Have Fun, Make Money and Stay Ahead of Inflation!
I made the decision to be my own boss after being excessed from decent jobs more than once due to cutbacks. I say “decent jobs” because, while I enjoyed the work, the compensation never seemed to keep up with cost-of-living increases. SO, I wanted something where rewards would be commensurate with the effort put I in. In other words, unlimited income potential that would keep pace with, and even exceed, inflation and the cost of living. After doing some due-diligence and being exposed to more than one “make six figures while you sleep” offers, my search ended over a decade ago when I became an Amsoil Independent Dealer . Best thing I ever did.
As an independent dealer, I’m the conduit between Amsoil’s high-performance synthetic lubricants and the end consumers who benefit from their superior quality. I operate my own business, providing personalized service and expert advice to a diverse clientele. I take my role very seriously as it is both dynamic and integral to the success of the Amsoil brand.
My primary task as an Amsoil dealer is being responsible for educating customers about the benefits of Amsoil synthetic lubricants, including enhanced engine protection, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. To accomplish this, I utilize various marketing and sales strategies to build a loyal customer base, ranging from automotive enthusiasts and professional mechanics, who I call “car guys”, to commercial fleet operators and industrial clients or “business people”, as well as auto repair shops, parts stores, and lube shops, aka “the retailers”. I handle orders, and ensure that my customers receive the right products for their specific needs. But my job doesn’t stop there. Beyond sales, as an Independent Amsoil Dealer I act as a trusted advisor, helping customers make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and lubrication.
My success is built on a deep knowledge of Amsoil’s product line, a commitment to excellent customer service, and an entrepreneurial spirit. I seek to foster strong relationships and provide value-added services. I, and the other independent Amsoil Dealers, play a crucial role in extending Amsoil’s market reach and maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation. But, as you’ll see in the next section, being an independent Amsoil dealer comes with its unique set of challenges.
Here are some of the most common ones:
Building a Customer Base
One of the primary challenges is building a customer base from scratch. Unlike an established “brick and mortar” business, I have to actively seek out potential customers through various channels such as social media, word-of-mouth, and local events. Another issue is brand recognition: While Amsoil is a reputable brand in the industry, at first it was a struggle to convey this to potential customers who are more familiar with other brands. However, aggressive marketing by Amsoil in recent years has succeeded in making the Amsoil brand more well known in the industry.
Self Marketing and Promotion
This is probably the highest mountain to climb for a new dealer, or any entrepreneur in any startup business. Independent dealers often have limited resources for marketing and advertising compared to larger corporations. This can make it difficult to reach a broad audience. My advice is work within your budget, but don’t do nothing. To be completely honest, for several years I did little or no marketing, believing the Amsoil sticker on my car, or the Amsoil ballcap I wore, would bring me all the business I needed…WRONG!! I have since learned that establishing and maintaining a strong online presence through a website, social media, and online reviews is crucial. However, it is time-consuming, requires some capital outlay, and requires a certain level of technical skill in order to be effective.
Independent dealers face stiff competition from other local dealers, auto parts stores, and online retailers that might offer similar products, often at competitive prices. The operative word is “similar”. Sure, there are many lubricant brands on the market, but none compare to Amsoil. The phrase “often imitated, but never duplicated” rings true here. There are many independent studies available that prove the superiority of Amsoil products over its competitors which sets it above the rest.
Amsoil regularly updates and expands its product line. Their current catalog includes not only motor oil, but also oil filters, greases, fuel additives, and recently, car care products. Staying knowledgeable about all products and their applications requires ongoing effort and education. When potential and current customers ask me questions about a particular product, it’s important for me to be able to answer them accurately. No one can know everything, but saying “I’ll get back to you on that” too often isn’t good. This also applies to being able to provide technical advice and recommendations to customers, which requires an understanding of the products and their benefits. Fortunately, Amsoil has a complete product knowledge base which is easily accessed on the Amsoil website as well as great tech support a phone call away.
Stocking Products:
Deciding which products to stock, or if you’re going to stock products at all, and in what quantities, can be challenging, especially when dealing with limited storage space and capital. I keep a supply of the most popular viscosity oils on hand, but I encourage, and often help, my customers order directly from Amsoil. Amsoil’s supply chain is very good, and with distribution centers located throughout the U.S., orders usually arrive in 3 business days, sometimes 2.
