Operational conversations at the 2025 AICPA Dealership Conference focused on helping dealerships strengthen efficiency, protect profitability and keep employees engaged in a changing market.
Leaders discussed how shifting tax dynamics may influence used-vehicle demand, how F&I and reinsurance strategies are evolving and how reconditioning practices are becoming more disciplined to support sales velocity. Dealers also emphasized the importance of clearer communication, better coordination across service workflows and stronger risk management. At the same time, growing attention is being placed on cybersecurity and employee compensation transparency as stores work to improve both resilience and retention.
Below are key operational themes and considerations that stood out from this year’s conference.
Tax Legislation Impact
Withholding tables were not revised for recent tax legislation (OBBB) and economists are forecasting larger tax refunds and increased demand for used vehicles.
F&I and Reinsurance Optimization
As profits return to pre-Covid levels, F&I products and reinsurance arrangements are increasingly important profit centers. Savy dealers are not only optimizing deferral opportunities but also focusing on investment management within their reinsurance program.
Three-Day Reconditioning Deadline
With increasing pressure on used vehicle sales, many dealers are implementing three-day deadlines for reconditioning and providing technicians with incentives to work overtime to ensure that inventory moves through the shop promptly without delaying customer pay or warranty work.
Video Multi-Point Inspections
Dealers are providing technicians with the tools to capture video of concerns identified during their multi-point inspections. The technician then sends this video directly to the customer, not the service advisor. Dealers are incentivizing technicians for these up sales.
Reconditioning Profit Sharing
Dealers have long recognized the profit potential of older, higher mileage vehicles but have often been squeezed out of this market by the cost of getting these cars through the service department, even at internal rates. To deal with this problem, some dealers are reconditioning these vehicles at actual cost (parts and technician wages). Then when the vehicle is sold, the profit (after all commissions) is shared with the service departments. The sharing percentages discussed were 35% for service and 25% for parts.
How Can Schneider Downs Help?
If your dealership is reviewing its operational priorities or planning year-end improvements, our team can help you assess your current processes and identify practical opportunities to increase accuracy, efficiency and control. Contact our team at [email protected].
About Schneider Downs Dealership Services
Schneider Downs’ Dealership practice helps single-point stores and multi-location groups strengthen operations, improve profitability, and plan for long-term growth. Our cross-functional team delivers audit and assurance, tax and accounting, risk advisory and cybersecurity, digital innovation (automation, analytics, custom DMS reporting), transaction advisory, forensic accounting, reinsurance advisory, exit and succession planning, and wealth management—led by responsive senior professionals who know the dealership business. We actively contribute across NADA, AICPA dealership forums, and state associations, bringing timely insights and practical guidance to every engagement.
To learn more, visit our dedicated Dealerships page or contact [email protected]
