Everything You Need to Know About The FTC Doc Fee Crackdown
Scope: this is general information for independent and used car dealers. It is not legal advice. Confirm specifics with your compliance counsel before changing your advertising or buyer’s order. On March 13, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to 97 auto dealer groups…
Top Online Listing Platforms for Used Car Dealers
If you’re opening a new independent lot in North Carolina – or you’ve been at this for years and want to know if your money is going to the right places – this is a practical breakdown of your main options. Each platform works differently,…
Automotive SEO in 2026: 8 Tips That Still Work After Google’s March Updates
Google released two updates back to back this month. The spam update dropped March 24. The core update followed March 27. Both are still rolling out as of this writing, and dealers across the country are already seeing ranking movement in their inventory pages. The…
Google Is Ending Vehicle Listings, But North Carolina Dealers Have a Better Option
On November 12th, Google is pulling the plug on their free vehicle listings for Google Business Profiles. But here’s the opportunity: KGI is launching a statewide dealer network built exclusively for independent North Carolina dealerships. The first 200 dealers get free enrollment for a full…
How the New 25% Tariffs Effect the Used Car Market in North Carolina (April 2025)
The new 25% tariff on imported vehicles that took effect on April 3, 2025, is already pushing buyers away from new cars and toward used vehicles. Yay! That’s good news right!? Well, this shift is creating both challenges and opportunities for used car dealers here…
What You Need to Know TODAY about FTC CARS Rule (January 2025)
Breaking News: Major Victory for Auto Dealers! Fifth Circuit Court Vacates FTC CARS Rule on January 27th, 2025 Great news for the automotive retail industry! The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the FTC’s CARS Rule, finding that the Federal Trade Commission failed to follow…
How the NCGA is Helping Protect Dealership Data
WHAT YOU’LL FIND OUT IN THIS ARTICLE What is G.S. 20-305.7? G.S. 20-305.7 is a North Carolina law designed to protect car dealerships’ data and ensure they retain control over how their customer and operational information is shared, accessed, or used by manufacturers, distributors, and…
How I used ChatGPT to Analyze an Inventory Sales Report to Show Me How to Make More Money in 2025
A Dealer in North Carolina allowed me to use his sold inventory data and work with ChatGPT to gain some valuable insights. What I didn’t expect, though, was the end result! I’ll take you step by step through this process so you too can walk…
IRS 8300 Form For Car Dealers
Used car dealers receiving over $10,000 in cash in a single or related transactions must report it via IRS Form 8300 (PDF Form Rev. 12/23) within 15 days to combat money laundering. Related Posts:— Form 8300 and Reporting Cash Payments of Over $10K (IRS.gov)— Motor Vehicle…
SEO Quick Tips for Your Dealership Website in 2026
Updated December 2025 With AI and ChatGPT easily accessible dealers are looking for quick tips to improving their car dealership SEO in 2026. Here’s the deal: the Internet is quickly transitioning to a “zero click search” world now. People are getting their answers directly from…
5 PRACTICAL things Auto Dealers SHOULD do with FTC Safeguard Rules
A lot of you auto dealers out there are looking for practical examples of what these new FTC Safeguard Rules will do to change your processes and behaviors at your dealership now that June 9th is upon us. Here are FIVE fun practical things you…
FTC Safeguard Rules for Auto Dealers (2023)
Information and resources for your dealership to be ready for the June 9th deadline The Safeguard Rules require your dealership to develop, implement, and maintain an information security program designed to protect customer information. In short, it’s a written plan of action outlining how your…
New NC Rules for Titling in a Business Name
There is a new law in effect for North Carolina businesses that want to title a vehicle in their Business/Corporation/Firm/or Partnership name. Below is a brief summary and then the full announcement: Summary: As of March 2023 you need the following when titling a vehicle in…
A List of Lender Resources for Used Car Dealerships
Updated January 7th 2025 One of the questions we hear the most when helping new used car stores get started is, “Do you know any used car dealer financing companies?” As a new used car dealership in the Carolinas, it is essential for you to…
3 Ways ChatGPT Can Help Your Dealership TODAY!
ChatGPT, OpenAI‘s cutting-edge language model, is revolutionizing the way businesses operate. Car dealerships are no exception, as they look to leverage the technology to gain a competitive edge in the market. As a car dealership, staying ahead of the competition means finding innovative ways to…
How to Create an Online Presence for your Dealership
As a car dealer, having an online presence has become increasingly important. Whether you’re a small, independent dealer or a large car dealership, having an effective online presence is essential for connecting with potential customers, building trust, and growing your business. Here are some tips…
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Buy Here Pay Here Car Dealer
What are the PROS for becoming a Buy Here, Pay Here car dealer? Low Start-up Costs: Buy here pay here dealerships require less capital to get started than traditional car dealerships because BHPH dealers usually hold later models and lower cost inventory. This allows entrepreneurs to…
FAQs for Becoming a Licensed Car Dealer In North Carolina
What are the requirements to get your dealer‘s license in North Carolina? To get a dealer‘s license in North Carolina you have do the following: You must be at least 18 years old Have a valid driver‘s license Complete the Checklist on the VS-415 Minimum…
How to Start Building Your Online Presence
Why it’s important for used car dealers to have a website, business listings, and social media accounts in 2023. Are you just getting started in the car business? Have you thought of how you’ll use the Internet to attract customers to your used car dealership?…
5 Steps to Getting your North Carolina Auto Dealer’s License in 2025
To get your auto dealer license in North Carolina, you’ll need to follow these five steps:1. Find a location 2. Take the 12-hour pre-licensing course 3. Get bonded and insured 4. Register the business 5. Pass a criminal background check The North Carolina Department of…
6 Things You Do that Facebook Hates
Crush it on Facebook just by knowing what NOT to do. As Facebook evolves the success of your business page will depend on your understanding of what Facebook likes, and more importantly, what they don’t.
How to Sell a Car in NC to a Virginia Resident
Because you’re a North Carolina used car dealer, you will use primarily North Carolina paperwork. So your forms will look something like this: NC MVR-2To reassign the title to the customer. Bill of Sale Do not include any tax or registration fees. The customer will…
New North Carolina LAW 553® (10/23) Revision Effective as of October 1, 2023
A notice from Reynolds & Reynolds was sent to KGI in August making us aware of a new LAW 553® Retail Installment Sale Contract that would be released in October. According to the email these new contracts will reflect the new late fee increases from…
About KGI
Over 20 Years in Business.
Based in Apex, NC.
Family-Owned and Operated.
Serving Dealers in the Carolinas.