Silver Lining: Triad Residents Save Thousands This Holiday Season Thanks To Bad Economy
Dealership-wide price slashing finds budget-cutting consumers buying vehicles at half off.
by J.A. Venezio
Special / Retail Press Newswide
Undoubtedly, you've felt some effects of the looming economic problems already at home, at work or in your business. For many Americans, this holiday season will be "leaner" than usual because of tightening wallets. But it's not all bad news. In fact, many Triad residents are poised to put the best gift of all under the tree this year and save thousands of dollars in the process.
According to Tracy Myers, a nationally recognized transportation advisor and owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx, 2008 has been the worst year in the car business in 20 years. "Normally, by this time of the year, car dealers are wrapping up the year and counting their profit. Not this year. We need to do something drastic this month to even consider making a profit for the year."
For years, retail automotive dealers have depended on the summer months to make a profitable year. But due to a stumbling economy and rising gas prices in the summer, retail sales plunged dramatically. "The problem is, people still want or need a better, more reliable, nicer, newer automobile. But they've been too scared to make an investment in the vehicle they would prefer to drive," said Myers.
The result is slumping sales and profits for dealers, but in the case of Frank Myers Auto Maxx, it's actually good news for consumers. "After being in the car business for as long as I have, you've seen it all," explained Tracy. "You survive by coming up with unique and creative solutions to lessen the blow to your business and to over-deliver like crazy to your clients."
The "solution" Tracy is referring to in this case is a special event going on through the month of December, where virtually every vehicle at Frank Myers Auto Maxx will be marked "Half Off." Your name conceded, "This late in the year, a discount this substantial is the only thing we can do to move the aging inventory out of our dealership and try not to wind up with a loss for the year."
This offer couldn't come at a better time for many Triad residents who have been neglecting their desire for a better vehicle due to tightening budgets. "A vehicle can actually be quite a practical gift for the whole family. It's the gift that keeps on giving for years to come. You can get a car or van or SUV that's more fuel efficient than what you're driving right now, has lower maintenance costs, may have a warranty, is more reliable…and on top of all that it's more fun and exciting to drive a nicer, newer vehicle. When you think about it, this is a gift the whole family can enjoy, and it can actually help you save money in the long run by lowering your transportation costs. And buying a car at 'Half Off' is a great way to make your money go a lot farther. It's both a practical and exciting gift for yourself or your family," said Tracy.
When asked how the company could possibly sell vehicles for "Half Off", Tracy Myers explained that all pre-owned vehicles are acquired at some basic cost from the auction, or from a private party trade-in. Then the dealer invests money in reconditioning the vehicle to like-new status. Finally, the dealer tacks on his profit, which represents the money the dealership makes when you buy a car from them. "What we're doing is slashing that markup, our profit, right in half. This is unprecedented, unheard of, but it's just about the only thing I can imagine that would turn things around. Plus, at the same time, we'll help a lot of people get a great, practical gift for the family and save thousands in the process."
Myers is expecting a great turn out in the last month of the year. "I'm prepared to bring on additional sales and service staff to help the customers who respond to this offer and to ensure an enjoyable shopping experience and a speedy process. I want our clients to be assured that we're ready for them---each and every one of them!"
In discussing the Frank Myers Auto Maxx sale inventory, which is valued at over $1,000,000, dealership staff has assured that the vehicles included in this offer will be the popular makes and models, the cars, trucks, vans and SUVs that people actually want to drive. "Not only will we be offering our clients a fine selection of the specific vehicles they envy like Hondas, Nissans, & Toyotas, but we'll also stock a wide array from small, ultra-compact cars to larger, tougher trucks and SUVs."
Tracy Myers has even planned some unannounced "bonus" offerings to "sweeten the pot" for his clients. When pressed further, he hinted at even deeper price cuts on some specific vehicles and special gifts for anyone taking a test drive during December…such as $300 in free gas.
Considering the beating that most dealerships have taken during this toughest of years as a result of wide spread economic challenges, Tracy Myers has still found a way to smile in the face of adversity, a trait he's developed during his 15 years at the helm of Frank Myers Auto Maxx. "Instead of just calling this a Half Off sale, I'm going to call it the Don't Get Scrooged This Christmas Half Off Sale," Tracy Myers concluded, chuckling.
