Tapping into an Underserved Auto Market

by FBR ViewPoints

As the #1 used car and ?nance company franchise, J.D. Byrider helps customers with less than perfect credit get the car they need at a price they can afford. Founded in 1979 by James F. Devoe, J.D. Byrider has rede?ned the used car market by focusing on customer satisfaction, standing behind every car they sell and making repeat business a crucial part of their growth strategy.

Each J.D. Byrider franchise is actually two independently owned and operated companies working together: a used car sales company, J.D. Byrider, and a sub-prime auto ?nance company, the CarNow Acceptance Co. (CNAC). By placing the lender within the franchise, franchisees are able to quickly qualify potential car buyers. In fact, J.D. Byrider reverses the traditional car buying process. Customers are ?rst quali?ed for a loan amount, and then a J.D. Byrider associate guides them towards vehicles within their price range.

heir approach of o?ering a better quality car, a?ordable prices and on-site service after the sale has helped J.D. Byrider become the leader in their industry while providing hundreds of thou- sands of vehicles to customers who had previously been over- looked in the auto industry.

Keeping the Focus on the Customer

CEO James Devoe Jr. understands the stereo-types associated with used car sales. hat’s why J.D. Byrider emphasizes the company philosophy of complete customer satisfaction and always providing quality products to each of their franchisees. Selecting only the very best used cars to sell, J.D. Byrider invests an average of over $1,100 into each vehicle to ensure they meet the companies rigorous standards. Moreover, warranties and service agreements accompany every car, and no car is ever sold “as is.”

As Devoe states, “Our mission is to exceed expectations every time a customer walks through the door.” J.D. Byrider helps franchisees with a host of proven business tools including comprehensive business planning, extensive training, and some of the most e?ective and professional advertising and promotional materials in the industry. hey also provide franchisees with consulting, site selection, store design, and supplier program services. And to ensure business operations run smoothly, each franchisee receives Byrider AutoTech Advantage—a state-of- the-art operating and accounting system.

As Devoe points out, everything provided to a franchisee is really geared toward ensuring a consistent, pleasurable and positive experience for every customer at every franchise. “We want to form long-lasting relationships with customers so they come back to J.D. Byrider every time they need a car.”

Finding Success through Support

When Rich Stutts bought his ?rst J.D. Byrider franchise in 1993, he was not new to the franchise world. Having already owned several automotive products and services franchises by another company, he was looking to diversify his business while leveraging his automotive experience. Now the owner of eight J.D. Byrider franchises, Stutts has seen J.D. Byrider’s commitment to their franchisees and customers ?rst hand.

“We have vastly improved our facilities and we have improved our customer service with better warranties,” says Stutts. He also feels that J.D. Byrider provides outstanding support and one of the best tools is the networking opportunities and communication you have with other franchisees. Getting together formerly at least three times a year, insights, strategies and success stories are shared through regular group meetings, annual conventions, and E-Byrider (the company Intranet), as well as just picking up the phone or sending an email. “J.D. Byrider corporate is about as good a franchise partner as I have ever seen or heard of.”

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