Greg Goebel - It only seems appropriate that this month’s column focus on the auto finance companies that are serving the special finance market. Without a doubt, it has been a tumultuous year, but contrary to the perspective of many dealers, finance companies are still issuing loans. One of the most often-asked questions I used to receive was, “Who is hot?” Nowadays, it has become, “Who is in the market?” The good news is that there are still options ...
Greg Goebel - Suddenly it became crystal clear. Well, maybe not crystal, but for the first time in a long time, I really get it. I understand the special finance landscape from many of the finance companies’ perspectives, which also gives me a leg up on trying to help give dealers better ...
Greg Goebel- As I have been saying for months, the reporting of the death of the SF industry is beginning to sound much like infamous “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline from 60 years ago. Yes, the industry has definitely changed, but without a doubt it is still alive and kicking, and while it’s more challenging than in recent years, much can be learned from the SF Top 10 dealers.
Greg Goebel - Last year at this time I was preparing to run my first marathon. It was a goal I set for myself a decade ago, but had never come close to accomplishing. This time was different however, as I had armed myself with a proven training plan. By executing it, I was able to cross one more thing off my “Bucket List.” ...
Greg Goebel - Rick has added you as a friend on Facebook. We need to confirm that you know Rick in order for you to be friends on Facebook,” read the e-mail in my inbox. That is how it all started in mid-December while I was recovering from surgery. My thought was, what the heck is Rick doing? We are already friends. I have all his phone numbers and his ...
Greg Goebel - Selling opportunities have always been too precious to squander, but now, it can cost a dealer the store. The bottom line is that in order to succeed in today’s special finance market, you must be able to quickly distinguish a ...
Greg Goebel - Dealers say consumer credit doesn’t exist. Certainly, some banks and finance companies have perished. Others have merged, while others have had their access to capital greatly reduced. Guess what? To create revenue banks still have to loan money. Credit is still available, even to subprime credit customers. The difference is that ...
Greg Goebel - You have to continue your brand in the market——continue to remind people that you are able to help them, and most certainly ask for business. You simply must be prudent about what you spend and reasonable about your expectations. Forecast your deliveries and spend appropriately ...
Greg Goebel - To quote many other folks, I don’t care how much lipstick you put on a pig, it still is a pig.This economy and the industry is what it is. I have been beating the drum for dealers to right-size and maximize fixed operations ...
Greg Goebel - Through the first nine months of 2008, the flow of money through securitization has amounted to less than $1.5 billion; through the first five months of 2007, over $12 billion flowed into subprime finance.