Using auctions can be an uncomfortable process for Specialty dealers unless armed with the behind-the-scenes information on how they work! We recently held several in-depth four-hour meetings for a motorcycle manufacturer and its dealers.
During this meeting we described the language/terms used at an auction, benefits and details around buying and selling at an auction, the different methods of buying/selling (online, in lane, Simulcast, OVE.com) along with ways to search for motorcycles/PowerSports online. We found that the attendees left with a much greater comfort level around the auction process, and most have returned to auctions in person and/or online to buy and sell with greater confidence and success.
Are you interested in attending a meeting at an auction to learn more about the whole process? We would like to schedule learning the "Auction Essentials" at several locations making it easy for you to attend. Please contact us at specialtyauctions@manheim.com or 1-877-704-INFO (4636), and let us know of a good location for you and your team.
Kim Miskotten is the National Motorcycle/PowerSports Manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions
Our current condition report on motorcycle/PowerSport units (available online for Manheim customers to review via PowerSearch - look for a 'CR' button attached to the vehicle) is a comprehensive damage evaluation that we are looking to improve upon this year by adding a mechanical inspection.
We've had some conversations with dealers about whether or not we're capturing
the right information to help them make their buying decisions. Based on those discussions, key components we are considering including in the mechanical inspection are if the unit runs, shifts, odometer operational and a fluid (engine, transmission) analysis and possibly a engine and transmission limited warranty.
We would like your feedback on other items for the mechanical inspection that would help you feel more comfortable buying a unit and increase your bidding confidence. When buying at an auction are there certain mechanical factors you wish we provided more information on? What are the key points you look for mechanically when previewing a motorcycle/PowerSport unit? Tell us your opinion regarding if we should perform mechanical inspections on all units or should they only be performed on units of a certain age/mileage?
Kim Miskotten is the National Motorcycle/PowerSports Manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions
We are ramping up our Specialty Video Electronic Condition Report (ECR) process and would like your insight!!! Initially we just walked around the motorcycle videoing the unit.
But after getting into the project a bit, we felt that sound and movement should be included to create a more informative video.
Click on the AVI (Additional Vehicle Information) link under the large picture on right to view the video of a Suzuki motorcycle, or click here to go straight to a Harley video. These examples showcase running, shifting, braking and clutch control of the bike on video.
Would this video help you with your buying decision online? Would you feel more confident bidding online seeing the video? What are you ideas on how to enhance the benefit of this tool? We want to make these Specialty Video Condition Reports as valuable as we can, so we look forward to hearing from you.
Kim Miskotten is the National Motorcycle/PowerSports Manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions
We met this week with Amy Collins and Matt Gruhn from Affinity Group about their upcoming ProfitXcelerator and Marine Dealer Conference & Expo events. After last year's events, we can tell you it didn't take long for us to renew our sponsorships this year. Both events featured outstanding educational content, dynamic exhibitors and hundreds of dealers and suppliers.
This year's ProfitXcelerator event takes place September 19-21 in Las Vegas, and
Marine Dealer Conference & Expo takes place November 15-17 in Orlando. We encourage dealers to check out the web 
sites and consider attending these great events. We'll share more about Manheim's plans at each of these events as the dates approach, and we'll look forward to seeing you there.
Kim Miskotten is the National Motorcycle/PowerSports Manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions
Kevin Cooper is the National Boat Manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions
I am attending the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Annual Meeting at Dealer Expo on Friday to hear about the U.S. Economic 
Outlook by Dr. Martin A. Regalia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Martin A. Regalia is senior vice president for economic and tax policy and chief economist at the United States Chamber of Commerce. He is presenting his outlook Friday morning at a MIC member-only meeting along with other speakers that will discuss, among others, these topics: Accelerate Your Influence and Accelerate Your Business. MIC membership is open to manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, parts and accessories, as well as allied trades such as publishing, insurance and consultants. To become a MIC member, visit http://www.mic.org/ and learn how to promote and preserve motorcycling and the U.S. motorcycle industry.
Kim Miskotten is the National Motorcycle/PowerSports Manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions
I'm looking forward to attending the Dealernews International PowerSports Dealer Expo for the first time this weekend! I've heard so much about it for several years, can't wait to experience myself all of the vendors, products, seminars, opportunities to meet dealers and discuss our industry. 
I'm going to take some time before arriving to review and map the show as Dealernews suggests so I don't miss anything. I'm going to attend several seminars about what I call "dealership growth" (Discover How to Make Money Using Online Advertising...In Just 30 Days or Less, How to Increase your Profits by $500. per Sale and Discover the Insider's Secrets to Convert More Calls to Cash).
When talking to dealers at our auctions, I want to share what I learned with them and how it can benefit their dealership. I look forward to seeing you at the show, visit us in Booth #3654 and we can talk about how auctions can supplement your inventory with used motorcycles and powersports!
Kim Miskotten is the National Motorcycle/PowerSports Manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions
As someone who's been fortunate to have personal and family experience with motorcycles and PowerSports at both the retail and auction level, I often hear from dealers who are experts in retail, but are looking for additional inventory sources.
Auctions are the answer.
Auctions are a terrific source of used inventory, and a key ingredient in building and growing a profitable used business during busy sale months, or when new model production is off.
They provide:
- Knowledgeable staff
- Inventory management that allows greater flexibility and comfort for trade-ins you don't typically sell
- Several sales per month to fill inventory needs or to sell aged inventory timely
- Multiple locations to choose from, making transportation simple
- Online buying options when you can't leave your shop.
To learn more about the ins and outs of auctions, check out our Auction Handbook.
Kim Miskotten is the national Motorcycle/PowerSports manager for Manheim Specialty Auctions.