Spend Smarter, Profit More: Finding Real Savings in 2025

In this ASOTU Edge webinar, Douglas Austin (StrategicSource) and Matthew Haiken (Prestige Auto Collection) joined Kyle Mountsier to unpack where dealers are overspending — and how to fix it fast.

The Big Picture

Most stores manage 130+ expense categories, yet 95% lack a purchasing department. The result? Dealers often overpay 25–30% on non-inventory costs.

The upside: with a focused sourcing process, dealers can lift net profit 1–2% — no extra units required.

“We thought we got the best deal because we negotiated hard. But without tracking contracts, we were missing renewals and hidden fees.” — Matthew Haiken

Smart Sourcing Beats Hard Negotiating

Old-school procurement relied on beating up vendors for better deals. The modern approach is process-driven, not personality-driven.

StrategicSource’s model:

• Benchmark real market pricing

• Review terms, not just totals

• Renegotiate first — most dealers keep 72% of incumbents

• Audit results and track renewals

It’s not about replacing relationships — it’s about verifying value.

Where to Look First

Start with categories that hide waste but don’t touch customer experience:

1. Shipping & Freight Audits – Recover overcharges

2. Credit Card Processing – Optimize fees

3. Uniforms & Laundry – Reset rates, confirm terms

4. Waste & Recycling – Match service to need

5. Office Equipment & Print – Count supplies, not guesses

Each can deliver quick wins in weeks, not months.

The 3-at-a-Time Rule

Trying to tackle 130 categories at once is impossible. Instead:

1. Pick three expense areas

2. Benchmark + renegotiate

3. Lock new terms, then repeat

Most savings come from clarity and cadence, not upheaval.

The Payoff

Haiken’s group reviewed 18 categories in a few months — identifying $886,000 in savings with a path toward $1–2M. Some were big hits, others goose eggs — but every data point built confidence.

“It’s surgery, not demolition. You move category by category until it shows on the P&L.” — Haiken

🎥 Watch the full ASOTU Edge replay for the top 10 high-impact categories and a step-by-step cost-reduction plan.