The first 90 days of owning a dealership can determine your long-term success. This guide covers everything new auto dealers should focus on, including setting up business systems, buying inventory, managing cash flow, attracting customers, building a strong online presence, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and protecting your dealership with the right insurance and surety bonds.

Obtaining a California contractor license requires meeting experience requirements, selecting the correct license classification, passing the required CSLB exams, and securing a $25,000 California Contractor License Bond. This guide explains every step of the licensing process, including qualifying individuals, LLC bond requirements, application tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Learn how All American Bonds and Insurance helps contractors get licensed quickly and affordably

Starting a used car dealership requires more than finding vehicles to sell. This complete guide explains how to start a successful dealership, including creating a business plan, choosing a business structure, obtaining a motor vehicle dealer license, securing a dealer bond, purchasing garage liability insurance, finding inventory, financing your business, and marketing your dealership for long-term success.

Finding quality inventory is one of the most important parts of running a successful used car dealership. This complete guide explains where car dealers find vehicles, including dealer-only auctions, trade-ins, private sellers, fleet sales, lease returns, wholesale dealers, dealer-to-dealer trades, and online marketplaces. Learn how to evaluate inventory, finance purchases, protect your vehicles, and build a profitable inventory strategy.

Auto dealerships face a variety of risks, including customer injuries, test drive accidents, vehicle theft, hail damage, employee injuries, and property damage. This guide explains the most common auto dealer insurance claims, how they happen, and practical steps to reduce your dealership's risk. Learn how Garage Liability Insurance, Dealer Open Lot Insurance, and other coverages help protect your business from costly losses.

Renewing your Alaska Motor Vehicle Dealer License requires maintaining a $100,000 continuous dealer bond, providing proof of required insurance, paying the $50 renewal fee, and submitting a complete application to the Alaska Department of Administration. This guide explains the renewal process, bond requirements, insurance coverage, business location standards, processing times, and common mistakes to help Alaska dealers stay compliant.

Selling more cars doesn't always require spending more on advertising. Many dealerships can increase sales by improving lead response times, strengthening follow-up processes, generating more referrals, improving online reviews, optimizing inventory, and enhancing customer experience. This guide covers practical ways auto dealers can boost sales, increase profitability, and maximize existing opportunities without increasing marketing expenses.

Dealer auctions are one of the most popular ways for licensed auto dealers to acquire inventory at wholesale prices. This guide explains how to buy cars at dealer auctions, including dealer license requirements, auction registration, vehicle inspections, condition reports, bidding strategies, transportation, reconditioning costs, and common mistakes new dealers should avoid. Learn how to build profitable inventory while managing risk and maximizing profits.

Dealer insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. Many licensed auto dealers can lower costs by choosing the right coverage, operating lean, maintaining a clean claims history, and working with dealer insurance specialists. This guide explains the cheapest dealer insurance options, what affects pricing, and how to save money while staying compliant and protected.