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How have you been doing with forecasting?

Amidst the change in values and demand, perhaps never before has it been as difficult to forecast what lies ahead. It seems to be the overhwhelming majority of used car dealers sales are down... way off.. as far as 70% YTD. People have just plain old stopped coming in! New car stores report decreased sales YTD as well... Bill Ryan (Boch Toyota, MA) suggested that they may be "... off as much as 25% right now...". So... what do you do with your current inventory? How do you forecast what to stock for the next market? The next market is actually available right now. It's in the auction lanes tomorrow. With little scientific research, limited market analysis, and even less planning than goes into what to pack for lunch... the auction buyer is signaling what lies ahead. Of course each individual plans on what to buy and sell, but when the variable of competitive auction bidding is added the dynamic changes. But patterns reveal themselves and a path ahead becomes a bit more visible... the key is to be in the lanes to feel and touch the change as it happens. Then you'll have a tool to forecast with.

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