Handling Inquiries and Complaints:
Providing excellent customer service is crucial for retaining customers. This includes handling inquiries promptly, managing complaints effectively, and ensuring customer satisfaction. My experience has been that I need to reply to every inquiry ASAP, or risk losing a customer. Likewise with complaints. Thankfully, they are rare, and Amsoil Customer Service is very helpful and easy to contact.
After-Sales Support:
Offering reliable after-sales support, is essential for building customer loyalty. Following up with an email or phone call goes a long way to establishing an ongoing relationship with the customer.
Time Management
Balancing Responsibilities:
This is the elephant in the room. I had to learn to juggle multiple roles, including sales, marketing, customer service, and administrative tasks. For me, effective time management is an ongoing process, but it is crucial to ensure that all aspects of the business are handled efficiently.
It was also challenging to find a balance between my Amsoil business, work, leisure time, and personal life, especially during the initial stages of establishing the business. Most Amsoil Dealers, me included, became dealers to provide a better, more secure life for ourselves and our families. At the beginning, something’s got to give. That’s usually leisure time. But as my business continues to grow, things are getting into balance. Despite these challenges, being an independent Amsoil dealers is a rewarding experience. I just do my best and forget the rest.
Rewards of Being an Amsoil Dealer:
Being an independent Amsoil dealer offers a variety of rewards, both financial and personal. Here’s a closer look at what makes this opportunity appealing to me:
Financial Rewards:
Retail Profit:
As an Independent dealer, I purchase Amsoil products at wholesale prices and sell them at retail prices, earning a profit margin on each sale.
Commissions: Amsoil offers a commission structure where dealers can earn additional income based on their sales volume and the sales volume of dealers they sponsor.
Bonuses and Incentives: Amsoil provides various bonuses and incentives to dealers who achieve specific sales targets or milestones, which can significantly boost overall earnings. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Tax Benefits:
As a small business owner, I’m eligible for various tax deductions, including expenses related to home office, vehicle use for business purposes, marketing, and supplies.
Personal Rewards:
Work-Life Balance: On a personal level I appreciate the flexibility and independence being my own boss affords. I set my own schedule and work at my own pace. It’s a great way to balance work with personal commitments and family life. I also run my business the way I see fit. This freedom has allowed me to implement my own strategies, make decisions, and be creative in my approach to sales and marketing. One caveat here. If it’s treated like a business, it will show business-like profits. If treated like a hobby, it will pay like a hobby. The challenge here is staying motivated, and setting goals.
Skill Development Running an Amsoil dealership helped me develop valuable business skills, such as sales, marketing, customer service, and financial planning. Learning these skills has been a benefit in other areas as well, and I didn’t have to spend time and money at a university or college to obtain them.
Personal Satisfaction:
Helping Others/ Building Relationships: Providing high-quality products that improve vehicle performance and longevity gives me a sense of fulfillment. Helping customers solve their problems and enhance their vehicle maintenance experience can be very gratifying.
Developing strong relationships with customers, other dealers, and business partners fosters a sense of community and connection. These relationships have led to lasting friendships and a supportive network.
Business Growth:
I’m continually approached by people who, knowing that I’m an entrepreneur, have a “great opportunity” for me to look at. Over the years I’ve seen many, and truthfully, I’ve yet to see one as good and fair as Amsoil. The startup costs are minimal, and Amsoil doesn’t require you to load up with a king’s ransom worth of products in order to “start right”. What they do ask of dealers is to take advantage of Amsoil’s excellent dealer training. I’m able to access it online, on my own schedule, and it’s free. I also find Amsoil’s compensation plan to be very fair, allowing everyone a piece of the pie commensurate with the effort they put in.
For me, becoming an Amsoil Dealer was, and continues to be, a no brainer. Too many seniors retire on a fixed income only to take a job in order to keep pace with the cost of living. Sadly, some will outlive their money. By building a network of loyal customers and dealers over the years, I’m able to generate residual income. Repeat customers and active dealers contribute to my ongoing earnings, which will be a significant contributing factor to the enjoyment of my golden years. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Dream on!
In summary, being an independent Amsoil dealer offers a range of financial benefits, including inflation-busting income potential, business growth, and low overhead costs, along with personal rewards such as flexibility, skill development, personal satisfaction, and professional growth. These rewards are available and achievable to all. Young and old, men and women. It’s never too late to start, but you have to start. To quote Al Amatuzio, the founder of Amsoil: “It’s okay to dream, but you have to do something about those dreams.” It is a great ride, one that I would love to share with everyone interested in building an inflation fighting, income producing future! If that’s you, CLICK HERE. We’ll have fun, make money, and stay ahead of inflation!
