Dodo Loves Marketing

Before televisions combine with computers, you would think TV sets would combine with videocassette recorders. You can buy combination TV/VCRs, of course, but most people don’t. Recently we visited a consumer electronics store that had a wall full of such products.

“How are sales of your combination television/VCRs?” we asked the clerk. “Infinitesimal,” he replied.

Nor are many combination washer/dryers sold. Or microwave/stoves. Or telephone/telephone answering machines. Or copier/printer/fax machines. ..more

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Operate the minimum number of company cars

Cars are expensive, so keep the numbers down.

Provide employees with a fair quality car

According to status, employees are allocated a ‘grade’ of car. Be careful that the grading doesn’t drift upwards as car manufacturers improve their specification year by year.

Obtain the best trade-in values 

Many fleet owners dispose of their cars through auctions but it may be possible for a higher price to be obtained on a private sale basis. ..more

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Making The Deal

When you finally find a car that looks good, runs well, and seems like a fair deal, go back with a parent or friend—someone who’s more objective than you are. It’s easy to get infatuated with a car and miss some of the troubling details. Be sure to ask the owner about the car’s history of accidents and repairs. You may not get a straight answer, but it’s always wise to ask. Also, ask for records of maintenance and repairs. A person who keeps a file of receipts is generally someone who takes care of cars.

If it still looks like a good deal, take it to a mechanic. He can run simple tests on the car, inspect the brakes and fluids, and tell you if there’s anything scary lurking out of view. If the car has big problems, look for another—you don’t want to be buying someone else’sproblems. If the car passes your mechanic’s inspection, make an offer. ..more

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The Alternative

Good news! There’s another way to go—an alternative that won’t wipe out your finances now or drop you in debt’s bottomless pit in the future. Here it is: Pay cash for a good used car.

I know that most adults think I’m crazy when I tell you this. New car dealers will boycott. Banks will call me a heretic. And maybe even your parents will write me nasty letters. I don’t care. I’m standing my ground. Paying cash for a good used car is the only way to go.

I’ve got to warn you—if you decide to follow my advice, you may be in for some serious resistance. People will tell you that buying a used car is just buyingsomeone else’s problems. After all, why would they be selling the car if there weren’t something wrong with it? Good question. Here are some good answers (and if you paid attention earlier, you already know them): ..more

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For many people, buying a car is their first big-time investment. But for most of these investors, it’s also their first leap into debt’s bottomless pit. Can you actually buy a good car without going into debt? How can you keep from losing your shirt to an unscrupulous seller? I’ll show you how to pay cash for a great, reliable, used car—and why doing it any other way is just plain silly.

The New Car Myth

When most people dream of owning a car, they think of a new car. They’re shiny, they’re reliable, they’re great fun to show off to your friends. And best of all, they have that intoxicating new-car smell. ..more

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Discounts, savings appeals, and urgency ploys are the most popular sales tricks. But there are many others. Here are a few to watch for:

Bait and Switch

The “bait” is usually an advertisement offering something at a ridiculously low price. When you go to the store to check it out, the salesman tells you it was already sold, then offers you something else—at a higher price. For example, a dealer might advertise a killer deal on a new car. When you show up, the car has been sold, but you can buy the same model, with more features, for just $1000 more than the advertised model. You’re sold. ..more

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