NETWORKING
Rapier's first objective is to gain a foothold in the UK. A new brand attempting to enter the highly competitive UK Car Market will face a great number of challenges. But perhaps the most important challenge to overcome is actually getting the vehicles into showrooms. The easiest way to achieve this objective is through having long-standing connections within the industry.
On the Rapier Board, are the movers and shakers of the UK Car Dealer Sector. Industry experts with friends and connections in every dealership from London to John O Groats. Thanks to these ‘friends in high places’, Rapier has already conducted talks with thirty dealerships and counting.
Agreements are guaranteed after the test-drive formalities, because Dealers are desperate to get Rapier Cars into their showrooms. Why? Because Rapier is offering the dealers incredible commission structures. Money talks. For selling a Rapier, dealers will get double the amount they receive for selling established brands.
Three things need to happen if Rapier is going to succeed; firstly the vehicles need to be high quality, secondly, the price point of Rapier Cars needs to be cheaper than the competition, thirdly, a PR and marketing campaign needs to propel the brand into the public consciousness.
QUALITY VEHICLES
It all starts with vehicles that are desirable.
MARKETING
We need consumers to recognise the brand.
PRICE POINT
The right price makes consumers want to buy.
SALES
High commission makes salesmen want to sell.
The Different Types of Dealers
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1
Rapier Dealer
This type of dealer exclusively sells Rapier Cars and Vans. However, the vehicles are actually owned by a finance provider, with Rapier directly underwriting the liability. The dealer must manage overheads, including rent, stock finance and wages. While Rapier is responsible for setting the selling prices, branding & marketing, and the internal IT systems. There will also be an authorised service centre on the premises. Commissions for vehicle sales will be paid at point of sale to the end-user.
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2
Dedicated Main Dealer
In this type of dealership, the vehicles are owned by the dealer, either outright, or financed by their preferred provider. It must exclusively sells Rapier vehicles, have an authorised service centre, plus provide dedicated showroom space. The cost of branding and marketing is borne by the dealership, purchased from Rapier. Payment for vehicles to Rapier is made at the point of delivery to the dealership.
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3
Main Dealer
This category involves a car dealership that sells Rapier cars and vans alongside other brands. It provides showroom space for Rapier vehicles and shares a service center within an existing garage repair service center, authorized by Rapier for warranty work, servicing, and repairs. The cost of branding and marketing is covered by the dealership, purchased from Rapier. Payment for vehicles is made to Rapier at the point of delivery to the dealership.
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4
Fleet Sales Agent
A Fleet Sales Agent is a salesperson appointed directly by Rapier, dealing with direct website inquiries for vehicles and selling them on a commission basis paid by Rapier. The Sales Agent is assigned a Main Dealer, responsible for providing the vehicle, managing registration, dealing with warranty issues, and providing after-service. The assigned Main Dealer is compensated with a fixed management fee for the services rendered.
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5
Sales Agent
This type involves a salesperson, appointed directly by Rapier, purchasing a demonstration vehicle and selling vehicles directly on a commission basis paid by Rapier. Similar to the Fleet Sales Agent, the Sales Agent is assigned a Main Dealer responsible for providing the vehicle, managing registration, handling warranty issues, and providing after-service. The assigned Main Dealer receives a fixed management fee for their services.
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6
Authorised Independent Service Centre
This refers to an independent garage whose technicians have undergone training on Rapier-branded vehicles and are competent to handle all warranty issues, repairs, and servicing. The garage is branded as a Rapier Authorised Service Centre, adhering to the same operational standards expected of a Main Dealer.
