From coast to coast, retailers of all makes and in all markets are feeling the effects of the worst economic meltdown since the 1930s. So it’s back to basics, with such moves as riding herd on contracts in transit to ensure funds get into your account faster, and getting on the phone earlier to delinquent customers.

Dealers are reexamining everything, from their own pay to employee hours and positions. Some steps are obvious—but there might be other ideas you hadn’t considered, like having your property reassessed, then contesting your tax bill. (An Ohio dealer was able to save $30,000 that way.)

Find out what other dealers are doing by checking out “Getting Creative.”

Getting Creative
(print edition only)
Asset management for tough times.
By Mary Anne Shreve

Lease Labor’s Lost
(print edition only)
Domestic dealers turn off-lease customers toward other options.
By Keith Griffin

OnTrack
Vehicle previews; What's new
in the business.
Edited by Joe Phillips and Joan Mooney

How To
Selling to boomers.
By Nancy Dunham

Chairman’s Page
(print edition only)
Taking the next steps.
By NADA Chairman Annette Sykora

NADA Highlights
(print edition only)
McEleney named 2009 chairman. Workshops—virtually speaking. Job board signs ’em up.
By Laetitia Clayton

Washington Update
(print edition only)
Fraud alert from Treasury. NADA template raises red flags. Powering up APUs.
By Leigh Glenn

Sales Trends
(print edition only)
Sales rundown—by segment. this month’s data: Average AuctionNet price. AuctionNet sales percentage. Average dealership profile.
Edited by Atilla Akgun

Convention
Clinton, Bush at NADA show. Speakers also to include Alan Mulally, Archie Manning.
By Patrick Fulton

Best Ideas
(print edition only)
Look at me! Using accessories and positioning to make your vehicles pop.
By Nancy Dunham

Dealer Academy
(print edition only)
Staff retention: how to keep productive employees during a recession.
By William Adkins

Green Tips
Up on the roof: replacing that shingle, slate, or tin with something more enviro-friendly.
By Laetitia Clayton

Buyer’s Guide
This month’s print edition.
By Christine A. DeJoy

TalePipe
Huffs and puffs along the automotive road.
Edited by Peter Craig

Shifting Gears
Car colors.
By Atilla Akgun