The plethora of government initiatives in the last few years has seen dealerships growing in leaps and bounds in India. Usually considered a challenging space to make a mark for new entrants, dealerships today are among the easiest initiatives for individuals and groups alike. Are you interested in starting a dealership business in India? If so, this blog is for you!
In this article, we'll outline the steps necessary to start and run a dealership business in India and provide insights on how to become a dealer. So whether you're considering expanding your business into unfamiliar territory or are already planning to open up a dealership, read on to learn more!
An introduction to the dealership business
The items you see at your local market or get delivered online usually reach you via suppliers and distributors. Other than some D2C brands, India follows a hierarchy system for most businesses which involves multiple points of contact between a manufacturer and an end customer.
These products pass the supply chain, where the manufacturer sends the products to a supplier, also known as a dealer. These dealers pass on the goods received to the distributors, responsible for sending them to the retailers and ultimately to the consumers.
Anyone can open a dealership and sell any product they are authorized to deal in.
Steps to start a dealership business
If you're thinking of starting a dealership business in India, here are some essential steps that you need to follow -
Make a business strategy for your dealership
It is crucial to develop a business strategy for your dealership if you want it to be successful. First, it is necessary to identify the goals to achieve. Once that's done, work out a plan of action based on your research and understanding of the local market conditions. Many types of businesses and products are available in today's marketplace - so make sure that the type of dealership you choose sticks out from the rest!
And don't forget about profitability! A well-run dealership shouldn't just focus on making money; it should also enjoy its sense of purpose and contribute positively to society.
Dealership Agreement
When starting a dealership, it is essential to have an agreement in place between you and the business owner. This document sets out the terms and conditions under which you will operate your business.
Some of the most important things to include are: -
- The dealership name and location
- The products and services offered
- The compensation scheme for sales personnel
- Dealer perks such as training facilities or discount schemes
Ensure all these details are spelled out before signing on the dotted line! Once everything is agreed upon, create a basic business plan outlining how you envisage running your dealership.
Ensure all licenses and permits required by law are in place before moving forward. Finally, initiate the recruitment process and get started!
Determine your supplier
Before getting started, it is vital to have a clear idea of what you want and where your dealership is headed. You also need the right team of suppliers in place, all of whom should be well-versed with the latest laws and regulations related to the industry.
A pro tip - connect with local suppliers to reduce delivery issues and maintain the margins.
Build the business
When starting a dealership business, it is important to have a well-thought-out plan. It will include developing a business plan and preparing financial estimates. Once you have those pieces of the puzzle in place, it's time to advertise your dealership and build relationships with potential customers.
The first step might be identifying your target market - this will help you figure out areas that deserve more attention and focus marketing efforts towards them.
Do not forget to track results and measure the success of your campaigns so that you can continue improving upon what works best for your dealership.
Contact a Franchisor
If it is too difficult for you to start a business, you can take the franchise route, where you opt to manage a franchise of an existing, reputable brand.
There are a few things you need to do before approaching a franchisor:
- Ensure your dealership is up-to-date and you understand the latest trends and technology.
- Have an effective business plan.
- Be aware of the various regulations that apply.
After the groundwork has been done, it's time to find a reputable and qualified franchisee who will help turn your dream into reality.
Do some research beforehand so you know which franchises are best suited for your business profile and location. Then, once you've found someone good, approach them!
Create a Powerful Network
Trade shows and events are a great way to connect with other dealers in your industry and get leads for your business. By networking with others, you can find out what new products or services are available on the market and potential partners or distributors.
Use social media platforms, like LinkedIn and Facebook, to stay connected with other dealers in your industry. It is vital to track down older dealership websites archived, so you don't miss any opportunities. For this, you can connect with experienced professionals or look for what your competition is up to.
Establish a Purchase Policy
It is important to have a clear purchase policy in place, so customers know what they are getting and that the dealer is confident in selling the product. It should be unambiguous and easy to follow and should have clear payment terms, rejection terms, and more.
Dealers must also ensure their inventory matches customer demand, avoiding any disputes or misunderstandings down the line. A well-defined purchase policy will help dealers establish trust with potential buyers and create positive relationships. It would result in increased sales for both parties!
Keep an eye on how your company is doing
It is important to keep an eye on the health of your business. By taking the time to track various indicators, you can identify any problems and take corrective measures before they become big issues. These indicators include operating inventory turnover rate, COGS (cost of goods sold, payroll churn, and more.
How to Become a Dealer in India?
Starting and running a dealership business in India can be a lucrative and challenging venture. However, it's possible if you're determined and have the right skills and resources.
The first step is to be persistent and work hard at building your business. You'll need to have a saleable product, excellent customer service, and an efficient marketing strategy.
Make sure you have a solid business plan and are well organized, as dealerships in India are complex and require a lot of up-front work.
Do not let financing be a roadblock. Contact Tata Capital Business Loans Today
In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about starting and running a dealership business in India. From the basics of starting a business to the intricacies of becoming a dealer, we have covered it all.
So what are you waiting for? Start your business journey today and become a successful dealership owner in India! You can get in touch with Tata Capital Business Loans to help get the requisite funds to start your dealership business ASAP.
03 November 2022
7 mins read
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