CSM Corner

The September Advantage: A Strategic Playbook for Your End-of-Year Sales Push

Author: Josh Iverson CSM II

As we head into September, the focus for dealerships shifts to end-of-year clearance and preparation for the new model year. This creates a prime opportunity to move inventory and secure major deals. This month, we're providing a strategic playbook that combines a powerful tax incentive with the tools you already have to maximize your sales.

Step 1: Fuel Your Sales with the Section 179 Tax Incentive

Educating your commercial buyers about the Section 179 tax deduction can be a game-changer, motivating them to purchase before the end of the year.

• What is it? Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to immediately deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and vehicles in the same tax year they are acquired and placed into service. This can dramatically reduce a company's taxable income and improve their cash flow.

• Key Numbers for 2025:

• The deduction can be applied to both new and "new to you" used vehicles, as long as they are used more than 50% for business.

• To qualify, the vehicle must be placed in service by December 31, 2025.

• Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 6,001 and 14,000 pounds are eligible for a maximum deduction of $31,300.

Step 2: Drive Action with Your Work Truck Solutions Tools

Once your team is equipped with the knowledge of Section 179, use the following tools to execute a powerful, multi-channel marketing campaign.

Use Banners to Promote End-of-Year Deals

Your dealership website is the perfect place to grab a customer's attention. Use these banner options to promote your most valuable, tax-incentive-eligible inventory.

• Main Hero Banner: Position this large banner at the top of your homepage to feature an end-of-year sale or a specific body type. The recommended size is 2400px wide by 600px to 800px tall.

• Side VSP Banner: Use this high-impact banner on the Vehicle Search Page (VSP) to drive traffic to your pre-owned or tax-incentive-eligible inventory. The suggested specs are 640px by 480px.

• VDP Banners: Place these on Vehicle Detail Pages (VDP) to reinforce your end-of-year promotions. The recommended size is 640px by 480px.

Leverage QR Codes and the Resource Rack

QR codes are a bridge between your physical inventory and your digital resources, allowing you to provide key information to buyers on the spot. The ability to create them varies by package level.

• For Core Stack/Tools Packages: You can create tracking links and QR codes for resources that are already available in the Resource Rack, such as vehicle spec sheets.

• For Pro Stack/Content Packages: You have the ability to upload and share your own custom PDFs, such as a multi-vehicle brochure or a customer quote, and then generate a tracking link and QR code.

Strategic Applications to Drive Results:

• On-Site Truck Engagement: Place a QR code in a vehicle's window that links directly to its specs and highlights its Section 179 eligibility. This allows you to track how many people engage with a truck, even after hours.

• Quotes & Proposals: Send quotes as PDFs via a tracking link. This provides valuable insight into a buyer's commitment level by showing you when they open the document and how many times they've reviewed it.

• Social Media Marketing: Create tracking links for resources (e.g., service truck specs from different manufacturers) and post them on social media. This builds data on what customers are engaging with.

CSM Corner: Your Strategic Partner

Your Work Truck Solutions CSM is a valuable partner who can help you execute this strategic playbook. They can assist in optimizing your vehicle listings, creating targeted marketing campaigns, and setting up banners to ensure you have a powerful finish to the year. Contact your CSM today to plan a strategy for a successful September.