Motor Trade Case Study: How MB Motors NI Saved £3,000 a Year
In the motor trade, margins are often tight, and overheads are relentless. From showroom rates to staffing costs, every outgoing needs to be justified. Yet, many car dealerships in Northern Ireland and across the UK are quietly losing thousands of pounds every year to a "lazy tax": the unnecessary fees hidden within their merchant statements.
For Malcolm, owner of MB Motors in Northern Ireland and a committee member of the IMDA, reliability and value are non-negotiable. When I sat down to review his recent merchant statement, the goal was simple: identify whether his current provider was actually delivering value or simply taking advantage of a busy business.
The result of that audit was clear. By switching to a Dojo solution, MB Motors is on track to save over £3,000 per year. Here is exactly how we did it and why the data matters for your dealership too.
> Malcolm at MB Motors said:
> "Absolutely thrilled with Ben and his company, i didn't want to leave a review until i had used the product for some time and its exactly what he told me it was. Great looking device that is easy to use, superb app on your phone to see transactions, send payment links etc and maybe slightly more important than all of this is the fact its saving me money ;-)"
This matters because it backs up both sides of the switch: real savings and day-to-day reliability. It was not just about cutting costs on paper. It was about getting a better payment setup that works properly in a busy motor trade environment.
The Power of the Audit: Uncovering the Numbers
Many business owners avoid looking at their merchant statements because they are intentionally complex. Providers often bury different rates for different card types deep in the small print. However, for a dealership handling high-ticket transactions, even a fraction of a percent matters.
My approach is always straightforward. I don't use high-pressure sales tactics; I use Merchant Statement Analysis. I review your current processing fees to identify hidden costs or overcharges. If you are already on a great deal, I will tell you. In Malcolm’s case, the comparison between his current provider and my proposal with Dojo revealed a significant opportunity for improvement.
The Saving Breakdown: Why the Numbers Worked
The core of the saving came from looking at the Transaction Mix. In the motor trade, most customers pay by debit card. At MB Motors, 92% of all transactions were processed on debit cards. That mattered because the biggest improvement came from a better pricing structure on debit card transactions, which make up the overwhelming majority of the business's card turnover.
Rather than focusing on individual rates, the key point is simple: the structure was better aligned to how MB Motors actually takes payments day to day. That is what unlocked the saving.
The Financial Outcome:
Monthly Saving: £253
Annual Saving: £3,036
If your business has a high volume of debit card transactions, then a proper statement review could potentially uncover the same type of saving.
Why Reliability Matters in the Showroom
For an independent dealer like MB Motors, the payment experience is the final touchpoint with a customer. A slow or failing card machine can ruin a "handover moment" and create unnecessary friction.
Malcolm isn’t just looking for the cheapest price; he needs a system that works as hard as he does. This is why we focus on Dojo products, known for their speed and industry-leading connectivity.
Operational Wins for MB Motors
Beyond the £3,000 annual saving, Malcolm gained several functional advantages that his previous provider simply couldn't match. His Google review says it well: the device is easy to use, the app is superb, payment links are simple to send, and most importantly, it is saving him money.
2-Second Transaction Speed: No more waiting around for a dial-up connection. Payments are processed almost instantly.
Next-Day Settlements: In the motor trade, cash flow is king. Having funds settled into your account the very next day: even on weekends: allows you to reinvest in stock faster.
Automatic 4G Failover: If the showroom Wi-Fi drops out, the machine automatically switches to a 4G mobile signal. You never have to tell a customer "the system is down."
Payment Links & iPhone Capability: Perfect for taking deposits over the phone or allowing customers to pay via "Tap to Pay" on an iPhone during a test drive.
These features aren't just "nice to have." They are essential tools for a modern, efficient dealership. For more on how to choose the right equipment, you can read my guide on how to choose the best card machine for small businesses.
A Partnership Built on Trade Expertise
I have spent over 20 years working within the Motor Trade. I understand the specific challenges dealers face, from the IMDA standards to the logistical hurdles of Northern Ireland dealerships. My partnership with the IMDA is a testament to this commitment. I recently wrote about why being proud to partner with the IMDA is such a win for independent dealers.
When I work with a business like MB Motors, I’m not just a salesperson; I’m a consultant. I treat your merchant statement with the same scrutiny I would my own. This isn't about switching for the sake of it: it's about stopping the Lazy Tax and ensuring your providers are earning their keep.
Ideal for dealerships that:
✔ Handle high-value transactions.
✔ Have a high percentage of debit card sales.
✔ Require rapid cash flow via next-day settlement.
✔ Need 100% reliability during peak handover times.
Is Your Dealership Overpaying?
The case of MB Motors isn't an outlier. I’ve seen similar results with other major dealers, such as saving Jim Reid Vehicle Sales £4,000 a year.
If you haven't reviewed your merchant statement in the last 12 months, the chances are high that you are paying more than you need to. Providers often "creep" their rates up over time, hoping you are too busy running your business to notice a 0.1% increase here or a new "admin fee" there.
Our Straightforward Advice Offer:
Send us your statement: You can contact me directly to arrange a secure upload or a quick chat.
We analyse the data: I will personally go through your transaction mix and current fees.
The Verdict: I will provide a clear, one-page comparison. If I can save you money (like the £3,000 we saved Malcolm), I’ll show you how. If you’re already on a winning deal, I’ll tell you to stay exactly where you are.
Summary of the MB Motors Win
Malcolm’s feedback sums it up clearly:
> "Absolutely thrilled with Ben and his company, i didn't want to leave a review until i had used the product for some time and its exactly what he told me it was. Great looking device that is easy to use, superb app on your phone to see transactions, send payment links etc and maybe slightly more important than all of this is the fact its saving me money ;-)"
Malcolm and MB Motors in Northern Ireland are now benefiting from:
✔ £253 in monthly savings.
✔ Over £3,000 a year back into the business.
✔ A better transaction structure for debit card payments, which make up 92% of their mix.
✔ Faster 2-second transaction speeds.
✔ Next-day access to funds.
✔ Automatic 4G failover for added reliability.
Reliable payments shouldn't be a headache, and they certainly shouldn't be overpriced. If you want to see if your dealership is eligible for these kinds of savings, let's have a no-obligation audit.
It’s time to stop overpaying and start optimising.
How much can a motor dealer save on card machine fees?
Every dealership is different, but many motor traders haven't reviewed their merchant services for several years. Savings can come from lower transaction rates, removing unnecessary monthly fees and upgrading payment technology. A simple merchant statement review can quickly identify potential savings.