Ford Greenfeld, Ind. One book I learned a lot from is "Te CRM Handbook" by Adrien Payne. It's not automotive-specific, but it is certainly relevant. Your CRM practices should be aligned with your customer relationship goals. I ofen say CRM is not sofware; it's a way of doing business. Hope this helps. — Greg Wells TO DAVID KELLER: Afer reading your article ("Deconstructing the Tax Relief Act," August 2013, Page 8), our general manager was hoping you could answer a few questions. First, could you send us a list of the fastest depreciation rates for building components such as paint, landscaping, foundation and building equipment? What's the shortest term? Tanks so much for your help! Kayla Cagle Receptionist Toyota of Hattiesburg (Miss.) Since I don't know all the facts, I'll keep my answers somewhat general in nature. For painting, certain factors — such as how much was spent and whether it extended the life of the building — can make a diference. In general, painting could be expensed as a maintenance item. Landscaping is normally more than 15 years for new and it is expensed normally if it is maintenance or replacement for a damaged item. Foundation and building shells are normally more than 39 years. Certain parts of the building improvements Vice President Group Publisher, AutoGroup Sherb Brown 310-533-2451 sherb.brown@bobit.com could be depreciated over a shorter life if it qualifes. An IRS Section 1245 study would need to be completed to determine how much and what could be depreciated over a shorter life. As for building equipment, if it is normal equipment, the life is about fve years. But it could also qualify for bonus depreciation and/or Section 179 deduction. — David Keller TO DAVID KELLER: I enjoyed reading your recent article pertaining to the 2012 Tax Relief Act. We recently purchased a lot and building that is contiguous to our dealership. We will most likely demolish the building and expand our operations in the future. Would this property, including the land and the building, be considered "qualifying real estate" under Section 179? Tad J. Ryan III President Ryan Automotive Group Monroe, La. Normally, when you tear down a building, the cost allocated to that structure becomes part of the cost of the land itself for any remaining depreciable value. Tis would not be a qualifying real estate item for Section 179, as it is a building structure and not a type of improvement which may or may not qualify. — David Keller TO PAUL POTRATZ: I really liked your article in the August issue ("Point and Shoot," Page 8). It's a great reminder and a simple method of putting yourself in the buyers' shoes. I really appreciated the idea of taking the Top 25 customer questions to build a video library. Tat's very actionable and, thanks to you, I have our BDC team building that list of questions right now. Paul Schnell Digital Marketing Manager Wilsonville (Ore.) Toyota/FindACarPDX GOT A QUESTION OF THE MONTH? To appear in October's Viewpoints, please answer the following question: What marketing strategies is your dealership employing to drive customers to the service department? Please submit your answer and a photo to Executive Editor Gregory Arroyo at Gregory.Arroyo@Bobit.com. The magazine also welcomes any comments or questions about any of the articles appearing in this month's issue. — Auto Dealer Monthly 6 AUTO DE ALE R MONTHLY • SE P TEMBE R 2013 Publisher, Dealer Group National Sales Manager David Gesualdo 727-947-4027 david.gesualdo@bobit.com Executive Editor Gregory Arroyo 310-533-2592 gregory.arroyo@bobit.com Senior Editor Stephanie Forshee 310-533-2496 stephanie.forshee@bobit.com Associate Editor Brittany-Marie Swanson 310-533-2588 brittany.swanson@bobit.com Art Director Vince Taroc Graphic Artist Jeff Polman National Sales Manager Anna Hildebrandt 888-300-8844 anna@autodealermonthly.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator Tracey Tremblay 310-533-2518 tracey.tremblay@bobit.com E-Media and Print Production Manager Brian Peach 310-533-2548 brian.peach@bobit.com Web Producer Greg Moon 310-533-2543 greg.moon@bobit.com Audience Marketing Manager Tony Napoleone Chairman Edward J. Bobit President & CEO Ty F. Bobit Chief Operating Offcer Cyndy Drummey Chief Financial Offcer Richard E. Johnson Business and Editorial Offce Bobit Business Media 3520 Challenger St. Torrance, CA 90503 Fax: 310-533-2503 Change Service Requested Return Address: Bobit Business Media PO Box 2703 Torrance, CA 90509 Subscription Inquiries 888-239-2455 BobitPubs@Halldata.com Printed in U.S.A.