Deciding
to become a motor trader and open your own business takes a lot of time and
consideration, there are certain things you need to ensure are done before you
open the doors and there are plenty mistakes you can make a long the way.
What
You Must Do
One
of the first things you will want to do once you have found and signed for a
suitable property is to get your insurance in place. Opening the doors to any
business without adequate insurance is a disaster waiting to happen.
Firstly
ensure that it covers your building and tools along with your ability to drive
customer vehicles. In the event of an accident in a customers vehicle you want
the repairs or replacement to be carried out as quickly as possible.
The
next thing after insurance is to ensure you have a good website. These days the
website is an essential asset, people don't search the telephone directory any
more, they go online, learn as much as they can about the business before even
considering to book their vehicle in.
Lastly
you must offer exceptional customer service, you want repeat and referral
business, this is the business that keeps your company's doors open, you cannot
rely on marketing alone.
What
You Must Never Do
While
there are so many things you can do right, there are mistakes you can make
along the way, mistakes that can cost you dearly in the long run.
The
first mistake is when hiring staff you forget or don't bother getting
employer's liability insurance. Now what you may not realise is this is a legal
requirement in the UK which protects you when a staff member injures themselves
at work. It can amount to thousands in claims and can leave you in serious
financial trouble.
Another
thing you must never do is allow potential buyers to drive a vehicle you have
for sale without having the right cover in place. Demonstration cover enables
you to allow customers to try before they buy. This also increases your chances
of making a sale.
Lastly
what you must never do under any circumstances is to lie to your customers.
Your customers are what keeps the business going and you want to enjoy the
benefit of repeat and referral business. While marketing online can increase
brand awareness, as a motor trader you need your customers to make profits and
rise to success.
