Opening a car dealership, or any business for that matter will require thorough and careful planning. There are league requirements, market research, capital acquisition, and other things essential for opening a business. In opening a car dealership, specific legal requirements is needed to avoid future problems. 

How To Open A Car Dealership?

Dealership Location

Location is one of the most crucial parts of planning a business. The location greatly impacts your sales. The more accessible location is the easier it is for your customers to reach you. Additionally, the more foot traffic in your surrounding areas, the better chance for your business to pick up more potential customers. Another aspect when deciding on the location is whether or not you have competitors in the nearby area. Strategic location is the way to go when opening a car dealership. It has to be a place where you can generate more profit while gradually increasing it by servicing new customers with the daily foot traffic around your area. 

The Type of Dealership

There are different types of car dealerships you can choose from if you want to get into the automotive business. You can open a new car dealership as your own brand, franchise, or you can specialise in used vehicles. Either way, it is important to choose the one the fits your budget, and the effort and time you want to put in. Some opt for luxury cars specialisations because they have a network of buyers who love to spend money on expensive cars. 

Business and Financial Plan

The business and financial plans are the beginning of your business venture. Without a concrete plan, your business will have no direction. 

How to Develop an Automotive Dealership Business Plan?

• Start with your sales strategy. 
• Formulate a short-term and long-term vision for your business. 
• Create a business structure. 
• List down the kind of products you will or want to be selling. 
• Execute a market analysis and SWOT analysis. 
• Make marketing or advertising plan. 
• List down the number of employees and the kind of employees you are going to hire. 

Automotive Business Licensing Requirements

• Property or dealership location lease.
• Location-specific requirement compliance. 
• Pass criminal background to prove your legibility. 
• Obtain an EIN (Employee Identification Number) for IRS
• Obtain state tax number
• Provide insurance documents
• Provide franchise agreement documents
• Acquire and pass state-mandated dealer training if it applies in your location. 
• Complete a dealer application form
• Pay all the expenses that come along with the whole processing

Legal Provisions Requirements for Automotive Dealership

Upon starting to deal with cars, you will be mandated to comply with various federal laws such as specific dealer licensing laws and used car lemon law. Also, most states require dealers to acquire surety bonds for their own financial guarantee. 

There are also state laws provided when selling cars. It includes protocols that protect customers and compensations in case you violate any of the laws your state requires. When applying for a license, a surety bond is required for every dealer. Understanding federal laws regarding car dealerships will help you avoid future costly claims. 

When starting a car dealership you must follow the rules to make sure you will not come to a loss. These requirements are important to safeguard the future of your new venture. Hence, start with a clear vision of what you want and put it in writing.