Car/bike dealers

[fast_tzr]

Okay, I'm still studying at school, and the career I'm aiming for is basically business management and then hopefully ownership. I'd ideally like to own a frachise car or bike dealership, but tbh I havent a clue where to start, or what qualifications I'd need. I mean how to you go about getting say, BMW, to let you open a dealership for them? I've heard something about buying the franchise? Anyone who can fill me in on this, the help would be much appreciated, and you shall be rewarded with karma

[Retro-Man]

as someone in the business, I can safely say your best bet to owning your own dealership is to go for a malaysian or similar brand as they are more open to new dealerships and standards are attainable.

Otherwise you need a 2-3 million to start with just to open one dealership that would meet the criteria required by most franchise's
In fact the prestige brands won't let you unless you have a proven history in car dealerships.

this is why most dealerships are now in the hands of large plc's
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[fast_tzr]

Right thats beemers and mercs out the window then. Based on what you've said i'm think some of these upcoming malaysian/chinese brands may be a good bet(hyosung for example)
Thing is I want to work with cars/bikes, but dont think being a mechanic or whatever will earn me enough cash, but then again I've always wanted to own a business, so owning a dealer seems the perfect compromise.

[Retro-Man]

depends what you call good money

due to skills shortages and low pay in recent years, technicians are in high demand and can earn up to 30k a year

middle management such as service managers, parts managers and dealer principles range from 35k to 50k a year plus company car


salesmans wages differ greatly depending how many cars they can shift, our worst salesman at work took home 9k last year whilst our best took home best part of 60k (worth noting 60k is extremely rare)

for myself as a service advisor in recent years we have been paid poorly 12k a year on average 18k a year if your get in to prestige like me, however even a dealer principle will tell you that the service advisor is not only the hub of the business but also has the worst ratio of pay to workload and stress.
times are changing though and dealers are offering 25k+ now for service advisors.
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[fast_tzr]

Honestly, I'd like to be earning 50k plus. Problem is though if I was to make a gamble and open a dealership for one of these korean or whatever brands, and they arent successful, you're buggered.

[Retro-Man]

exactly

thats been the whole thing makers and dealers have done to thwart eu block exemption, it's too costly and risky for any new business to consider, it's the only reason you don't find new cars for sale at your local tesco's

well established dealers who have spent the last 20 years+ meeting stringent requirements are realistically the only people in a viable position to carry on in this business.

motorcycles however is a different ball game, largley dominated by small ndependent dealers.

the reason being simple, most bikes are by their nature imports, (not built in this country) and japanese bike makers don't apply the stringent terms of business that car makers do.
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https://domharnessphotography.webs.com

[fast_tzr]

Hmmm, sounds like bikes are the only realistic way to go then, I'm thinking hyosung could be big players in 5 years or so.

[McJamweasel]

Service advisor? Whats that then?

If you want a bike dealership then the best way to start is probably with used bikes, then get yourslef established and go after a franchise. It not going to be cheap though. You'll need a fair wedge to get your shop (£20k a year rent), then you need to pay the rates and utilities. Then staff, then you need to kit out your workshop (unless you only do sales and take your PDI's to another dealer to start with). Then you need some stock. 20 bikes at £3k a pop? That will be another £60k. You also want none-bike stock, lids, bolt ons, consumables etc. Plus advertising.

Ouch.
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BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

[Retro-Man]